AI Book Recommendations Compared: I Asked Perplexity, ChatGPT & Google—Only One Got It Right

AI book recommendations are everywhere—but which source actually gives you the best ones? I tested ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google to find out

Because who doesn’t want a robot therapist-slash-book-curator these days?

Let’s be real—between scrolling Insta, bingeing thrillers on OTT, and pretending to read that half-finished book on your nightstand, who actually has the time (or energy) to find their next great read?

So, being the lazy-genius that I am (with a serious book addiction), I decided to outsource the job.

To whom, you ask?

Not to a friend. Not to Goodreads (ugh, that algorithm is 2016-level basic).
But to AI. Yes, the same AI that’s trying to replace writers, pick your outfit, and maybe one day, your therapist too.

I pitched one simple challenge to the big three:

“Recommend me 5 books that I’ll love. I like emotional reads, strong characters, twists that make me yell ‘WHAT?!’, and basically anything that makes me skip dinner.”

So, who came out on top? Perplexity, ChatGPT, or the OG search engine, Google?

Let’s break it down.

ChatGPT’s AI Book Recommendations: The Polite Know-It-All Friend

First up, my not-so-secret bestie. I’ve used ChatGPT for everything—from decoding skincare ingredients to writing poetry about samosas. But recommending books? Hmm.

The recommendations it gave me:

1. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

2. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

3. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

4. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

5. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

My reaction?
Soft sigh. A warm hug. But also…meh.

Yes, these books are sweet. But if you’re even mildly active on BookTok or Bookstagram, you’ve probably seen these reccos a hundred times. Nothing wrong with them—but nothing new either. ChatGPT felt like that one friend who gives you “mainstream” movie recs when you asked for something weird and specific.

Verdict: ChatGPT plays it safe—great for beginners, not so great for seasoned readers craving something niche or emotionally chaotic.

Perplexity AI’s Book Picks: The Nerdy, Overachieving Cousin of AI Book Recommendations

Perplexity is the new kid on the block, marketed as a “search engine but smarter”—basically, Google 2.0 with an academic vibe. I expected footnotes and maybe a thesis. And it delivered.

The recommendations it gave me (with links and sources, okay?!):

1. Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

2. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

3. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

4. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

5. The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

My reaction?
Oh hello, slightly obscure yet brilliant picks! Piranesi?? That’s not a book everyone recommends unless they actually read it. This felt like someone curated a reading list after cyberstalking my Goodreads and checking my therapy records (in a comforting way).

Verdict: Perplexity is that intense cousin who makes a spreadsheet before going on vacation. But hey, when it comes to book recs? I respect the hustle.

Google’s Attempt at AI Book Recommendations: The Chaotic Middle-Aged Uncle

Let’s not forget the OG. I typed in: “Books like The Silent Patient but emotional and twisty.”

And here’s what Google gave me:

• 10 Psychological Thrillers You Must Read Before You Die

• Best Books of 2022 According to Readers

• Amazon’s Top Picks in Fiction This Week

Sigh.

Basically, a chaos of listicles, shopping links, and SEO-stuffed blog posts. I clicked one link and was assaulted by 47 popups, 12 affiliate links, and a WhatsApp newsletter offer from a blogger in Idaho.

My reaction?
Scroll. Click. Rage quit.

Verdict: Google is that uncle who starts giving you relationship advice when you just asked what time the movie starts.

Final Verdict: Who Gives the Best AI Book Recommendations?

Perplexity gave me the most unique and relevant list. It’s like it actually understood what I wanted—emotion, depth, plot twists, and vibes.

ChatGPT played it too safe, but I can see it working if you’re just getting back into reading or don’t want to risk a slump.

Google, I still love you for directions and memes, but book recs? Not your thing anymore.

What AI Book Recommendations Mean for Readers & Bloggers

AI isn’t just replacing boring jobs—it’s now deciding what you read, what you watch, even what you buy. But what works best for YOU depends on how you use these tools.

So the next time you’re feeling stuck in a reading slump, or your TBR feels uninspired, don’t just open Google.

Try asking Perplexity. Or ChatGPT. Compare the vibes. Maybe even roast their picks with your friends.

And if you’re a blogger like me? 

SEO tip: AI search (especially Perplexity) is changing how people discover blog posts. It’s not just about ranking #1 on Google anymore. It’s about answering questions clearly, with personality. Like… this post. 

Bonus: Want to Steal My AI Prompts?

Here’s the exact prompt I used:

“Recommend 5 books with strong emotional depth, complex characters, and unpredictable twists. Avoid mainstream bestsellers. I like books that make me cry, gasp, or both.”

You’re welcome. 

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FAQs on AI Search Tools: ChatGPT, Perplexity & Google

Yes—but with caveats. AI can suggest trending or data-driven picks, but it lacks the human “vibe check.” Think of it as a super-fast librarian who sometimes misjudges your mood.

Depends on your style. ChatGPT is like your thoughtful friend. Perplexity is the overachiever. Google is… well, your chaotic uncle with 20 tabs open. Choose accordingly.

Be specific. Mention genres, authors you love (or hate), tropes, and even your current mood. The more detail you feed the AI, the better the output.

Use both! AI is fast, but your fave book bloggers (like me 😉) bring the heart, humor, and context that machines can’t match.

Totally. From blurb rewriting to SEO suggestions, AI is a handy assistant—but you’re still the boss. Think of it as your unpaid intern with unlimited energy.