Challenge: 50 Books discussion
What you read...
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Megan
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Jan 15, 2009 01:42PM

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I don't worry in the slightest about whether I'm reading 'quality' books or 'literature'. I read because I enjoy it. If I don't enjoy a book, I don't read it - end of story. I refuse to allow other people to dictate what is worth my time and what is not.

I have branched out lately, because I am also a Trivia taker on this site. When I skip questions about a book, I get curious...I have read Time Traveler's Wife, The Book Thief, and Stephanie Meyer's that way. Not all of those are great literature, but I have gotten out of my murder rut a little!


I read most of the Sword of Truth Series but as the series drew on I found it less and less entertaining in large part because I wasn't getting a lot of meaning out of it.
I enjoyed the Wheel of Time series much more because I was fascinated by the realism and complexity. It's a little too detailed for some people.It's been a few years, but the final book is coming out this summer so next year I plan to re-read the whole series from book 1 through book 12. I'd do it this year but the books are long and there's no way I could read 50 books if those were in the group!
In general, I pick books at random -- but I'm not afraid to put them down if I'm not enjoying them.


-i pick up a copy of BookPages at my local library, then go through and circle the ones that interest me.
-my mom belongs to Doubleday Book Club, and i think the Book of the Month Club. she passes on her mailings to me when she gets, then i go through those and circle what i'm interested in.
-i have a book, 100 Banned Books, that i use for more "academic" book suggestions.
-comments and suggestions on GR.
-going to B&N or Half-Priced and just writing down what looks good.
i keep a notebook of all of the books i want to read, then cross off as i get to them. i know i'll never read all of them, but it's a good way to keep track of what i have and haven't read.

-i pick up a copy of BookPages at my local library, then go through and circle the ones that interest me.
-my mom belongs to Doubleday Book Club,..."
My TBR list in Goodreads is even more useful. I can download the list into MSWord and then alphabetize by author for my forays into second hand book stores.

I also read the New York Times book section on Sundays for reviews as well.
Then of course there are wonderful recommendations from friends on goodreads and a few of the groups that I belong to........then the real life friends.
My TBR pile is never ending.
As far as reading quality literature, I try to throw in a few classics and fiction during the year so I can keep a variety in my repetoire. Belonging to a group that does monthly book chats also helps me select books that I wouldn't normally read.

Is anyone else like me?

And this site is just a goldmine ... my TBR list is longer now than it ever has been, and organized to boot! Speaking of which, I need to go look up the Sword of Truth series now and go add it.



As for where I find my 'books to read' - I get recommendations from friends and family. I also find recommendations on NPR or the New York Times book section. I've also been known to pick up sale/clearance books either because I liked the cover, the author, or the summary on the back.


what hasn't been mentioned is amazon. Whatever formula they use to recommend things is pretty good for me. I rate a lot of things that I like/dislike so they can give me recommendations. You can even tell it not to use things for recommendations (like that stats book i bought in grad school).

Jeff is also right..if I really like an author or series, I'll look around to find others who are similar. For example..I was reading the Into The Wilderness series by Sara Donati and LOVED it. Then I noticed a lot of people had compared her to Gabaldon..so now I'm queuing up to read the Outlander series (I'm going to need lots of free time for that one!).
And obviously, friends and family are a great source, as well. Nobody I know really has the same tastes as I do when it comes to books, but I have definitely been recommended a gem here and there.



I also look up books that I like and have read on Amazon.com. I go to the "People who liked/bought this book also bought..." section. This gives me an idea of what other books are out there that are close to the genres that I like.
You could go for the gusto and ask a complete stranger what they would recommend. They may look at you strangely bu sometimes it's a good feeling to tell the world about one's favorite book.

I do the exact same thing. I'm trying to read through all of a few authors' books, so I get one from each, as well as a new one or one from my book club. I'm only averaging 3-4 books a month, 2 of which are book club selections.

As for where I find my 'books to read' - I get recommendations from friends and family. I also find recommendations on NPR or th..."
These are also two of my favorite sources--plus there are a lot of great book blog sites out there. I read a lot of reviews. When I find someone who has read books that I've read and we agree for the most part, then I'm likely to pick up other books they've liked.

i'm lucky we have 4 charity shops in our town centre, and one of them does books for 50p each, and every few weeks buy one get one free..lol
i come out with bags full.
i then get home and realise i've bought something like #6 in a series, so i have to buy #1 if i like that then i get the rest lol
i have a book which is always in my bag, of authors i've got later books of, i write the ones before in it, and when i see them in a charity shop i get them.
i end up with #3#5#7# half the time, but i get them all eventually. i just got the first ten books, brand new in the rebus series by ian ranking for 2.50.

I have read classics too, and enjoyed many of them. I get that guilty feeling sometimes when Ive been reading "brain junk" a lot. Then I remember who I am reading for, and that is me. If I enjoy it, then its the perfect pick for me.
I read all the Sword of Truth books, too, and loved them. Enjoy!

Hi Megan: I read anything and everything no matter how big or small - I just enjoy reading! If you are enjoying what you are reading then that is 'Quality'!!


I get a lot of good recommendations through my mother, review sections in my favourite newspapers and magazines and from peers, lecturers and classes in my course of study.


Lately, I've gotten into the world of "chick lit". It is a different world for sure!
How I pick my books though:
1. Suggestions from friends - this is huge for me, especially this year. This includes people in this group, because sometimes you guys write amazing reviews (or it is on EVERYONE'S list) so I pick it up!
2. My own list of books I would like to read. This is usually where the "literature" comes from, because that's mostly all I know!
3. Authors - if it is a favourite of mine, I will usually pick up the book

Also like picking up 'books w/out bodies' from y'all here!

Nancy B.
Luckily, I have book-lover (or officially bibliophiles) friends. Even better, they like the same kinds of book and can spot a remake from a mile. ;)

That's awesome!!!! I wish... well that's why I'm in this group!!! :D


I have favorite authors that I read everything by. I have favorite subjects, like Oregon history that I will read anything that adds to my knowledge.
I'm one of those people who has to "make" myself do things just for fun, for no good reason. So after studying/reading indepth 2 books on Oregon history, I grabbed a fiction mystery.
I miss being intelligent, lol, so I am purposing more. I think to stretch my brain, I need to read a variety, that includes FUN.
Also, I like Goodreads friends for this, as i choose ones that I dont' have anything in common with.
the 1001 list is great too, because it helps me read what I wouldn't choose on my own.