What effects how you read?

[El]

I try not to get too wrapped up in reviews - I usually ignore most book reviews in magazines and newspapers, though occasionally will glance at the New York Times Review... but usually only if I'm interested in the author already, and then I will only skim lest they let slip something about the book that might affect my feelings about it. I don't like knowing too much about the books I read - I'm one of those that actually won't read even the dustjacket if possible. Again, I skim the synopsis, making my decision (if it's not one I already intended to read) based on keywords that make or break it for me. Then I read the synopsis more clearly at the end to see if I agree with their explanation of the story.

As for hype, that's another issue entirely. I tend to avoid most books that are dripping with hype. Occasionally I'll read a book later, usually after the hype has worn off, and then I get almost belligerent when I read it and it nowhere matches the praise given by everyone else. I haven't read The Da Vinci Code or Twilight. I read HP on my own and tried to ignore the hype, and honestly don't feel they're as good as all the rage implies though they do get better as the characters grow older.

And as for friends' reviews, there are only a select few I will actually listen to when it comes to their opinions on books. I don't expect to always agree with them, but will give their review it's fair due and will probably read it whether they liked it or not just so we can discuss/debate it later. But again, there are really only 4 people I feel that way about, so. I think there was only once that one of those people flat out told me I would hate something, and based on their description agreed wholeheartedly (it had more to do with subject matter and a form of abuse as a central part of the story).

[Viki]

Invariably, a book that has been extremely hyped falls short of my expectation. When a friend raves about a book then I find it ordinary, I just have to remember that everyone has different tastes in literature. Still, high recommendations tend to cause me to buy and read. This will sound shallow but an unusual title always intriques me and influences me to buy.

[Marci]

I have a tendency to read books before they are really popular. I have notread certain books because they are popular such as the twilight series .

[Darcia]

I think prior expectations have a lot to do with our level of enjoyment, whether it be books, movies, a vacation spot, etc. When something has a lot of hype surrounding it, you go into it expecting more. A book that may otherwise have rated 3 or 4 stars now only rates 1 or 2. Like Fiona said, we are harsher in our critique.

I don't tend to read books with a lot of hype surrounding them. I was given The Da Vinci Code when it first came out but have yet to read it. It's like all that hype wears me out before I even crack open the book!

[Bridgit]

I tend to avoid reading the 'it' book of the moment. I always try to avoid reading anything on the Oprah book list - it really throws my interest off.

[Carol]

Fiona wrote: "Do you think external influences effect how you enjoy a book?

For example - super hyped up books like The Da Vinci Code, The LOvely Bones, Twilight, Harry Potter - would you have enjoyed them mo..."

I don't usually read the books when they first come out. I wait about a year or so. I gave di vinci code a 3 I think .For some reason I liked Lovely bones. I liked the victim telling the story after her departure. I do read reviews to see if it is something that will peak my interest. I know I read a review for the 19th Wife. Read the book , which I thought was a bit over done. I do generally have favorite arthor's like pat Conroy, Anne Rivers Siddon, that I will read no matter what.

[Suzanne]

Fiona, I agree ... the books tend not to be what all that 'hoopla' is about. I've been disappointed recently. and then I think maybe I'm over cautious!!!
I haven't read ANY of Harry Potter because of all the amazing hype.

[Mary]

I tend to avoid books that have been hyper-hyped, lol. For example the Harry Potter series and the Twilight series will never be added to my TBR shelf. I also don't plan on reading The Lost Symbol, not only because of the hype but because frankly I wasn't all that impressed with Dan Brown's other books. I did like (LIKE, not LOVE) The Lovely Bonesbut I only read it because I liked Lucky. As for Oprah's List, forget about it. What makes her any kind of authority? I have read books that have been on her list and liked them, and others I have tossed to the side unfinished. It amuses me that just because she says "Read this!" everyone rushes out to buy a certain book. Case in point: Say You're One of Them was published over a year ago and all of a sudden everyone wants to read it on Oprah's say-so. I read it (when it was first published) because it got a good review in The New Yorker--I'll trust their book reviews over an ostentatiously rich do-gooder celebrity any day.

OK, mini-rant over.

