Cover to Cover Challenge discussion
Books: How do you decide
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Anna
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Nov 28, 2009 10:08PM
I very rarely read a book unless I have looked it up online, usually at Goodreads or Barnes and Nobles. I read summaries and reviews before deciding if I'm going to read it.
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Anna wrote: "I very rarely read a book unless I have looked it up online, usually at Goodreads or Barnes and Nobles. I read summaries and reviews before deciding if I'm going to read it. "That's what I do too, Anna. There's just too many books and one has to work to be on my TBR list! I get alot of daily emails on reviews, library, etc. and take my time reading those--I have over 500 unopened ones in an email folder. When I see something I like, I send the info in an email to myself that also goes in a folder. Eventually it makes its way up to be read, and only then if I'm still interested, do I put it on my TBR list. At the same time I request it from the library. I try to keep my TBR list to 200.
It's worked well, I'm reading much more than before and enjoying them
This is always a fabulous question and always one that takes forever to answer. Mostly because I know that how I choose a book changes day in and day out.
I know that mostly if the "back blurb" does not impress me I will not read it unless someone has thought I might enjoy the book. When I read the "back-blurb" for Twilight I thought "Oh, NO! Not a chance!" but when a friend insisted I give it a try I thought why not.
But I also tend to get excited enough to try a book when people are "bubbling" about it here on Goodreads, because then I know it is usually worth a second look.
I know that mostly if the "back blurb" does not impress me I will not read it unless someone has thought I might enjoy the book. When I read the "back-blurb" for Twilight I thought "Oh, NO! Not a chance!" but when a friend insisted I give it a try I thought why not.
But I also tend to get excited enough to try a book when people are "bubbling" about it here on Goodreads, because then I know it is usually worth a second look.
Since joining goodreads and NL's in particular, I just go through the lists and see what everyone else is reading. I have found so many good books through Novel Ladies that I will never be able to read them all. lol
Cindy wrote: "Anna wrote: "I very rarely read a book unless I have looked it up online, usually at Goodreads or Barnes and Nobles. I read summaries and reviews before deciding if I'm going to read it. "That'..."
Cindy-wow, you have your process down to a science. I'm impressed.
I also have to say that what I read has a lot to do with what mood I'm in. For about the last year I have been reading urban fantasy, before that it was a lot of historical romance with some cozy mysteries thrown in.
I also read books by certain authors whenever they come out (ie. Janet Evanovich, Carolyn Haines, Lisa Lutz, Laurell K. Hamilton, Karen Chance).
Anna wrote: "Cindy wrote: "Anna wrote: "I very rarely read a book unless I have looked it up online, usually at Goodreads or Barnes and Nobles. I read summaries and reviews before deciding if I'm going to read ..."It's a work in progress! The more I read, the more I want to read yet I can't say that I read faster...
The last book I bought the cover caught my eye
the dog looks like my dog.
hey cammie, perfectly good reason to pick up a book. :o) I've done the same thing with cats, dogs, the model (looks like--my Dad, brothers, sister, daughter, grandkids etc.) I've also picked up books that are by local authors, even if I KNOW that I'll probably never read it. Its just a way of supporting my neighbors, ya know?
Plus, if we go someplace we haven't been before, I'll see what I can find in their "items of local interest" section of a bookstore. Local ghost stories, historical sites etc., historical personalities. . . For instance, I got interested in Emperor Norton I of San Francisco, the Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. lol, he was quite an interesting character. After a trip there many, many, many moons ago.
For me it really depends on my mood. Whether I am in a book store or the library I like to wander around and find things that look interesting plus pick up some books already on my "to-read" list. I have about 50 books at home already that I haven't read, that I have either bought or people have given to me but I still seem to venture to the library (most often) or the book store (every once in a while) to find new things. I also read the reviews in magazines to see if anything looks interesting. Really no method to my madness!
First I got by commitment. Second by just what I want to read. Other than that, I check the ratings on here.
I check Goodreads and look at the ratings. I typed out a list of all the books on my TBR list and I keep that in my purse so while I am shopping or at the library I can find books on my list. It is grows every single day though. lol.
Toni, that is funny you say that because I was at Barnes and Nobles yesterday (wasnt planning on going there) and was stuck without a list of what I was going to be reading next. Thank goodness I have the i-phone and was able to get onto GR from there otherwise I don't know what I would do! LOL =)
Kelly: I am getting and Iphone for Christmas so thanks for mentioning that (because I did not think about accessing goodreads while in the bookstore) so I do not have to carry my paper list around or worry about updating it all the time.It is funny how I forget titles/authors of books once I get in a bookstore. My mind goes totally blank.
