Want to read an entertaining book review? Hop on over to Naked Without Books and scroll down to her review on Outsider.
Chris asked how I choose my books, and I gave a partial answer in the comment section of my last post:
I have several long lists of titles, subjects, and authors (gathered from all kinds of sources including blogs!) that I work from, I also choose a great many from the new book shelves at the library and browse through the stacks as well.
In the case of the Honor Harrington books, I found Off Armageddon Reef on the new book shelves at the library and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to read others by Weber. One book often leads to another--by the same author, on the same topic, or on something mentioned in the book.
It is an interesting question, however, and one we've all discussed at different times. I'm also intriqued by titles. I remember one book from quite a few years ago that I chose for the title alone: Malice Domestic which comes from a speech by Macbeth:
Duncan is in his grave.
After life's fitful fever he sleeps well.
Treason has done his worst; nor steel nor poison,
Malice domestic, foreign levy, nothing
Can touch him further.
I remember absolutely nothing about that little mystery except the title. Any title that originates from a line of poetry or has some allusive text (that I recognize) will cause me to pull it out for further examination. Certain words attract me for some reason; titles with the words snow, or winter, or bones in them make me pause. Beautiful phrases catch my attention.
Covers. A beautiful cover will draw my interest. A cover that doesn't appeal to me will cause me to ignore the book, often to my own detriment.
Not one of these methods is a reliable indicator of how much I'll like the book, but each method has a definite way of catching my interest. If another blogger mentions it and it sounds interesting, it goes on the LIST. If I read about it in the paper or on LitMinds or KR or Arts & Letters Daily; if I hear it reviewed on NPR; if a friend mentions it...
I know Chris (Stuff as Dreams Are Made On) has a penchant for science fiction and fantasy, but his blog title is a Shakespearean reference. So...how do you choose your books, Chris, within your favorite genres and in general?
And how do you choose your books? If you decide to answer on your blog, would you please leave me a link in the comment section so I can read it, too?
This was really interesting. I never would have thought to say that covers and appealing titles have an influence on me, but they definitely do. I will probably do this, but probably not today, and when I do, I will definitely come leave a link as requested. Also going to check out Chris, KR, etc!
ReplyDeleteHa! I was gonna blog about that same Outsider review.
ReplyDeleteI used to choose my books by leisurely browsing at the bookstore, but now I'm more liketly to listen to other bloggers. Since the huge boom in reading challenges, I'm often choosing from those lists now. I do still enjoy the selection of books at my local Target, but usually run home and request them at paperbackswap.com.
Dewey - I hope you do because your current link leads to "Profile Not Available" and nothing else. If that isn't deliberate, you can probably fix it so people can click on your name and go to your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteLisa - Isn't that the funniest review? I still love browsing, but I'd rather do that at the library so if I don't like it, it doesn't cost me anything. El Cheapo, here!
Like Lisa, I seem to do less browsing and more planned buying when it comes to books these days. Occasionally though, I still browse and it's often the covers and/or title that will motivate me to take the book on the shelf and see what it's about. I have never bought a book soley on the title or cover. The subject matter of the book has to interest me.
ReplyDeleteYou've got me curious about The Outsider review, which I am sure I read, but I must have forgotten. My memory isn't what it used to be, I'm afraid. I'll pop over there next.
I choose my books by much the same methods as you do, but it seems blogger recommendations are starting to be my main source. I don't browse the library or bookstores as often. Amazon recommendations are also important along with reviews I read in magazines. I usually check a couple of sources now before I buy a book. And like Lisa, challenges have got me reading things I probably never would have.
ReplyDeleteA very interesting question...I don't know if I've ever actually thought about exactly how I choose the books I read. I used to browse the stores more, too. Now I get my recommendations from bloggers, friends, my book group, NPR, the NY Times and other book reviews, and I make lists, lists and more lists.
ReplyDeleteSometimes a title will intrigue me, or a book cover, too...
I have a list an dtha tis how I choose what to read. And how do books make it on the list - generally blogger recommendations or new releases from authors that I have read before!
ReplyDeleteI've just posted my response on my blog. Thanks for sharing with us Jenclair :)
ReplyDeleteL.F. - I'm still a great browser, but when I buy, I want to have some sort of recommendation, so my buying is much more planned now, too.
ReplyDeleteFramed - Oh, yes, the challenges are a wonderful way to decide what to read! And so many varied challenges are out there...
G.R. - NPR is a great source! I've read some real winners based on NPR reviews.
Marg - The blogging world has been such a great source for me, too. I especially like being reminded of books and authors I've intended to get around to, but haven't.
Chris - Great response on your blog! I enjoyed it!
I was going to do a post about this, but after further introspection I decided you and I choose books in the same way. Since I've been blogging, I have a good list that directs a lot of my reading. Like Framed said, the challenges help determine much of what I've been reading lately. The choices of what to read for the challenges still comes from my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this post - so fun. Might post on it, later, and I'll let you know if I do. :)
ReplyDeleteI choose my books pretty much in the same way you do. Most of my choices seem to come from my love of browsing in the bookstore and library, and I definitely rely on other book bloggers for recommendations.
ReplyDeleteCheya - :) Yes, those lists are darned useful when memory fails!
ReplyDeleteBookfool - Looking forward to your response!
iliana - bloggers and browsing, both lots of fun!
I didn't mention it in my response, but covers can have an influence on me as well. My full reply is here.
ReplyDeleteNymeth - You mentioned some other good sources on your blog!
ReplyDeleteBlogger recommendations/reviews are really an influence on me right now. I also choose some books because I like certain publishing companies and their books are so beautiful or feel so good in my hands. Also, If an author I like lists or mentions books that influenced him/her, I love to follow that path, too...I've found some terrific reads that way.
ReplyDeleteRobin -You know, I think you are the first to mention publishing companies, but I know this influences a lot of people. Viragos and Persephones have a lot of people hooked. A beautiful book, visually and tangibly, provides a wonderful experience.
ReplyDeleteHave answered this on my blog - here.
ReplyDeleteQuixotic - Thanks for another thoughtful response!
ReplyDeleteNo, it's definitely not on purpose, and if this comment saves more than once, that's not on purpose either. I've tried saving it twice, but it isn't appearing. Maye you have that pre-screening thing, or maybe blogger hates me! It has my name linked to a blogger profile, but I don't use blogger.
ReplyDeleteAnyway! Here is the url for the entry:
http://deweymonster.com/?p=48
Oh, look, it worked! Yay!
ReplyDeletedewey - just finished visiting your blog! Thanks for mentioning Bookmooch, another great source for browsing and acquiring.
ReplyDeleteI responded on my blog, here.
ReplyDeleteYou've convinced me to think about my reading habits as well. I've responded on my blog, too.
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit late but I have given my own reply on my blog. This was a fun exercise. Thanks!
ReplyDelete