Have you ever had a random memory of a book you read long ago, only to have most of the details of the book escape you? It can be quite frustrating when the title of the book is on the tip of your tongue, but you can't draw the details from memory. Another problem arises when you know the book information, but the book is no longer in print for you to buy. There are several resources and technologies that can help you find that book read long ago.
Instructions
- 1
Ask your local librarian if she has ever heard of the book and if the library has it available to borrow. If you don't remember the title or the author, the librarian may be able to help you find the book based on the details you can remember.
2Refer to lists of commonly assigned reading books for different grade levels; the Internet is a great source for these types of lists. If it's a book you read in school, there's a great chance you will recognize the title on one of these lists.
3Ask your local bookstore to place a special order for the book if they don't have it in stock. Although bookstores keep thousands of titles stocked, the stores still have access to many other books if customers put in a request.
4Search for the book on an online bookstore's website. Sites like Amazon.com have new books as well as used books that are no longer in print. Amazon also has a search database that will allow you to search for a title based on keywords and phrases you can remember.
5Enter the title of the book, keyword phrases or quotes from the book into an Internet search engine. You might be able to find the book for sale or at least figure out the book's title.
6Post a query on an "ask and answer" website where Internet users can respond to your questions; chances are someone else will remember the book you're trying to find so you'll know the title. Many libraries also have an online query system that will let you post questions.