Toni--don't give up that paper list. There are places where I live (including some stores) where there is almost no reception. So I have my list with me all the time. :o) Its not always the most up-to-date list, but I have a copy of it anyway. I just keep it on the computer, then, if I get a book, I delete it, if I find a good recommendation, I just put it into the list. I do it in Excel, so that the list stays alphabetical by author's last name. VERY good way to keep track of things. :o)
I pick them by qualifying them for a challenge for the month for another GR group, recommendations, gifts, whim of the cover, and a dozen other ways. I bought a book two weeks when I was visiting my in-laws in PA and visited a bookstore there. Since I'm usually troublesome, my wife does not like to book shop with me and went to try on some new boots. The following exchange is fairly typical for me:
bookseller - Can I help you?
me - I'm looking for a book.
bookseller - Which book would that be?
me - I don't know. Surprise me and if it turns out to be the right one, it will be such a zen moment.
bookseller - Um.... you want me to just pick a book for you?
me - No. I want you to pick the right book for me.
bookseller - Perhaps you could just look around and see if you see something that interests you.
me - How about you just give me the last book you read and liked? We might have the exact same tastes in books and I'll praise your virtues of bookpicking for all time. If I hate it, I'll think, 'Gee, that lady sure was a crackpot.' And never ask you for another pick. But since I live in another state and only visit this store once every few years your chances of ever knowing which it is somewhere between slim and remote.
Bookseller - *blinks* : *vacant stare* : *sounds of crickets chirping*
me - Really, just grab the last book you enjoyed and I'll buy it and be gone from here.
bookseller - *walks over and picks a book off the shelf* This is the best book I've read in two years. I ordered it in knowing that nobody was going to buy it and I'd have to send it back. Do you like-
me - No! Don't tell me anything about it. *glances at title* I haven't read it before. It's perfect! Thank you.
Bookseller - *looking a bit wary and confused* Is there anything else I can help you find?
me - I need a couple of other books, but I know where they are. I'll be right back. *goes and picks up two romance novels to finish out the weekend a the in-laws*
bookseller - *sees my other two books* This book isn't like those.
me - That's OK. I didn't want to color your choice.
bookseller - *writes her e-mail on a slip of paper and puts it in the cover of the book she picked* You have to let me know what you thought.
me - Even if I hate it?
bookseller - Yes, even if you hate it.
I walked out into the mall and had the book giftwrapped 15 minutes later. This will be the first present I open Christmas morning as I have no idea what the book is and it's sort of bugging me now.
So why don't you all give that a shot and see what you end up with? It will help broaden your horizons and certainly be fun.
OMG, that is a funny story. Now I really want to know what the book is and what you think of it. You will have to make sure that you tell us too!!
yeah--you have GOT to let us know what it is
Wow! That's a nice exchange! I'd like to know which book it is as well!
It's a trade paperback with a blue/grey cover. Title is something about a porcupine or hedgehog or echidna. I remember it being a spiny rodent at least. But if you know, don't post it here as I'll read it and then it will spoil the surprise for me.
Ok, I'm in the majority, I too want to know what this book is. That's interesting that the clerk/owner? ordered the book in knowing no one would buy it.
Rayni wrote: "Ok, I'm in the majority, I too want to know what this book is. That's interesting that the clerk/owner? ordered the book in knowing no one would buy it."I thought that as well
But maybe she was living in hope that someone would share her taste
I don't know. It is a very small Borders Express in a small mall in an economically depressed area. The literature section, from which this was pulled, consisted of one four foot wall section. The calender section was three times the size. And this is the only bookstore within a half hours drive. Really sad.Contrast that with the Book Loft , http://www.bookloft.com/ (caution really annoying website), with 32 rooms of books and usually a spillover onto the patio as well (about half a city block total floorspace). The Book Loft is 15 minutes from my house. I also have two Half-Priced Books locations within 20 minutes. I also have six Barnes and Nobles within 20 miles. The smallest of these is at least ten times the size of the Borders Express I was in. Three of these are the really big two story versions with the occasional live band and signings almost every weekend. We also have a couple of Borders, a Waldenbooks or two, and every major grocery/drug/department/whatever chain having a book section. And finally, I am a member of three different library systems within 30 minutes drive. One has three branches, one eight, and the last 22 (Columbus Metro Library system was ranked #2 in the nation in November 2009 according to the Library Journal) . Of course they don't lend between which is why I have to join all three. And with all these choices, I still end up ordering a half dozen or so books a year from Amazon.
