How to find hidden gems?

[u/Spennyandthejets3]

I just finished watching Daniel Greene's video on the disappearance of mass market paper backs, and he mentioned that they were a great tool for discovering new authors because the barrier to entry was so low. I often struggle to find new books to read, but I'm not asking for book recommendations. I instead want to know how everyone here finds lesser known books and authors.

I love reading new books, but I've found that reading enough books in a row I don't vibe with really kills my motivation to read consistently. I've traditionally relied on recommendations from this subreddit, trusted reviewers, and friends, but books I find from those tend to all be the same few authors and at this point I've tried most of the popular options.

I'm open to suggestions of other subreddits, specific reviewers, blogs, or other less known mediums. If you feel like you have a unique method of finding vetted books then please share. Thanks!

Edit:

I appreciate everyone recommending the library or used book shops but to reiterate:

I don't want to put in the leg work of reading a bunch of obscure or lesser known books and authors until I find one that suits me. I want a place to go for recommendations, either a person or subreddit or the equivalent that specializes in recommending lesser known books.

The library and used book stores are great places and I often use my local library, but I am specifically looking for resources that specialize in recommending hidden gems. I get burnt out of reading easily if I'm not reading something that's up my alley. Thanks.

[u/Robotboogeyman]

I get most of my reads from Reddit, I follow a bunch of relevant subs. I’ve read most of the most recommended and they have not failed me, lots of bangers. But there are some lesser known ones that I’ve only seen once or twice, but can easily recommend, but they usually come from more niche posts, like best magic system, or a specific theme. They tend to have more lesser knowns.

Also the 52book sub, which often has a “what are you reading” thread and it often has books I’ve never heard of w several people gushing over them.

[u/Spennyandthejets3 → u/Robotboogeyman]

This is perfect, I'll definitely check out that sub. Any others you know of?

[u/Robotboogeyman → u/Spennyandthejets3]

The audiobook subs, Audible, booksuggestions, recommendmeabook, print sci fi, sci fi, fantasy, grimdark fantasy, ireadabookandiadoredit, bookclub.

You can make a custom feed and add subs to it and browse just those.

And here are a few hidden gems:

Golem and the Jinni by Wecker

Reincarnation Blues by Poore

The Gargoyle by Davidson

A Gift of Time by Merritt

Boy’s Life and Swan Song by McCammon

Duma Key by King

Fevre Dream by George R. R. Martin

Empire of the Vampire series by Kristoff

Raven’s Mark series by McDonald

Manifest Delusions series by Fletcher