Do we have the same taste in books?

Hey fellow bookworms! You know that amazing feeling when you stumble upon a perfectly curated reading list that just gets your current mood? I absolutely adore themed ebook lists because they make discovering new reads so much easier and more exciting. My personal library is a wild mix of fantasy, romantasy, thrillers, romance, romcoms, and recently, I've been diving deep into sci-fi too. But instead of just grabbing any book, I love to organize my TBR around specific themes, and I'd love to share how I approach it and maybe inspire your next literary adventure! One of my favorite ways to create a themed list is by focusing on subgenres within fantasy. For example, I have a list dedicated to 'Epic Quests & High Stakes Romantasy' where authors like Rebecca Yarros truly shine with their dragon riders and intense worlds. Then there’s my 'Dark Academia & Magical Mysteries' list, perfect for when I want something atmospheric and a bit spooky. Or maybe a 'Fae & Faery Tale Retellings' list for when I crave enchanting, whimsical reads. It’s all about matching the vibe I'm looking for! When it comes to thrillers, I often create lists around the type of suspense. Sometimes I'm in the mood for a 'Psychological Mind-Bender' that leaves me guessing until the last page, full of twists and turns. Other times, a 'Cozy Mystery' set in a charming village is just what I need for a lighter escape. For my 'Heart-Pounding Thrills', I look for stories that explore dark secrets and unexpected dangers. And let's not forget romance and romcoms! These are incredibly fun to theme. I have lists for 'Enemies-to-Lovers Tropes,' 'Fake Dating Fiascos,' and 'Small-Town Charm & Second Chances.' Emily Henry is a master of the contemporary romance that fits so many of these themes, making you feel all the emotions. Sometimes I even make a list just for 'Historical Romances' featuring strong heroines and dashing heroes, exploring a beautiful bygone era. Even with my newer foray into sci-fi, I'm already thinking about themes like 'Dystopian Futures & Societal Commentary' or 'Space Opera & Alien Encounters' for when I want to explore great, big ideas about life and humanity. Authors like Brynne Weaver often push boundaries, and I love discovering new voices in these spaces. So, how do I actually build these lists? It’s a mix of personal recommendations from friends, scouring Lemon8 and bookstagram for trending #bookishpost, and exploring similar authors to ones I already love (like finding more authors akin to Sarah A.). I also pay attention to keywords in book descriptions – if I see 'dark fantasy,' 'beautiful prose,' or 'life-altering adventure,' I know it might fit a current themed list I'm building. Ultimately, it’s about making your reading journey more intentional and enjoyable. What about you? Do you create themed reading lists? What genres or themes are currently on your TBR for 2025? I’d love to hear your recommendations and connect with other readers. Let's be friends and share our favorite books!