[PDXReader]

I think I have a rather complicated process. A book has to have come to my notice (via reviews, displays, hype, whatever); it has to be something that interests me; and it has to have enough good reader reviews to make me think it's worth my time. I'm sorry, but if 250 Goodreads readers rate a book at a 2.3, I'm not going to waste my time.

[[deleted user]]

Suzanne wrote: "I haven't read ANY of Harry Potter because..."

I know they've been hyped, Suzanne, but they are so fun. I especially liked the first two, which I think you should read, and then you can pass on the others (not because they aren't good, or that I didn't like them... the writing style becomes different is all).

I don't like the hype or the prize process either... must be me, but I haven't yet read a Booker prize winner that I liked.

EDIT: went back to the list to check my statement... admittedly I haven't read many.

Can't believe Handmaid's Tale didn't win in '86, or Alias Grace in '96, both of which I loved. Havne't read Blind Assassin which won in 2000.

Have read and liked Remains of the Day which won in '89

Of the other noms and winners I have read about 10 and eh...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_...

[Susanna - Censored by GoodReads]

The only Booker I've liked I liked a great deal - Possession.

I, also, can't believe Handmaid's Tale did not win in 1986.

[Liz]

I think sometimes when books get a lot of hype I go in with way higher expectations, and I always expect to like a book way more ifmy friends liked it. I don't expect to like it for the same reasons, but I friend people on GR who seem to have similar taste to me, so I typically feel that we both find something we like about the book, even if those things vary.

[Lyn (Readinghearts)]

Fiona - You always come up with the best threads. I love your questions.

As for me. I am the complete opposite of a book snob. I read or at least try to read, almost anything. I have found very few books, hype or not, that I did not think were good (3), very good(4) or great (5). I do have criteria that I use when picking books, but they are, admittedly, not very sophisticated.

If someone I know liked or loved the book, I will read it.

If the synopsis sounds interesting, I will read it.

If I like the author in general, I will read it.

If it sounds like the type of book I have read from another author, I will read it.

Admittedly, sometimes I am disappointed, but I have also come across some really great, or really enjoyable books that way.

Another thing that influences my reading choices is my mood, do I want a mystery? Am I in the mood for suspense? Do I want something lite? Do I want to laugh?

One thing that I do try to stay away from, though, is pretentious books. That is why I don't read many Oprah books. I did at first, but then found that most of the books she picks would fall into the pretentious category, so I tend not to like them.

On the over hyped books, I figure if I don't read them just because they are hyped, then I can't really complain about them if they are bad.

The last thing that influences my reading is personal experience. For example, a very close friend of mine had a really bad personal experience with Toni Morrison, so I have never, and will never read one of her books. (Soapbox part over)

[[deleted user]]

Lyn wrote: "...If someone I know liked or loved the book, I will read it.

If the synopsis sounds interesting, I will read it.

If I like the author in general, I will read it.

If it sounds like the type of book I have read from another author, I will read it. ..."

You forgot one:
If it has pages with words, I will read it... ;-)

I'm mixed about teh Oprah hype... I don't object overall, because she is getting people to read more in general, and to read a wider range of things. What I object to is the "willing suspension of critical judgement" (to paraphrase Coleridge: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suspensi...).

Why should we accept or reject a book solely on the basis of who has recommended it? It's a starting point; it can give you a good indication of what the book will be like; however, I like to go one step further before I decide to read somehting or not.

Oprah's list includes The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, which I couldn't finish, The Pillars of the Earth, which I started and loved and will finish one day, Night, The Sound and the Fury, As I Lay Dying ...

http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahsbo...

so you can hardly accuse her of choosing only one kind of book.

[Lindz]

I am sadly a bit of a book snob. Can't help it, well I can just don't want too. I think hype does affect the way I read. Such as the Twilight Hype, I cannot do the Vampire thing. Working in a bookstore doesn't help this. But at the same time, hype does lead me to some novels I have enjoyed, such as HP, though that was bout 8 years ago. The Gargoyle which was a pretty darn good novel and Wicked.

I tend to go on reviews and just a generally feeling about a book when I see it, and read the blurb.

I agree Ophra has choosen some good books. Night is amazing, extremely intense, and Sound and the Fury. But just the way she talks about them just bugs me for some reason, like every book will change your life. Not every book is going to do that.

