Using AI for Book Recommendations
If you are tired of seeing the same recommendations show up on that Facebook group of yours, you may want to give AI a shot.
Something that appeared on my feed recently was the use of ChatGPT to provide recommendations for books based on reading styles. I thought I would try this to see how well it did. After all, it couldn’t be worse than some of the recommendations that show up on Facebook, could it?
I used ChatGPT and threw a few different prompts at it just to see what kind of results I would get. I did my best to drop in links to Goodreads for all of these, too. I realized after the fact that you could have the AI give you these links in the recommendations, too. Oh well.
I left off the typical questions, such as “Give me the top 10 psychological thriller books” and similar prompts. I would suggest asking AI for recommendations based on your favorite book. I included a few examples based on common questions and request I see.
Also, if you spend more than five minutes in just about any Facebook group devoted to books, you will see posts from readers asking if they should DNF a book or keep going. Why you need permission from strangers on the internet who may, or may not, have vastly different reading tastes in order to continue or not is beyond me. Maybe now more readers will ask AI what to do instead of boring us all on Facebook with the same post over and over again.
Prompt:
“What are the best books to read that will put you in a good mood?“
Results:
If you're looking for books that can boost your mood and offer a feel-good escape, here are some heartwarming, humorous, and uplifting reads:
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion - This quirky romantic comedy follows Don Tillman, a socially awkward genetics professor, as he embarks on "The Wife Project" to find the perfect partner. It’s funny, endearing, and full of heart.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman - Eleanor's quirky personality and her journey from loneliness to connection offer a touching and uplifting story about the power of friendship and kindness.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman - This novel about a grumpy, lonely man whose life is upended by his boisterous neighbors is heartwarming and full of humor, celebrating the beauty of community and second chances.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune - A magical and joyful story about an orphanage for magical children and a caseworker who discovers love and belonging in the most unexpected of places. It’s a perfect feel-good fantasy.
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett - This hilarious apocalyptic comedy follows an angel and a demon as they try to prevent the end of the world. It’s witty, whimsical, and guaranteed to make you smile.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
A classic sci-fi comedy, this book is full of absurd humor, quirky characters, and unforgettable adventures through space, perfect for a lighthearted and fun read.Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple - This witty, satirical novel centers around the eccentric and mysterious Bernadette, and her daughter’s search for her, blending humor and heart.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman - A humorous, touching story about a group of strangers held hostage during an open house. Backman’s signature warmth and wit shine as he explores the human condition with heart.
The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson - A wildly entertaining and whimsical novel about a centenarian who escapes his nursing home and embarks on an epic adventure.
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George - A delightful tale about a bookseller who "prescribes" books to heal the souls of his customers, this novel is filled with charm, love, and the beauty of books.
Let’s get more specific with requests. In a Facebook group I belong to, I see frequent posts of readers looking for paranormal stories set in certain parts of the world. Turns out, AI can help with that, too.
Prompt:
“I am looking for thriller or horror books with a paranormal twist. I would love something set in the Midwest or Appalachia.“
Results:
Here are some thriller or horror books with a paranormal twist, set in the Midwest or Appalachia:
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones – Set in the Midwest, this novel blends supernatural horror with Native American folklore, exploring guilt, revenge, and cultural identity.
The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon – Set in Vermont (with an eerie rural feel reminiscent of Appalachia), this thriller weaves together past and present with supernatural elements, centering around mysterious disappearances and ghostly encounters.
Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt – Though set in a small American town with Midwest vibes, this horror novel involves a cursed town haunted by a witch. It blends modern-day technology with old-world paranormal elements.
Southern Gods by John Hornor Jacobs – Set in the rural South but with strong Appalachian tones, this horror novel follows a man hired to track down a mysterious blues musician, leading him to dark, paranormal forces.
The Devil All the Time by Donald Ray Pollock – This thriller is set in southern Ohio and West Virginia, close to the Appalachian region. While more gritty and violent than paranormal, it has a disturbing atmosphere that borders on supernatural.