What's my point? My point is that here in Columbus, I have a plethora of choices. Each of the stores I go to must stock as much of as wide variety as possible beyond the bestsellers if they want me to go there first when I'm looking for something. However, in an area with very limited choice, they might order a very limited run of variety of books that rotates on the limited shelf space every few months. I've worked retail management before. You want to carry what will sell. You also want to carry an assortment of teaser items that might sell, but bring the more discerning customer back out of a sense of curiosity as to what they might find on your shelves in the future. It also lets people know that you have access to more than what they usually see and will order whatever they ask you to order. As long as there is no loss on the order/return policy, it is a smart way to do business. And I agree with Afsana that I think she ordered it hoping that someone would share her taste.
(Holy crap, do you think I could have said that in three sentences instead of such a long and meandering monologue? Sorry about the long post.)
Photo--don't worry--I too have been know to do novel length postings. But when you open that present on Christmas--the FIRST THING you'd better do is get on here and post a link to that book. I might just have to get it too, just from to settle my curosity. (Yeah, yeah, I am nosey.) :o) And is that Columbus, OH by any chance? Or one of the other Columbuses in the country?
Jim is just fine. I use PhotoJim as I work as a photographer.Columbus, OH it is. Specifically, I live in Pickerington (SE suburb).
Oh my gosh!!! That is the best thing I have heard in ... like....EVER. I am so going to the book store tomorrow and trying this. What an awesome way to, in all likelyhood, find a new best author to add to your collection. I am so jealous, what a unique idea. *smiles hugely* Don't forget to share what you thought of the book once you've read it too.
Photojim wrote: "I pick them by qualifying them for a challenge for the month for another GR group, recommendations, gifts, whim of the cover, and a dozen other ways. I bought a book two weeks when I was visitin..."
That's .... kinda cool :)
Jim, my daughter used to live in Columbus. Just off Rt. 3. She lived there for 4 years. I made the drive from her house to Children's for 18 months, alternating days with her. My oldest grandson, then 5, had cancer and was in and out of the hospital. 4 surgeries, chemo, radiation, plus 3 hospitalizations for infections. . .
Ann wrote: "Jim, my daughter used to live in Columbus. Just off Rt. 3. She lived there for 4 years. I made the drive from her house to Children's for 18 months, alternating days with her. My oldest grandso..."I'm so sorry to hear that. Hopefully he is in remission now.
@Dessa - I tend to read more than most of the people I know. Thus I tend to be the one people ask for lists. Thus my joining of GR.
Photojim wrote: "I pick them by qualifying them for a challenge for the month for another GR group, recommendations, gifts, whim of the cover, and a dozen other ways. I bought a book two weeks when I was visitin..."
You are absolutely BRILLIANT ... and oh soooo brave :D
Dessa wrote, That is how my best friend is, Jim, she honestly probably reading 25 books a week. She is the one that introduced me to Half-priced books in apple valley, MN. I fell head over heels in love with the place and have been a loyal customer for almost 7 years. I'm really going to miss the place because I'm moving to northern MN next week and there isn't any of them stores past the Twin Cities.Dessa - I was just at that Half Price store a couple of weeks ago. Was my first time there after hearing all the commercials on the radio forever. I liked it, but as even at half price I can't afford my reading habit I get 99% of my stuff from the library. I am just glad that Hennepin County and MN has a great library system. Remember that is there is a library where you are moving, the MN inter library loan is awesome and can get you most anything you want.
Dessa ~ That is a big fine, hopefully it won't transfer for you. I haven't heard about the St. Paul store, I might have to check it out some weekend when I am bored. I like bookstores, but they are like crack for me, I have a hard time restraining myself from maxing out my credit card. LOL
Dessa wrote: "I'm embarrassed to admit this but I have a $100 book fine at my library down here so I hope that it doesn't transfer up there. Darcy, you should go to the two story Half-priced books store in St. ..."
??!!!??!!
How is that even possible? Here, if you are over $10 you aren't allowed to check anything out until you drop below that level. Maybe not returning a few DVD's until they reached the replacement cost would do it. Of course not returning a Kindle or the Sony eReader would do it too. I still have yet to check one of those out though.