[Hannah]

i don't get affected by reviews because they might take the book differently i mean everybody has their views but then i read the summary and nothing really catches my attention, other than the book cover, than a good written summary. then i buy it and if i absolutely and totally love it then i recommend it to my circle of friends and probably let them borrow it...hmmm...they better return it. then...yeap thats pretty much it. :D

[Hannah]

oh yeah i forgot about the hype thing...NOT A BIG FAN. i am not addicted to twilight or HP or etc. ect. hype doesnt really affect me. OKAY...FINE..it did once..during the twilight hype i bought the book and absolutely regretted it so i sold it to a friend who was an addicted and collected the saga because the leading book stores were out of it because it had a really high demand. so there. :D

[[deleted user]]

Lindsay wrote: "But just the way she talks about them just bugs me for some reason, like every book will change your life.... I cannot do the Vampire thing..."

I have never seen her show (live overseas), which might explain my neutral attitude towards her, but I take it as "marketing" and leave it at that: She produces films, so she pushes the films. She publishes books, so she pushes the books. She is a TV talk show host, so she puts on a show... which is why we shouldn't suspend our ability to judge critically.

(and I can't do the vampire thing either... Anne Rice put me off many many years ago, but that's just me)

[El]

Jessie wrote: "It seems to me anyway that by deliberately deciding not read a book because of hype, you are artificially limiting your choices and possibly missing books you might really enjoy."

I like to look at it more like I'm making an educated decision. :)

I used to read books based on hype and realized it wasn't nearly worth my time. I don't feel I'm missing out on books as I feel the books I find on my own are much more satisfying all around. Even then I might find some duds, but I like the feeling I get knowing that I came upon even those duds on my own and not because society was recommending it (or shoving it down my throat and eyeballs). I'm much more lenient on the crappy books I found on my own than I am on the crappy books everyone says is wonderful.

[Donna]

I too don't really read the reviews. Sometimes I do and mostly I don't but I read because I love to. If eeryone hates a book I will continue on in hopes that it may just be a good book on my end. I give every book a shot.

The only things that may effect my reading is my screaming kids and walking (well reading effects my walking lol)

[vicki_girl]

Sometimes I read books that are hyped just to see what all the fuss is about. Generally though, if I wouldn't have picked it up on my own, the hype isn't enough to get me to read it, even out of morbid curiosity.

Example: When I first saw the book Water for Elephants I was mildly curious, but not enough to lay down the cash for a brand new copy. However, I saw one at a book fair for $1 and picked it up. One dollar is worth finding out if it's as good as some people say. However, I have no interest in The DaVinci Code, and would probably only read it if I was stranded somewhere and had nothing else to read. It just doesn't seem like something I would like, regardless of hype.

The biggest external influence on my reading is definitely mood. Except that I'm weird and I usually read something that's opposite of my mood. If I'm down, I want to read something funny. If it's a 'serious' book, I need to be in a good mood in order to concentrate on it.

[Catamorandi]

I don't read the reviews or the summaries. I like my reading to have suspense (and whatever else), and I can't have that when I know what is going to happen before I start reading the book. That effects my reading. Also, any type of noise (including music) effects my reading.

[Lyn (Readinghearts)]

Hayes - Your right, generally if it has pages I will TRY it, but not always read it. I'm not saying this works for everyone, but it works for me. Everybody has their own method, and I say to each his/her own.

As for Oprah - I think Lindsay hit it on the head with her comment:

"I agree Ophra has choosen some good books. Night is amazing, extremely intense, and Sound and the Fury. But just the way she talks about them just bugs me for some reason, like every book will change your life. Not every book is going to do that."

Maybe it's not the books that are pretentious, just her promoting them? Not sure. Pretentious in probably the wrong word. Anyway - Pillars of the Earth is one of my all time faves. And I have liked some of the books she has put on her list. As you said, "IF it has pages...."

[jessi]

Suzanne wrote: "I haven't read ANY of Harry Potter..."

I usually avoid hyped up books like the plague, but I would implore you to reconsider when it comes to Harry Potter. These are my favorite books by far. I have read and reread them several times. I can't usually go more than a year without picking them up again. The story gets better and better with each book, and the last one is simply epic. I highly, highly recommend these books for ANYONE. They are fantastic :)

[Lyn (Readinghearts)]

El - Actually, the ones that are really hyped that I find myself liking, like Pillars of the Earth, Twilight (Yes, I'm one of those, LOL), Outlander, and others I usually ended up reading BEFORE the hype. I'm guessing by your post that is the same with you. You may read books that end up being hyped, but usually you found them on your own.