Prompt:
“Give me a list of the top 10 most popular books written by Kentucky authors”
Results:
Here’s a list of 10 popular books written by Kentucky authors, spanning a variety of genres:
The Night Comes to the Cumberlands by Harry M. Caudill - A pivotal non-fiction book about poverty in Appalachia that sparked national conversation.
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver - A beloved novel about a young woman’s journey from Kentucky to Arizona, filled with heart and humor.
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett - A prize-winning novel about a hostage situation in a South American embassy, blending human drama and music.
A Separate Country by Robert Hicks - A historical novel set in post-Civil War New Orleans, following the life of Confederate General John Bell Hood, written by a Kentucky-born author.
Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry - This novel by one of Kentucky's most celebrated authors delves into small-town life, faith, and human connection in the fictional town of Port William.
All the King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren - A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about politics and corruption, inspired by real-life figures, written by Kentucky native Warren.
Pike by Benjamin Whitmer - A gritty, hard-hitting novel of violence and redemption, set in the Appalachian region of Kentucky and Ohio.
The Dollmaker by Harriette Arnow - A classic novel about a Kentucky woman who moves to Detroit during WWII, grappling with identity and hardship.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury - Though not born in Kentucky, Bradbury spent formative years there. This dystopian classic is one of his best-known works, centered around censorship and the power of books.
The Sport of Kings by C.E. Morgan - An epic novel that follows generations of a Kentucky horse-breeding family, addressing themes of racism, ambition, and legacy.
Prompt:
“I need a list of the saddest books ever written. I need something to crush my soul and make me cry.”
Results:
If you're looking for books that will break your heart and leave you emotionally devastated, here’s a list of some of the saddest books ever written:
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara - This novel follows four friends over the decades, but one of them carries an unimaginable weight of trauma and pain. It’s emotionally grueling and devastating.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy - A post-apocalyptic tale of a father and son journeying through a desolate world. The love between them is moving, but the bleakness of the world around them is crushing.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - Set during WWII, this novel narrated by Death itself tells the story of a young girl living in Nazi Germany. The beauty of the relationships formed amidst tragedy will wreck you.
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro - This dystopian novel about children raised for a sinister purpose reveals deep themes of love, loss, and what it means to live with the knowledge of inevitable doom.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck - A heart-wrenching tale of friendship and dreams in the midst of the Great Depression. The ending packs an emotional punch.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini - Set against the backdrop of Afghanistan's turbulent history, this novel explores friendship, betrayal, guilt, and redemption, with scenes that will bring tears to your eyes.
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes - A love story between a caretaker and a quadriplegic man that will make you smile and then devastate you. The ending leaves a lasting emotional mark.
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera - A heartbreaking, beautiful story about two teens who know they’ll die within the next 24 hours. Their journey of connection and facing mortality is deeply emotional.
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson - This classic tale of friendship and imagination takes a tragic turn that has left many readers heartbroken.
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes - The story of a man with intellectual disabilities who undergoes an experimental procedure to increase his intelligence. The emotional rollercoaster of his brief moments of brilliance and eventual decline is utterly soul-crushing.
Prompt:
“I am currently reading The Groomer by Jon Athan and having a hard time. Should I DNF it or keep going?“
Results:
The Groomer by Jon Athan is known for its intense and graphic subject matter, which can be extremely difficult to read. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the book's content, it's completely okay to put it down. Some readers find it too disturbing due to its focus on dark and troubling themes.
If you're struggling emotionally or finding it too upsetting, it might be best to DNF (Did Not Finish) it. If you're just grappling with the intensity but still curious about the story, you could push through, but prioritize your mental well-being.
Would you like suggestions for something less intense but still gripping?
ChatGPT is free and a great way to mix up your book recommendations. Facebook can be a dumpster fire and echo chamber. If you ever get tired of it, just know there are better options out there for book recommendations.