I was going to ask that too. Where I live the cut of is $20. After that, no books for YOU until you knock that fine down big time. The only time I got that high, the library kept telling me I had a book out. But it was one that I KNEW I'd returned, since I couldn't find it anywhere here at my house. Then, my daughter wandered in and said, "Oh, the boys found this book in the van last week when I sent them to clean it out. Its that library book you wanted me to return a little bit ago." By that time I'd been fighting with the library about the silly book for over a YEAR. Sigh, that taught me that even though she's 34 now, don't ask the daughter to take books to the library for me again, even if I'm dieing. Just being in the hospital isn't a good enough reason any more.
Well if they weren't gold plated before, they sure are now. LOL This is the reason many of my friend refuse to go the library, they all say they can't remember to return the books in time and with the amount they spend on fines it is cheaper for them to just buy the books.
Dessa, I knew I had returned a book also. The library insists I didn't. Anyway, I bought a replacement book from Amazon. It was a new, hard back book & cost under $10, even with shipping. The library was going to charge me over $20 for the book. Is there any way you can work out a deal with them?
I usually look at reviews at Good Reads and Paperback Swap. I will also go to the bookstore and browse the books. I will write the title and author down and go back to paperback swap and order it. I have tried the library thing but hate having to remember to return it on time. I may give it another shot but have so many on my TBR pile now that I don't really need a library right now.
Dessa wrote: "I'm just going to pay the fine to be done with it."if yu give them back the book would that not reduce the fines?
I would think in that case they would forgive the fine. It isn't like you can help a fire. I would ask, all they can do is tell you no and it isn't like you have spent a lot of time doing that.
Dessa wrote: "I don't have the books anymore they lost when dads house burned down "OHH dear!!
I agree with darcy -you can't help it
Dessa wrote: "Well I didn't return the books like 7 years ago and the fire was last March so I don't think they will forgive it. I can also check books through the college I go to so I'm not totally at a loss. I..."well put like that I don't think they will
But yep better to resolve and move on!!
Before I got on this site, I would get recommendations from my mother, who is an advid reader, look for books I have missed by the authors that I like and of course, browse the library, including the ones on sale from the "Friends of the Library" Now, with this site, I have a cornucopia of new authors to choose from, and have decided to try at least one from the new ones I have picked.
Ann - I also keep my list on Excel and I have it color coordinated too - I have it listed by series by author and I color the books I own, the ones I borrowed from my sister and the one's I haven't put on my reminder list yet on paperbackswap,com. lol, its 8 pages long. Ugh.
lol, and here I just thought I was being anal. lol My sister and brother in law laugh at me but I never have to wonder if I need the book, read the book or am trying to read that series. Its great.
Crystal wrote: ... I am on Fantastic Fiction almost as much as Goodreads. "love it! great site ... it really assists me in my compulsion to read books "in order" ...
er, when it comes to books--there is NO such thing as anal. :o) I feel that you really NEED to be that way in order to keep track of what you are currently reading, what you want to read and what you have already read. Otherwise you just get totally confused and might wind up with like 4 copies of the same book. er, that's 4 copies by accident. NOT at all like my multiple copies of
. And yeah, I AM anal (to quote your sis and her hub) that I have to have ALL the covers of all of my Andre Nortons. Um, that's why I have so many books by her.
When I go to the bookstores I sometimes use my notebook which has pages of books I want to check out or I get recommends from online friends on my other boards. Also subscribe for years to Romantic Times magazine. I resist on buying hcs but still buy trade and pbs. If there is a favorite author who has a new hc out then usually I put it on reserve at the library and go in for that when it comes or check out the new books shelves there. If it's not a new book by a favorite author then it's just a book that jumps into my basket or hand at the store. But usually before leaving I'll sit someplace and go though whatever books I came up with an will weed out some or add them to the list for another time to check out buying. If I get the the ubs at the shore a few times I called ahead to make sure she had certain books. I also try and get bookpage at a area library. Have been trying to get my library to bring them in but it hasn't hasn't happened yet. And there are other places I get ideas on books from. I'm so enjoying reading everyone's posts.
PICK BOOKS BY AUTHORS I KNOW, GO BY RECMMENDATIONS OF FELLOW READERS AND FRIENDS. CHECK OUT OTHER GOODREADS AUTHORS. GO TO BOOK STORE AND FIND NEW AUTHORS TO CHECK OUT.
I've seen several people mention bookpage that they get from the library... is this the same thing??http://www.bookpage.com/
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