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How Do You Choose the Books You Want to Read?
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I usually find book that look good on goodreads.
Or I read books that my family and friends tell me are good.
Or I just get random books that look good in thee library.
Or I read books that my family and friends tell me are good.
Or I just get random books that look good in thee library.
How do I choose a book?Well, I have my favourite authors of course, where I eagerly await their new books. I have a few trusted people from whom I take book recommendations. I have my favourite genres, and I regularly browse the bookstores looking for interesting titles and covers. Recently, I started reading online reviews (like those posted here) and found some real gems.
I use goodreads as a guide and I get notices from amazon about new releases as well.
This is a loaded question! I choose books for all sorts of reasons. I read a lot of book blogs and I get a lot of ideas from them on what to read next. My TBR pile is sky high, mainly due to book blogs. However, I am loyal to favorite authors too and I enjoy the reviews from Book Page and other publications like it. Shelf Awareness has been wonferful as well.
I love Goodreads for the database aspect of it, but I won't read a review on it unless it's a book that is on my TBR shelf.
Lately, I've been on a reading binge. I guess it started with the books my husband has been reading and what my granddaughter reads. So far this past two months I have read over 30 books of all genre's. I do read reviews and have reviewed books for other authors. I cruise the books stores to see what's new and also check out the Library. Presently, I have three books I've taken out of the Library to read by authors I've never read before. And two others I've purchased at the Book Store. I haven't really checked out the books on Good Reads yet, but that is on my to do list.
Certain subjects and authors interest me, so I keep a look out for them. I also go through Amazon UK online to see what new is coming out.
I read my friend's reviews on GR, whatever catches my eye in a bookstore, if it's by an author I already like--lots of different ways. I like to wander around and just look and see what's in the bookstore, not just in the areas I normally read from, I like to see what's there--you never know what you'll run across!
i tend to buy books that will come in sets if there is any sequals, i do get really anoyed when i buy a book and the second one doesnt come out for another year, i read reviews on goodreads and other book sites, i know i shouldnt judge a book by the cover but i must admit i usually do although there are occasions when i am surprised.this may not be fair but read most things from various offers and have been known on occasions use audio in the car when traveling
Rodney wrote: "Can anyone help me find a GOOD agency/publisher WHO WILL GET MY BOOK OUT THERE FOR PEOPLE TO BUY AND BOOKSTORES TO OWN IN THEIR STORES?"You might try the Writer's Market and keep sending out manuscript of your book to the publishing companies. There's no easy way to make it as a writer. Or start a website and put your book on it and then promote your website for free and then win viewers over. Good luck with your book.
My reading has become more purpose-driven over time. That is, I read a lot of non-fiction, much of it historical or popular science. When I was a kid, covers and blurbs could get my attention, but not so much anymore. I have followed favorite authors, and will read until I come to the end of their works, however, except JRR Tolkien, I've never read a fantasy series all the way through.
Since I've joined Goodreads last year, I've chosen ALL of my books from recommendations by other readers. I don't have the luxury to troll around the local bookstore once a week like I used to so I read the daily reviews from other Goodreads members that I receive in my inbox and choose the books I want to read based on their reviews.
So far, I've been 90% pleased with the books I've read!
Pat Bertram wrote: "It seems as if there are as many ways of discovering books as there are readers, but I'm curious as to how you choose the books you want to read. Do you go by reviews? By recommendations from frien..."Familiarity of the author is the major way I chose books I read. Recommendations from friends plays a large part also, but I've also purchased books on the strength of an excerpt. Reviews are another way I chose books.
I rarely get to a bookstore, so I would say, searching first online would be favorite authors. Then I would check out the clearance to see if anything happens to be from a list I compile throughout the year from comments read from others, or missed contest books. I can't afford much so that's pretty well it. Otherwise, I do review a lot of books and it's a great way to not only discover new authors, but if you like the book you can really promote it.
Pat Bertram wrote: "It seems as if there are as many ways of discovering books as there are readers, but I'm curious as to how you choose the books you want to read. Do you go by reviews? By recommendations from frien..."If I see a movie and love it, I will buy the book. If I like the cover and then consequently turn it over and like the summary I may buy it. Sometimes I go by friend recommendations. I hardly ever (I can't remember once;) that I've bought a book becuase of blogs, amazon, ads, or that sort of thing.
However www.scribd.com works for me too. I've found a lot I love there and may buy books from what I've seen on it.
Deb wrote: "Hi,I've found a couple very good books from the reviews here. When I'm in a bookstore, I usually head for the children's section & look at the YA fantasy books like Harry Potter. I read the blu..."
