UK Book Club discussion
Your Reading Experience
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How do you choose your books?
If a lot of my good reads friends have reviewed a book favourably I will add it to my to read list and particularly friends who share my taste in books. I also get lots of ideas of what I might like from group discussion. I never chose from the cover, or because its popular
Hmm good question, be sure to share if you find the sweet spot:)Personally
1)Recommendations from friends - see above /word of mouth.
2)Blurb/description- look inside.
3)Recommendations from social media including GR.
4)Authors I like/already follow.
5)Book club recs, suggestions on GR.
6)Discussions on GR, discussions with authors.
7)Recommendations from Amazon (sometimes)
Cover often doesn't bother me, although I have taken a second look at a striking cover then read the blurb. But I have read very good books with not such good covers and bought books with great covers that have been crap.
Certainly not because it is popular unless it is an author I already follow.
Reviews, sometimes, not often.
Thank Elaine and Alexandra...One of the recommendations to authors seems to be, if the book is not selling, change the cover...Really? I will surely be attracted to books with nice covers (although that is also a matter of taste), but I can't recall every buying a book only because I liked the cover...I was wondering if as I reader I was abysmally different to everybody else because some of the advice doesn't make sense to me...
I'll see...
Mod
Generally what will make me buy a book is the description, if that attracts my attention then me and money will generally part hands.But title and cover are important as well as these will attract me to read the book in the first place.
Since using this sight recommendations and what others are reading have also become more important in my reading choices.
Thank Ian and Dave. I'll keep your advice in mind. I've found people do take recommendations in this sight and other reading clubs into account much more than other reviews...It makes sense.
I tend to find books by looking in the book store, checking out the covers, the description. I have favourite authors so I always check them out too. Now that I've been on goodreads for awhile, I also see what my other goodreads companions read and like.
Thanks Bill and Fiona. I've been thinking about it for a while and when I finish my current project (I'm doing a translation from Spanish to English of a self-help book for a colleague) I have to seriously look at getting papercopies published, at least of my novel...I'm planning to go for e and paper copies for the new YA series I'm planning (if beta readers' comments are positive).
This has been very helpful. Even when friends have different tastes it is usually a good guide...
Thanks for all your help.
Another thing that attracts me to a book are titles and covers.
Artwork/cover, Title, then the description. If all is appealing I pick it up and flip through the pages and go from there.
Thank you. Just curious...Do you check lists with books on the themes you like to read? I don't think I've ever done that but you're forever being encouraged to create lists...
Thank you for the interesting question! for me personally it goes something like this:-Book cover, need to be done in a way that is attractive, very important.
- Other readers' reviews, especially Amazon
- Writers and series you like, yes I do keep my elegance to writers that I like and try and reed all they write, even if it becomes mundane
- Book descriptions, if it doesn't catch me on the first two,three sentences, that's bad sign
- the same principle I use when pre-reading it, if the first sentence of the book is not catchy I probably wont buy it.
-Recommendations or ads in social media (Facebook, Twitter, GoodReads, LibraryThing etc.)
-Price, needs to be within my personal affordability range, but if I really want a specific book, many times I wait, save up and buy it nether the less.
- for me the purpose of the book is important, does it make a statement, is there any special cause for the book? Can it be a life-changing book? Does it have merit and purpose? If yes, I will be more interested in it.
Thank you Anastasia. Taking notes as I read. Useful information that I'll take into account in future.
Increasingly by Kindle - king of the 20p club!
..also I find that I have been buying more of my books through Amazon/Kindle. So that has become a major influencing factor for me as well. If I really enjoyed the book and think its something I'm likely to read again, I look into buying the (traditional) paper printed copy.
Thanks very much. I've also been getting more e-books recently.If you buy e-books in Kindle store do you just check in Amazon or have you already decided which book you want beforehand? Do you use different criteria for e-books?
Mod
Thanks Ian. Some people are very sceptical of Amazon reviews after scandals over paid reviews and all that. It's difficult when someone has just published and there are no reviews.
Mod
I've been giving some thought to this, I think for me it's a really complex range of things that might lead me to a book.Book group (the one I meet in person) has lead me to buy books I may not have otherwise and I notice books on Goodreads that have some buzz about them. The Hunger Games for example - didn't know about those books apart from people on GR chatting about them. If a lot of people are saying good things, I reckon it's worth exploring. I don't take any notice of a handful of reviews on Amazon, I don't trust them.
If a writer is known entity and someone that I like then I will be drawn to their books regardless of reviews, those purchases are easy.
Although I scan the literary supplement for critics reviews, I can't say that I look in any great detail but I am influenced by TV Book Groups and shows like The Book Show, if the writer or the story captures my attention, I'll feel the need to read for myself.