[Susanna - Censored by GoodReads]

I can have a problem with books that are over-hyped to me (The Secret History and Mistress of the Art of Death both had this problem), but I love Harry Potter. On the other hand, it was not at all hyped over here when I read the first volume - only the first two books were in print in the U.S. at that time, and it was not the phenomenon that it would become in a few years.

Twilight was an ok "read in bed with a cold" book.

[El]

Susanna wrote: "I can have a problem with books that are over-hyped to me (The Secret History and Mistress of the Art of Death both had this problem), but I love Harry Potter. On the other hand, it was not at all..."

The Secret History was one I somehow missed the hype on and thought I was onto something cool when I picked it up and read it. I thought it was good, but again maybe not worth the hype I hear about it now.

[Cassie]

I prefer the hyped books, and it usually works out very well for me. But I know my tastes align with a lot of mainstream tastes. Usually when I read a book that someone tells me is just awesome, I can see what the person thinks is so great about it, even if I don't necessarily agree. I haven't met a book that the whole world likes that I wouldn't give a chance.

[Stephanie]

Well sometimes I'm not the best judge because I just recently starting reading and am sticking with the same type books. I do the vampire/fantasy type books. I don't know why it's just what I have always like. As far as the hype books go, I did read the entire Twilight series and enjoyed all of them. I have read other series that had a good bit of hype but I didn't think were so great. I do read the reviews on the books before I decide whether to get it or not. But I don't base my sole decision on that. Mostly, I read the synopsis of the book and go from there.

My friends opinions don't really affect my decision because even though we like the same type books we look for different things in them. I want a book that has emotion and can relate to even though it is fantasy.

Books are written for people to like or hate that's why there are so many authors. If you ever take notice even the authors that people don't like still continue to write and people still continue to read. So whether you like it or not really doesn't affect them they way you might think.

Oprah....I haven't read a single book she has recommended simply because I think she is getting a cut out of promoting that book and that woman has enough money and I'm not giving her 1 penny. I mean I know she has done a lot of great things for people but every year she says it's her last year and she has the same people on her show it just gets repetitive and I just can't take it anymore.

[Usako]

If a book is name dropped during discussions more than enough, I'll take a peek at its synopsis. If the overall GR rating is decent, I'll check if the library has a copy. If I REALLY like it or think it'll be decent and probably to loan, I'll purchase.

I've discovered a great many wonderful books through GR discussions.

Hype-wise, it honestly depends. I did enjoy HP but I like to read fantasy. I don't immediately leap to my feet when Oprah recommends a book; however, I will check the book out to see if the description grips me enough to try. Twilight, not interested. Sookie Sookhouse, not quite yet. I'll wait a while.

[Lindz]

I have discovered way to many books through good reads! Who would have thought an open forum would be so balanced and objected :)

[Liz]

I'm not usually one to follow the trends. I did read the HP book after a while, but haven't and will not read any Twilights. I tend to look around GR to find other books to read, and if it sounds interesting, i will give it a try (library). I usually don't purchase popular books unless I have to have it! And sometimes I love books that others usually don't. I think outside influences don't have too much to do with what I read.

[Eve]

I try to steer clear of hyped books unless I read a well-written review (not just oh, I loved it! but analytical) and then I'll give it a chance. I can only think of a couple of books that did not live up to the hype.

[Kat (A Journey In Reading)]

I tend not to read books with a lot of hype when they are "the" book to read. I will read over the synopsis or dust jacket to see if it interests me... if not, not going to read it.

I did start Twighlight, a friend of mine let me borrow it because "it was great"...... nope.... got about 50 pages in and it solidified the fact that I do NOT like vampire stories. Even as much as I LOVE James Patterson, I did not read Roses are Red, or Violets are Blue........cause guess what.... they are about vampires.

I will read the NY Times reviews sometimes.... but as for "Oprahs Book Club"...........not one have I read that I liked....

My friends and I have TOTALLY different tastes in books........ so we have gotten to where we don't even recommend books to each other. I have gotten so many good books from this site, no need to really look anywhere else.