I Use These 8 Sites to Find Unique and Niche Books

If you’re like me, nothing beats the thrill of discovering a book that’s a little off the beaten path. Whether it’s a rare edition, an obscure title, or a self-published chef-d’oeuvre, I’ve found that some of the most interesting reads come from places that aren’t your typical big-name bookstores.

AbeBooks is a marketplace for books, fine art, and collectibles, and it’s one of my favorite spots to find rare and out-of-print books. The site brings together independent booksellers worldwide, offering everything from first editions to signed copies. One of the things I love most about AbeBooks is the sense of discovery—I never know what I’ll find, but I always leave with something special. Plus, the prices are often reasonable, even for those hard-to-find titles.

If you’re after something specific, BookFinder is like having a literary detective on your side. It’s a search engine that scours both mainstream and independent bookstores, along with secondhand sellers, to find exactly what you’re looking for. The site pulls results from hundreds of online sellers, so it’s perfect for tracking down niche titles that might not show up in a regular bookstore search. I discovered BookFinder while searching Reddit for recommendations a while ago, and it’s now become one of my go-to sites.

Alibris is another excellent resource for finding niche books, especially if you’re interested in supporting independent sellers. The site specializes in secondhand and rare books, but it also offers new titles and textbooks. I love how easy it is to navigate the site and filter results by condition, price, and seller.

Better World Books isn’t just a great place to find secondhand books—it’s also a mission-driven company that donates books and funds literacy programs with every purchase. If you’re someone who loves books and cares about making a positive impact, this site is a must-visit. I’ve found some truly unique reads here, including several self-published titles that never made it to mainstream bookstores. Plus, knowing that my purchase is helping others makes the find even sweeter.

LibraryThing is like Goodreads but with a twist. It’s a book cataloging site with a community-driven focus on niche and lesser-known books. The “Groups” section is where the action is. You can join groups based on specific genres or interests, where members discuss and recommend obscure books.

I’ve joined a few groups on LibraryThing where people are constantly discussing and recommending books you won’t find on bestseller lists. If you’re into a niche genre, like vintage science fiction or obscure historical accounts, this is where you’ll find people who are just as passionate.

My first impression of ThriftBooks was that it was just a place for finding budget-friendly books, but I’ve since learned that it is more than that. ThriftBooks offers a massive inventory of used books, and while the prices are often a steal, the site is also a great place to find those niche or less common titles that might be overlooked elsewhere. They even have a rewards program—a nice bonus if you’re an avid reader.

Etsy might not be the first place you think of when it comes to books, but I’ve found some real treasures there. Many sellers on Etsy offer vintage and antique books, along with handmade and self-published works that you won’t find anywhere else. I especially love browsing through the curated collections of old poetry books, quirky zines, and beautifully bound journals.

8 Reddit’s Niche Subreddits

Sometimes, the best recommendations come straight from fellow book lovers who share your interests. That’s where Reddit’s niche subreddits come in. Whether you’re into obscure sci-fi, forgotten classic literature, or underground zines, there’s probably a subreddit for it.

r/SuggestMeABook is my personal favorite. I’ve found that the community here is incredibly helpful—just ask for a recommendation, and you’ll likely end up with a list of titles you’ve never heard of but will soon want to devour. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with others who love the same kind of books you do.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about tracking down a book that feels like it was meant just for you. These sites have helped me discover books I never knew existed. Whether you’re looking for something rare, self-published, or just off the beaten path, I hope these sites help you find your next great read.