BookPath is an enhanced book discovery platform that helps users search, collect, and explore books, build personal libraries, and even merchandise book-related items — all through personalized recommendations and curated collections using AI.

• 🔐 Secure user authentication with JWT
• 📚 Book search powered by public APIs & AI
• 🧠 Smart recommendations (OpenAI integration)
• 🗂️ Custom user libraries and curated collections
• 🛒 Book-related product merchandising (future feature)
• ⚡ MongoDB + Redis caching for fast performance
• 🌐 REST API built with Node.js + Express

• Node.js (v18+)
• MongoDB
• Redis
• .env file (see below)

# Clone and enter the project
git clone https://github.com/drdeveli/bookpath.git
cd booklens

# Install backend dependencies
npm install

# Start MongoDB and Redis (locally or via Docker)

# Run the backend
npm run dev