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Books > What draws you to read a certain book?

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message 1: by Robert, Head Geezer (new)

Robert Roberts (goodreadscomrobertroberts) | 475 comments Mod
What is the main reason you choose to read a certain book? Is it the genre, author, title, book cover? Maybe it's the brief description on the back or perhaps you watched the video trailer. It could be strictly reviews from readers? Who knows, everyone is different.


message 2: by Geraldine (new)

Geraldine | 131 comments I was at the library, browsing. And I saw “A slice of Heaven “. By Sherryl woods. I chose it to read only because a girl I used to work with always used the expression “ It was a slice of heaven “. Referring to how she would like working with someone that day. I never heard that expression before.


message 3: by G.G. (new)

G.G. (ggatcheson) | 6 comments blurb and sometimes reviews to make sure I understood the blurb correctly


message 4: by Celia (new)

Celia (cinbread19) Genre - Historical Fiction.
Author - I have a list of 25 that I read any new book that is published
Cover - certain covers turn me off


message 5: by MaryJo (new)

MaryJo Dawson | 112 comments The first thing is the author. If the book is written by someone whose work I've enjoyed reading consistently - like Jacqueline Winspear, for example - I'm going to grab it.
Good recommendations and reviews help for someone new.
Covers do not draw me too much; you DO not necessarily get a good read by a well done cover.
And, sometimes something so worthwhile comes by taking the time to browse the library shelves too.


message 6: by Robert, Head Geezer (new)

Robert Roberts (goodreadscomrobertroberts) | 475 comments Mod
Does anyone ever look at video book trailers?


message 7: by gwen graves (new)

gwen graves (absolutelyaloverofgoodbooks) | 35 comments First I love historical novels and mystery. History was always my favorite subject in school. Perhaps mystery, because one of my ancestors Started the Pinkerton Detective Agency and he ran spies for Union during the Civil War. I chose books sometimes by the description and by the author. I have maybe 7 authors I really enjoyed their books.


message 8: by Valerie (new)

Valerie Robert wrote: "Does anyone ever look at video book trailers?"

Can't say that I do.


message 9: by Robert, Head Geezer (new)

Robert Roberts (goodreadscomrobertroberts) | 475 comments Mod
Valerie if you have never watched a book trailer you can look at mine on my home page. Just click on the picture of Souls of the Desert or The Monkey Toy and the video starts. Pretty cool!


message 10: by Robert, Head Geezer (new)


message 11: by MaryJo (new)

MaryJo Dawson | 112 comments Robert wrote: "Does anyone ever look at video book trailers?"

You know I don't. Perhaps I should. Do they accurately portray the quality of the story and the writer's skills?


message 12: by Robert, Head Geezer (new)

Robert Roberts (goodreadscomrobertroberts) | 475 comments Mod
Refer to above Message #10 to view a Book Trailer. It describes the basic theme of what the book is about, but writing skills not so much.


message 13: by Kathleen (new)

Kathleen Easley | 14 comments I had never even heard of video book trailers. Technology. Gotta love it. I watched your video of Souls of the Desert and found it very compelling! I think I may have to go buy the book!!


message 14: by Robert, Head Geezer (new)

Robert Roberts (goodreadscomrobertroberts) | 475 comments Mod
I think you will find it quite interesting Kathleen!


message 15: by Susan (new)

Susan (wife2abadge) There are very few authors I'd read simply because they have a new book out. I usually put a book on my "to read" list because I read a positive review of it. I've been trying to make sure I read outside my comfort zone too, and not just stick to one genre or one gender or color of author.


message 16: by Geraldine (new)

Geraldine | 131 comments Celia wrote: "Genre - Historical Fiction.
Author - I have a list of 25 that I read any new book that is published
Cover - certain covers turn me off"


What covers turn you off?


message 17: by gwen graves (new)

gwen graves (absolutelyaloverofgoodbooks) | 35 comments I love historical novels and mysteries the most.Historical novels about the times of a period or the historical figures of that time. Mysteries a complicated plot and great characters.


message 18: by Jane (new)

Jane Wood First of all the book must be of a genre that I am interested in and enjoy. For instance, animal fiction, mystery, historical, suspense novels are read and enjoyed. A well written book is a joy to read in itself as many out there seem to suffer editorial errors etc. Secondly, the story must hold my attention and the characters too must be relatable and likeable.


message 19: by Kevin (new)

Kevin Reeder | 9 comments If I have enjoyed the author before I will definitely try it. I enjoy read authors in sequence, especially when recurring characters are present in their books. It bums me out when the next in sequence is not available as I hate to skip over. Have begun reading more foreign authors and found them by listening to the local librarian asking if I had ever read them.


message 20: by Deb (new)

Deb (meddeb) | -5 comments I like to sample so I go to the library a lot, although I have a trillion books at home. I will read according to reviews but mostly authors I have already read.


message 21: by Karen (new)

Karen Connell | 11 comments Me too. My last read was Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult. It was very engaging, I highly recommend it.


message 22: by Christie (new)