You like harry potter and fantasy children books? U may be interested in reading my newly finished book (first draft, not published yet)...for enjoyment and or feedback. Love to hear your opinion.
First of all any author I have read and liked I try to read all their books. Often its recommendations from my peers. Other times its based on subject matters. I ussually wait on those on the New York Times Best Sellers LIst at first.I want to see what others rate them.
I see many of my own methods in the comments from others on here. I do tend to read reviews, though often I have found some of the novels I enjoyed the most were often dismissed by critics. One thing I have found lately is that I am often influenced by films I have recently seen. Not only to read books by an author whose work the film was based on, but often I am in the mood for a novel that creates the same mood or is set in the same time period as the film I have just seen. I suppose it is a means for me to continue the experience after the film ends. I am lucky to have two public libraries very close (I live in between two cities) and the librarians at both are excellent resources for suggestions as they are always up-to-date on what is coming out next.
Sharon wrote: "Honestly, I read the blurbs on the back and decide whether it sounds interesting. If someone I particularly trust recommends a book, I am much more likely to read it. If I've read something else ..."I have to agree with Sharon here. I read the blurbs on the back of the book to see if it interests me. I consider recommendations from friends too. I will also look through bookstores, libraries, and places like Amazon if I'm looking for a book on a particular subject like health, gardening, or spirituality. And then I read the blurbs.
I don't take stock in reviews because some might think that the book is bad and I might like it. I do the same for movies. Advertising doesn't grab me either because I've been so desensitized by it. Everyone seems to be selling something today and I get skeptical. Hype does not equal good quality and I think people have seen that with a few NY Bestsellers as of late.
Kimberley wrote: "Hype does not equal good quality and I think people have seen that with a few NY Bestsellers as of late."My feelings on the NY Bestsellers list (or any such list) is that it proves the the book(s) sell, its nothing but numbers. There are an incredibly large number of badly written books on the lists, so I tend to shy away from them.
I never go for critically acclaimed books just because they are critically acclaimed. If it's something that appeals to me and also on list thats fine but I read what I like
Currently I find my most recent books either through a book club or seeing enough of my online friends discussing a book.
The majority of books i read are because of the authors i like,but i occasionally will see an ad or blurb somewhere and i do sometimes just pick up a book that looks interesting because of title or cover and then after reading the back description i take a chance and buy i'm seldom disappointed!
I rely on the writers I've learned to trust over the years. Many have their own websites, and I visit them from time to time. I belong to the McCarthy fan club. They let you know far in advance of publication when his next book will be published. I sort of like that. His--in fact he never even visits the site, or is connected with it in any way, as far as I know--is not the only site that does this. It is a good thing for writers, unless you're like McCarthy, and could seem to care less if anyone reads his books or not.
Thanks,
Sumner Wilson
First and foremost, I usually look at titles and the cover art, then I read the blurb. If the blurb makes it sound interesting I read it. I'll be honest, if the packaging catches my eye, I'm more likely to look at it, but it doesn't mean I'll actually read it.I also browse the shelves at the bookstore and the library, if I see a lot of one book, or lots of books by an author I'll usually take a peek at the blurb.
If a book comes highly recommended by a friend or family member, I'll definitely be sure to check it out. I also always try and read any of the books they get me as gifts.
As a librarian, I'm also looking at books that are popular and reading them, especially if they aren't in my preferred genre.
I rarely, if ever, read reviews and decide if I want to read a book based on them. I usually only read the reviews after I've read the book myself.
When in a bookshop I gravitate towards the genres I like, thrillers, crime fiction or fact, and to the new books from the authors I like. With those, I read the blurbs to confirm that it is something I am going to be interested in. Reviews are important to indicate the style of the lesser known authors. Any book I choose from Goodreads authors, or friends on Amazon then yes, I'll read their reviews before buying the books. I do read other genres, but tend to space them out. I very rarely give a book up. Once I've started it, I have to finish it because even if it is boring, it just might redeem itself with a good ending.
Oh one I forgot I think, if my group does monthly group reads, those are voted on by the members. Even if my pick doesnt win I still check out the books and read them.I find new stuff that way and its a fun way to do it as I get to discuss the book with several people reading it at the same time as me.
Hi All, I'll throw in my two-cents worth ( a nickel now if you count inflation). For me, it's pretty basic. The title, the cover and the back blurb. If they catch my eye and it sound interesting I'll probably read it. Like most, I have a few favorite authors that I'll pick up again and again. But like I said, one of those three things has to get my attention before I will stop and look it over
I have a list of favorite authors but I normally like reading the back book cover. When I write a blurb for my own books I make sure they are 'snappy'. Of course the book cover draws me in.
