I've had success looking up the book recommendation lists of people who I think are intelligent. For example, Bill Gates publishes a list of recommended reading

I've had success looking up the book recommendation lists of people who I think are intelligent. For example, Bill Gates publishes a list of recommended reading. I know that Bill Gates isn't the sort of person who would waste his time reading crappy books. And even if he did, he would not waste his reputation recommending them to others. I'm not saying go read the books on his list (I have not). I'm just using him as a concrete example of smart people who recommend books. To find recommendations for yourself: Think of a person that you respect. Then google "{name} book recommendations" That should get you some hits. It's quite possible that if the person you respect is not too famous and busy, you could email them and ask for a recommendation. # Regarding popularity I can't speak with any actual authority on the matter of general popularity being a poor gauge other than my own observations that I've never been a fan of what is popular. I suspect that there are several people like me in that regard on this forum.