I notice various award short lists and even long lists, I'm quite influenced by who appears on those too.
Bargains on Kindle store are great but after immediate novelty wore off, I still only buy if I really want the book - it's too hard to figure out what's good and what's not!
Olga wrote: " I can't recall every buying a book only because I liked the cover..."Actually I did it once weirdly during an period where I WASN'T BOOK READING. It's Donna Tartt, The Little Friend.
That was years ago.
I WILL read it.
One day.
Nate wrote: "..also I find that I have been buying more of my books through Amazon/Kindle. So that has become a major influencing factor for me as well."I love my kindle fire HD. I've only started reading again for 4 months now and boy oh boy do I have a LOT of good books to catch up on.
However as someone with asperger's/dyslexia AND depression (Sometimes it's a struggle to keep sit and focus) I find kindle an God send. Problems reading the book? No problem, grab the audiobook. Can't keep still? Text to speech it (Although I'm not sure how to highlight the words as it's being read to me). Suddenly I can't stop reading! Something about carrying millions of books on your person, in your bag, in your pocket that makes it (IMO) so fricking cool!
Olga wrote: "Thanks Ian. Some people are very sceptical of Amazon reviews after scandals over paid reviews and all that. It's difficult when someone has just published and there are no reviews."I rather get book recs through the grapevine, websites like these and interests.
Thanks Em. I picked up The Little Friend at the library (I think I had heard about it and liked the description) and although it was some time back I remember enjoying it. Atmospheric and quite intriguing...
Evan. I'm pleased Kindle has helped your reading. I was very doubtful about it (I still love paper books) and bought one because I thought it didn't make sense to get into publishing e-books and not even have an e-reader. And I must say now I love it. I bought one for my parents and both of them are using it now(and they are the opposite of technical). My father keeps insisting in wanting to return the books, but especially my father seems to have taken up reading again. And of course, apart from all the advantages(have not tried highlighting on audio version but find it very useful when reading, particularly marketing and non-fiction books) you mention, you don't need reading glasses!Having spent nearly two days stuck in an airport (finally back home) must say it was a life saver...
And Evan, yes, personal reviews or reviews from sites you know make more sense sometimes. Although if all reviews make similar comments I find I'm likely to agree. But sometimes I've liked things nobody else seems to like and vice versa.
I listen to a lot of podcasts so recently many ideas for books come from radio 4 programmes 'a good read' and 'open book' , my physical book group comes up with new books as well, and sometimes I just browse the library and charity shops.
Thank you for the insights Andrew! Somebody in another group told me they checked U-tube book reviews. Never tried yet. I like to browse in library and charity shops too.
Olga wrote: "Thank you for the insights Andrew! Somebody in another group told me they checked U-tube book reviews. Never tried yet. I like to browse in library and charity shops too."I've been interested in this as wqell but not seen anyones I've been interested in as late.
Thanks Evan. I must check up myself when I have a bit of time.Olga
Well i usually go for books that are written by authors i like, or have a nice cover, and that the blurb of the book intrigued me - I once bought a book just because of its cover, and when I read the back of it i just had to have it!!!!!!
Thanks Katherine and Stuart. Katherine, I'm intrigued to know which book it was...Yes, personal recommendations by people who have similar taste are up there on my list.
I usually read other books by authors I already like. When it comes to choosing new authors sometimes it happens at random in a bookstore/library where I look at the genre first, then the cover, then the blurb. Recently goodreads and tumblr have been recommending some good reads to me :)
Oh and what you mentioned about price? It doesn't bother me - if I really want to read a book I will read it! And if it seems too extravagant to buy I will check if I like it by borrowing it from the library first. If I like it after borrowing it I will buy it regardless of the price
I mostly pick up books that in a way intrigue me. What intrigues me is the cover and the title. Mostly the title suggests something that is renforced by the cover. When I have picked up a book that appeals to me, I read the blurb. And secondly I read the first sentences of the book and skip through it. First sentences are rather important as a book has to grab my intention from the very beginning. With audio books it's more the narration. I listen to books that I would normally not read myself which is a good thing. With a paper book I always read the end as well.
I read comments on books and reviews as well. I do keep in mind though that it's not because someone likes a book that I will like it too and vice versa. But it sort of broadens my choices and somehow the titles or the authors' names get stuck in my head. Certainly when books are mentioned a lot here on GR and the story seems to appeal to me, I can give it a try.
The title, the art work, the blurb, the first sentences, the description of the story....are sort of the impulses on which I buy or take out a book from the library. What is more important is the story and the characters. I can very easily put aside a book that I have read partly when the story starts to bore me. When I don't bother anymore to read a book within two days or a week (when it's an audio book), it's not worth my attention and it's not for me.