Lately, it is based on reviews and recommendations to purchase a book. Most of the authors are new or unheard of, so reputation, word of mouth, or reviews means a lot. It is valuable insight.
How do I choose a book, so many ways.One reason I have loved finding goodreads is the networking and finding lists of books others have read that seem to share similar taste as me. I have spent many a day running through other's book lists in one open window and my online library consortium book request site in another.
I have left book Reviews on Amazon as well, as well as makring book I have read and enjoyed. So, I end up getting a lot of good ideas from thier reccomendation list. And I recently signed up for their vine program which allows me to try out up to 4 products a month for free in exchange for reviews. I mostly end up with books at this point, so I get to research new books with that offering.
I also have times where I adore wandering bookstores reading jackets, but with 3 kids under 10 that is rarely peacefully attained anymore. BUt I do like to steal away to the new 80% off bookstore and come home with a huge bagful of gems!
I also wander my library at times and grab an interesting book on a whim, but my library is newer and pretty small.
Sadly I only have one real life friend who reads as much as I do and within similar genres as I do so I get very little REal life friend requests.
Great question. Apart from a few of my favorite authors or a list of series, I often find new books a number of ways.I follow a couple of bloggers who talk about books. I see Goodreads book ads and I used to participate in an ARC book group type thing that I LOVED.
I also will go to target or the bookstore and take pictures of book covers (so I can send the message to people who want to know what to get me) of interesting books. I have librarian and reader friends (including an active book group) who will let me know about things as well.
I go through spurts in what I read, but there are always a few things that catch my eye.
Mostly it's the public library, where I can roam for as long as I want, take home stacks of books and then start all over again without spending a dime. My apologizes to the authors out there but that's what happens when you don't have a dime to spend : D Also books sales, garage sales and of course contests on book blogs. There is one advantage to this and that is I might discover a book long after it's been cleared from the bargain tables at the local B&N, read it and rave about it-maybe even blog about it which breathes life into an older book. It's all Good !
Mod
I mostly choose books first from a favorite author. If I've read all of their stuff I move to other authors within the same genre; so the new books are a little familiar but different because of the author. Other than that I get my new book info from friends, recomendations from other books I have when adding them to my Goodreads list, and just general browsing in bookstores. I admit that most of the new books I find browsing in the bookstore I'm mainly attracted to them by their covers.
I am also a book reviewer so I read a lot of different genres (and gain new favourite authors as well as genres). It's been a rewarding and enlightening experience. Hence when I look for other books to read I watch first for author, second for series if a series author, third for an appealing (to me) title, cover, and theme, fourth authors and books I have learned about on the several book sites and groups: GoodReads, Chapters Community, Library Thing, ReadersRead, Shelf Awareness, Shelfari, for a few examples. Also several authors' sites. I'm rarely able to get to a "live" bookstore so rely almost 100% on ARCs and online booksellers.
As a librarian, I get reviews from a number of places for work...and I use Goodreads reviews a lot or maybe I just go with a favorite author or what the department needs for classes or just something a patron would like to see in our collection. But for my personal pleasure reading, I use all sorts of sources. I have eclectic tastes so it really depends on my mood. What am I in the mood for now? A little Jesse Stone with Robert B. Parker...then maybe some Anne McCaffrey...or a good bodice ripper.
As a non librarian I have often depended on the kindness of strangers for my book selections and that is primarily why I joned Goodreads. I had this terrible tendency to discount every book which made it to the NY Times list or most of what was published since I was born. I have this prejudice, irrational though it may be, that people must have been smarter before I was born. It would depress me to believe otherwise.It has been serendipitous for me on Goodreads and I have joined groups and participated in group reads. By and large, I have selected and read books with all the consideration which a sschizophrenic might apply when off jher medications. While I have read some true drivel, on occasion there are some gems... and those make life worth living.
The really good ones are a life changing experience and I would never have found most of them had I not bothered to delve into these areas and talk to these people I never knew I liked.
Rhonda wrote: "The really good ones are a life changing experience and I would never have found most of them had I not bothered to delve into these areas and talk to these people I never knew I liked."I totally agree! May I use that line sometime?
I usually take notes while reading books on subjects I am extremely interested in (Pre-Columbian history, paleoseismology for example). Typically there are books mentioned by the author in contents of the book or in the bibliography which I find intriguing. I search my library for these as well.
I read fiction as well and have some favorite authors I like to read when books come out.
the book club I belong to reads mostly fiction. This is fine with me as I read some books I would probably not pick out on my own.
Sometimes I get recommendations from people on this site and if it sounds interesting, I will read it.
I have pretty eclectic tastes and there are millions of books out there to appease my hunger to read.