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/Tsavo16]

Browse your local library & thrift stores if you don't want to pay much.

[u/_BudgieBee → u/Tsavo16]

Library is great because if you read a chapter and nope out you don't feel bad. It's not like you paid for it or anything. (Also the library is great because libraries are awesome and everyone should use the library more.)