Is there an area where members recommend books? I know they have that section in the search where they show what others who read a certain book ordered or liked, but it's usually by the same author or stuff I might have already read..

Try the Hidden Gems forum, or the forums for whichever genres are of interest. I think there is a forum for just about every type of genre.

http://www.paperbackswap.com/Hidden-Gems/forum/40/

You can also go to the community menu, and choose "book lists" --> "club lists."  A member will set up a list, and if they open it to other members, other members can add to the list and vote on the books they like best.

Yes, check the genre forums (romance, mystery, cooking, YA, history, etc.), besides the other options mentioned above.