A Failure of Imagination Why Bookish and other recommendation engines fall short

[Jane]

I figured that out awhile ago... that's why I read several pp.

[Beth]

Cecily wrote: "Beth wrote: "Sometimes all it takes is a good first sentence. There are a surprising number of books with amazing first sentences :-)
"

Very true, though in some cases, I can't help wondering if ..."

Absolutely, although I think any author worth his or her salt will put that kind of obsessive care into every sentence. And perhaps I have missed out on some good books by limiting my sample to one paragraph, but I haven't been disappointed by the ones I chose because of a great first paragraph.

[Beth]

Larry wrote: "A good rule for an author is to make the first sentence so good that the reader wants to read the first paragraph ... the first paragraph so good that the reader wants to read the first page ... th..."

I agree!

[Michael]

I would like to agree that a first sentence or first paragraph can tell me if a book is good. Several time though I have persevered and been rewarded. The last time was
A Tale for the Time Being I hated the first two pages and thought "What did I get myself into." But by the end It has become one of new favorite and I have to read the authors other work. I was pulled in, spun around and came out dizzy and in love.

[Sara]

Michael wrote: "I would like to agree that a first sentence or first paragraph can tell me if a book is good. Several time though I have persevered and been rewarded. The last time was
A Tale for the Time Being[b..."

Absolutely wonderful book.

[Jane]

Cateline wrote: "Interesting article. I hardly ever garner any recommendations from the lists on GR. I mostly go by reviews I read here, and recommendations from Amazon...they know me all too well, for the most p..."

I try to peek at the 'View Recommendation Requests' on GR several times a week and may come up with a few suggestions...

[John]

Jane wrote: "When I get something from the library as soon as I get it home, I read the first couple of pp. Sometimes I feel I'll like the book and hold it out to read the whole thing later, and other times, after reading the first pp. I can feel it will be a dog and back to the library it will go unread. Other times I've read something from the library maybe two or three times during a loan period, then know I have to buy it. I go by reviews also, not necessarily the search engines--friends, library magazines, other positive printed reviews... "

I feel a bit guilty (mostly frustrated) about realizing a library book's a dud after getting it home. I've been known, when I have any doubt (and can remember), to leaf through the book first right there, returning it immediately if it seems disappointing. We have a system of conveyor belt slots for that (as well as self-checkout), so it's not like anyone will notice.

[Gina]

I try to stick with a book for about 50 pages before I take it back to the library or give it away. And as for recommendations, I only take Goodreads ratings seriously.

[Jane]

Library magazines, such as Booklist or Library Journal you discount? You can get them online. I've read reviews in Christian Science Monitor magazine and Wall Street Journal [a book section in their Saturday issue]. If I look up my local library system catalog online, they usually include an excerpt or excerpts from library magazine reviews--the gist of their opinion. Is your library system like that? I find that a big help. I use in conjunction with GR.