Christie | 7 comments 1. Certain authors whose style or subjects I like
2. A particular genre that I favor
3. Reviews by other readers, both positive and negative


message 23: by Kellie (new)

Kellie | 123 comments Sometimes the cover, or the blurb. Or even an author I enjoy.


message 24: by Deb (new)

Deb Cheek (debcheek) | 3 comments The genre or author. Reviews or feedback from FB groups I’m in. Or the cover. I love interesting and artistic covers.


message 25: by Teddie (new)

Teddie Peacock | 6 comments When I have time to read I focus on whatever my BC is reading. It’s a diverse group of very well women and they have good suggestions


message 26: by Robert, Head Geezer (new)

Robert Roberts (goodreadscomrobertroberts) | 475 comments Mod
What is a BC Teddie? I’m from Missouri and we’re not real smart down here.


message 27: by gwen graves (new)

gwen graves (absolutelyaloverofgoodbooks) | 35 comments Book club


message 28: by Carolyn (new)

Carolyn | 8 comments I agree. It is lots of fun seeing what others are reading. I am reading "Love Stories From History" by Leslie and Dan Landrigan.


message 29: by MaryJo (new)

MaryJo Dawson | 112 comments Robert wrote: "What is a BC Teddie? I’m from Missouri and we’re not real smart down here."

LOL.
Or should I write 'laugh out loud'?
Sometimes there are just too many abbreviations in the world we live in, Robert. If you've never belonged to a book club, how would you know - no matter what state you live in.


message 30: by Robert, Head Geezer (new)

Robert Roberts (goodreadscomrobertroberts) | 475 comments Mod
Yes you’re right Mary Jo. I have never belonged to a book club. I seldom even read books, I just write them.


message 31: by Carmen (new)

Carmen | 41 comments Usually the genre, then the author, also how many people have read the book and their reviews!


message 32: by Pam (new)

Pam (maddustkitties) I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but I have done that.
Especially if I'm browsing through a book store. I'll pick up a book if I like the cover, the title, or if it's by an author I've read and enjoyed before. If at least one of these elements isn't there, chances are I'll walk right by it.


message 33: by Jeanne (new)

Jeanne | 7 comments Usually the author. Or the book series. Which gives you problems when the original author dies and a new one is brought in by the estate. That's a hit or miss.

The description would be the other point. But it should be in my genres.Or by an author I've already know. Though that can be a miss as well. The latest Baldacci I grabbed I didn't finish.

I only once grabbed a book by its cover. Book was a good read. Need to read the sequel.


message 34: by Robert, Head Geezer (last edited Jun 03, 2024 11:57AM) (new)

Robert Roberts (goodreadscomrobertroberts) | 475 comments Mod
I'm really surprised that video book trailers are not more popular. My talented wife produced my trailers in a short time. They give a more detailed of the contents of a book than reading a short description on the back cover. She even found some sound tracks that enhanced the videos. Check them out!

https://www.goodreads.com/videos/list...


message 35: by Scout (new)

Scout (goodreadscomscout) | 76 comments I agree with you, Christie.

1. Certain authors whose style or subjects I like
2. A particular genre that I favor
3. Reviews by other readers, both positive and negative


message 36: by Kirsty (new)

Kirsty (kirsty_tothill) | 7 comments If I am browsing in a book store - not looking for anything in particular, I will be driven by the cover - if a cover catches my eye I will pick it up and read the back.
But if I am being specific, like looking for a particular author I will seek them out.
I have added quite a few books in my to read list on here based on other people's reviews.
I am quite set in my love of historical fiction and seem to be drawn to series rather than stand alones. I am not exclusive to that though. I am finding myself reading gigantic books at this stage - 800+ pages - being a slow reader, they're taking me months to get through. My to read shelf - both physical and on here - are growing quicker than my read shelves!


message 37: by Agnes (new)

Agnes  (silkchapters) | 35 comments 1. an author I have read before
2. a recommendation from a friend
3. a book club I attend
4. a change in genre


message 38: by Rosie (new)

Rosie | 33 comments I pick a lot of ideas from TV shows or movies. Where they are based on a book or series.


message 39: by E (new)

E | 47 comments When I see American Flags being burned on the city streets by mobs in the USA,
I always re watch the six part HMonarchy.
"John Adams".
It reminds me of the men that forged the freedoms we have and cut us loose from the monarchy.

I decided to finally
read the Pulitzer Prize winning book the series was base on.
Lifts my spirits.


message 40: by E (new)

E | 47 comments Thats HBO series . This darn thing wont allow corrections.


message 41: by Katarina (new)

Katarina (kbredberg) | 19 comments I am in a book club and we read one book per month and it is always female authors and the book club is political, that is social democratic. Soon we will read Vivian Gornick: The od woman and the city (New York).


message 42: by Katarina (new)

Katarina (kbredberg) | 19 comments Odd not od


message 43: by Elizabeth (new)

Elizabeth Hughescallison | 7 comments Author, narrator, subject, recommendations.


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