Books here in Belgium are expensive. It's more interesting for me to buy a book in English as they are half the price of a Dutch book. I very easily buy books second hand. And there is also the library, where I can reserve books online. For audio books I pay a monthly amount that allows me to choose any book I like.
I read both in Dutch, English and German. And listen to audio books in English and German. I mostly know from the previews I read in English if I want to read it in Dutch or in English - as every language has its charm so to speak.
I tend to pick a book by looking at reviews on Goodreads, Facebook or recommendations from friends with similar tastes. I also look for authors similar to what I currently read. I have a kindle so don't look at the covers so much these days.
Thanks Sami, Danielle and Sarah. I see Danielle we have similar issues with language. I normally try to read books in the original language (if they're English, Spanish or Catalan...I've read some French books in French but not that fluent so it slows me down) but if there originally in another language is trickier. I've heard similar comments about prices of books in different places...very interesting.Goodreads seems to be a good source of recommendations although sometimes with series I have the problem that I might not have read initial book and don't have time to catch up.
Stuart you're right. It probably depends on what type of reader you are. I know people who usually read only within a certain genre and rarely deviate from that, and others that will try a bit of everything or go through phases...I've often been surprised by books people have lent me or recommended to me that I wouldn't have picked up myself.
If I really love a book I often will try and catch up other books by the same author but I guess it depends if it is the story I like or the style of writing, although at least I tend to check what else they have written and do a bit of reading around it like Danielle.
Olga wrote: "Thanks Katherine and Stuart. Katherine, I'm intrigued to know which book it was...Yes, personal recommendations by people who have similar taste are up there on my list."
It was a manga book called absolute boyfriend, it was good and in the series it made me cry and happy at the same time - i love books that are able to do that even if they are manga books, which some people say aren't real books, and to them i'll tell them they have no clue of what they're talking about. lolz
i'll recommend it to anyone for a short series read as well as something light hearted in a way, its not created to be fact or brinier of great knowledge.
Thanks Katherine. It sounds really interesting. I haven't read many manga books so far although I love their look. I also love books that can make you feel a range of emotions...
Olga wrote: " I also love books that can make you feel a range of emotions..."Have you read the Lovely Bones? We read it at our Book Club and it really does make you feel a lot of things!
Thanks Sami. Yes, I read it some time ago. Amazing story and so sad at times...Very clever way of telling it. I have avoided the movie version because I didn't think they could do it justice but...
Mod
I see what you mean. Yes, I like traditional names but sometimes some of the new weird names are very well suited, particularly in supernatural, sci-fi books. I agree that calling kids Apple and all that is not my cup of tea. Hope nobody calls a child that!
I'm probably really bad, I used to go for books based on the cover. If it was pretty or stood out, I'd buy it. Then I went through a phase of reading the very last paragraph.. if that interested me, then i'd buy.Now a days. It's a mixture of everything. If its a favourite author, i'll buy. If its good good reviews on here, I'll buy. If it looks pretty or if someone has recommended it i'll buy. I'm big on recommendations as most of the time its a book, genre i'd probably never choose if it was left to me. x
Thanks Smelleykins. Interesting to see that you've changed your way of choosing books over time. I guess I've also gone through phases...
1. I read reviews. If there are lots then I pick a selection of 'good' and less good in the hope that I can get a sense of perspective.2. Synopsis. Just enough to introduce main characters, plot and genre.
3. Recommendations from trusted friends
4. Linked buys. People who bought this also bought......
5. Price. If it's reasonably priced I'll try all sorts.
6. Covers have become less important, but I have to admit that in a bookshop I might be drawn to interesting covers, more so than with e-purchases
Thanks Denise. Interesting that you look at linked buys. Not sure if I consciously do that although it makes sense.Olga
UK Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
My Animals and Other Family (other topics)Diaries 1969-1979: The Python Years (other topics)
Click Me Happy! (other topics)
I'm a self-published author and have read plenty on advice on to how to promote your work and sell your books. Of course the basis is writing a good book (and that's a matter of opinion) but then, what makes you choose a book?
I would like to check readers opinions as not convinced by much of the advice. I personally follow writers I like, read the description of the book, might look at reviews...
Suggestions:
1) Book cover
2) Critics reviews
3) Other readers' reviews
4) Personal recommendations from friends, peers
5) Publicity and advertisements
6) Writers and series you like
7) Book descriptions
8) Recommendations or ads in social media (Facebook, Twitter...)
9) Book club recommendations
10) Price
11) Any others?
Thanks so much for you answers:
Olga