What do you look for when you pick up a book? What makes you want to read it?

[Sheila]

First, the cover has to catch my eye. Then the title. Then the author (although I'll read anyone.) Finally the blurb. I do not read the first page. I feel like I'm cheating if I do. I picked up Mitch Acevado's Felix Gomez series that way. A vampire detective but the covers were colorful with silhouettes of women on them and the titles were great--The Nymphos of Rocky Flats, X-Rated Bloodsuckers, The Undead Kama Sutra. Just sucked me right in. Yes, I do buy books for the title!

[Emily]

Originally its the cover that hooked me. Now I usually follow my friends reading comments on here and if they catch my interest I read it. I also like to look up what other books match up to what I am reading now. That's how I found Ravensong.

I think the ereader made it possible for self published authors to be seen. I have found so many amazing authors on here that aren't even noticed in the main stream world. I find it to be refreshing to read something not a lot of other people have read just so I can recommend it.

[Kamla]

Interesting title, intriguing or eye catching cover art, familiar author, recommendations, hype (good or bad). Any and all, singularly or in any combination. Ultimately though, the blurb will have to mesh with what originally drew my attention and with my interests.

[Michelle]

The synopsis is usually what I look at first. Sometimes I will check the reviews just to see how they were rated by fellow readers, but if the synopsis is sufficiently interesting to me, I don't really care how many stars the book has gotten. I am drawn to books that have characters that overcome adversity, but anything with a new or slightly different plot twist has possibilities. That's probably why I have so many books on my to read list, lol. I don't like it when the synopsis doesn't accurately reflect the story. And I'll admit, I definitely give the covers with a hot guy a second look! ;-)

[Emily]

In this order: 1)title 2)synopsis 3)reviews. If those three things hold my attention, I'll usually give the book a try. I generally sway towards romances and chick-lit. Generally, if reviews use the words delicious, sensual, romantic, etc...I know that I'll probably like the book.

[M.L.]

Sheila wrote: "M.L. wrote: "Ah, now you come to the reason why I couldn't finish the Twilight series. I got the impression Bella was whiny and I couldn't get past it. However, I give Stephenie Meyer credit for ge..."

Makes sense. I guess I approve of anything that gets people reading.

[Theresa]

I always love a good cover~ however if I don't care for a cover it does not affect my decision, but I'm more likely to pick up the book with a great cover also before the one without.... Overall_ the synopsis had to really grab my attention~ And when it comes to series and I own a book either hard cover or soft- I will wait for the book to be published with the style of book I already own- I hate when a book comes out with either or- and then it is switched and the second book is released opposite- frustrating although it does not happen to often.

[Kamla]

Theresa wrote: "I will wait for the book to be published with the style of book I already own- I hate when a book comes out with either or- and then it is switched and the second book is released opposite- frustrating although it does not happen to often..."

I feel the same way. I have this whole aesthetics thing going when it comes to my collections and bookshelves.

[Michelle]

I love a book that will break my heart. I'm not sure why, but I adore a book that can make me not only cry but sob like a brokenhearted child. So for me, if I see things like "heart wrenching" in the blurb or reviews on the cover, I'm all over it. Let someone tell me a book is painful to read and I'm there.

[Adam]

I typically look at just the cover. If the cover art and the title look/sound interesting to me, I buy/borrow it. On some occasions I read the summary, and rare instances I read reviews. I almost always find a good book, regardless of the genre. The system has yet to fail me. That's how I found Potrero Hill. So far, I'm not disappointed.

[Beeg]

I judge a book by its cover, its blurb/summary and of course the author.

First I'll read the first page. Then the last page. I need spoilers for almost every book I read cos Ive got so many triggers that I just cant take the chance of investing in the characters only to find myself disappointed/angry/upset. THEN, I'll read the book LOL

[M.L.]

Adam wrote: "I typically look at just the cover. If the cover art and the title look/sound interesting to me, I buy/borrow it. On some occasions I read the summary, and rare instances I read reviews. I almost a..."

I am smiling at that. : )

[Marla]

The cover usually draws me to the book then if the summary is interesting I will want to read the book. I think the cover is huge for first impressions. I like to red from all kinds of genres but I tend to read more of certain ones.

[Cyndee]

I too, look at the book cover, summary and author. I go by goodreads reviews, suggestions from family & friends, Bestsellers list, Talk Shows, new books by favorite writers. I read from all genres. I enjoy finding gems among the library shelves/bookstores. So far, all this works.

[Jenn]

There are a few things I look for in a book. I have a process lol. First the cover, if the cover catches my attention enough to intrigue me then I look at the title. Does it sound like a book I want to read, does it sound interesting or generic. Then Iread the blurb and determine if the blurb makes me want to know more about the book or intrigues me enough to open it. Then I read the prologue or the first paragraph of the first chapter. If it continues to capture my attention, then I buy the book.

[James]

What I look for in a book is a book that will make me wants to read it whenever I can. What makes me wants to read is if the story catches my attention by glimpse the story. If I am still intresting in the book, I will buy it.

[Gordon]

It's a feeling I get.

[Ryan]

the cover usually grabs me. Bit I am always looking through Good reads and amazon. Also the eBook section on the library web page. Amazon offers so many free or reduced cost books that I have a huge variety. If the story sounds good, I download it. I love the P.J. Parish series....or was a free e-book on amazon that for me started. Facebook also has given me a few great reads...like Linda Francis lees Emily and Einstein.

[Gordon]

Well, it depends on my mood at the time.

[Jocelynn]

I look for interesting covers. Then I read the synopsis and if it sounds good I take it home.