what do you look for when it comes to picking up a book to read?

[silver birch leaves]

The last book I bought (Le Clezio, Onitsha) seemed to have interesting plot and being well written, but usually I choose books after learning something about an author (like intentions or experiences) and whether I can relate to their perspective. One of my favourite writers is Amy Tan. I don't really pay much attention to literary genre, form or subject.

I'd like to know what other motives may drive ALL members when chosing particular titles or authors.

 

[Badjedidude]

Lots of things. What I'm in the mood to read. The size of the book. How pretty the cover is. Whether or not I've heard of the author before.

 

[silver birch leaves]

Lots of things. What I'm in the mood to read. The size of the book. How pretty the cover is. Whether or not I've heard of the author before.

True. I like handy yet heavy paperbacks

 

[LoneKiller]

Good thread.

I only read non-fiction, (except "Dante's Inferno".), so what I look for in a book is the author and the number of illustrations to enhance my reading experience.


God bless.
LK[/color]

 

[annik]

I get recommendations from people a lot. I look for plot of course. I have been known to buy things just because I fell in love with the title. While I don't buy things for the cover if there's a few options I always go for the nicest looking rather than the cheapest. I can't buy horror mainly because the covers tend to be so stupid and laughable...

 

[theSmokingRabbit]

I don't really pay much attention to literary genre, form or subject.

I'm sort of the same way. If the books talks to me, I get it. Can't explain it any other way haha.

I've read some of the longest books published and the shortest poems ever just because they looked good. It's been interesting and informative so I can't complain. I find them by just walking around libraries and old book stores mostly.

 

[Felix]

I look for a good story... if it's fiction. It has to caought my attention, otherwise I don't read it.

In non fiction I look for usefull info. If not usefull I don't read it.

As simple as that

 

[Arcane]

I really don't descriminate too much 3/4 of my room is books of all kinds...as long as it isn't "stupid"

 

[annik]

I also pretty much read anything and everything the Manics ever referenced or even mentioned in my teens. That was quite an experience but it also lead to slogging through some stuff too.

The most memorable must be "Scum Manifesto" which is interesting to say the least.

 

[Arcane]

what is that about? sounds neat..

I also pretty much read anything and everything the Manics ever referenced or even mentioned in my teens. That was quite an experience but it also lead to slogging through some stuff too.

The most memorable must be "Scum Manifesto" which is interesting to say the least.

 

[annik]

Scum Manifesto? Its a radical feminist manifesto basically calling for the elimination of men. Its extreme lets say! It was written by Valerie Solanas the woman who shot Andy Warhol.

Sample quote...

"As humans have a prior right to existence over dogs by virtue of being more highly evolved and having a superior consciousness, so women have a prior right to existence over men. The elimination of any male is, therefore, a righteous and good act, an act highly beneficial to women as well as an act of mercy."

 

[Arcane]

oh man....well...that does sound very extreme. ahahhah feminist not what i was thinking at all!

 

[Bones]

I really have only two criteria: is it in the Forgotten Realms (Faerun) or Eberron realm setting? If so, it is a (D&D) buy!

~ Forgotten Realms - There are around 250 books (or more) in this fantansy realm setting.
~ Eberron - There are around 50 books (or more) in this fantansy realm setting.

^More then enough to keep a person busy since I only read about 35 to 50 fantancy novels a year.

If the bookstore does not have one that I have not already read, I ususually default to the Drangonlance novels that has plethora of novels in the setting as well.

Also, I will pick up around 15 or so ancient religion, spiritual, wicca, and history books per year to read - those are normally judged by the cover, title, and overview on the back of the book.

 

[meekthoughts]

If I don't have a book already in mind with an interesting plot, I just browse the bookstores/libraries for books with an intriguing title and cover. It's a little superficial but it's hard to choose a book otherwise from only looking at the spine. Of course I read the plot and flip through some pages for the ultimate decision. Almost always, a book that says "time travel", "space", or "alternate universe" pique my interest.

 

[Bones]

OT

I love to discuss those topics, but I normally read online materials for it and discuss it online.

... Almost always, a book that says "time travel", "space", or "alternate universe" pique my interest.

 

[Bread]

Entertainment, pure and simple. A book should be enticing, all the better if it sports a lot of witty dialogue and clever twists.

 

[silver birch leaves]

Thank you all for replies. They made me think more carefully about my choices

What I'm in the mood to read.

I agree it's an important factor

I only read non-fiction, (except "Dante's Inferno".), so what I look for in a book is the author and the number of illustrations to enhance my reading experience.

LK[/color]

I read mostly non-fiction too, but for practical reasons though

I get recommendations from people a lot. I look for plot of course. I have been known to buy things just because I fell in love with the title. While I don't buy things for the cover if there's a few options I always go for the nicest looking rather than the cheapest. I can't buy horror mainly because the covers tend to be so stupid and laughable...

I like recommendations from others, but I'm a sort of rebel, and often choose 'neglected' or obscure titles and subjects. I second your opinion regarding the covers.

I also pretty much read anything and everything the Manics ever referenced or even mentioned in my teens. That was quite an experience but it also lead to slogging through some stuff too.

The most memorable must be "Scum Manifesto" which is interesting to say the least.

It's a great way to discover new stuff

"an act highly beneficial to women as well as an act of mercy."

A bit scary. My life as an act of your mercy I don't mind

I find them by just walking around libraries and old book stores mostly.

I'm the same. I've just had a week of wandering through all sorts of bookstores. Out of 10, one book is new, one used, and the rest are remainders.

I look for a good story... if it's fiction. It has to caought my attention, otherwise I don't read it.

In non fiction I look for usefull info. If not usefull I don't read it.

As simple as that

It does sound simple But what makes you think that you found a good story without reading it first?

I really don't descriminate too much 3/4 of my room is books of all kinds...as long as it isn't "stupid"

I think it tells something nice about you as a person.

I only read about 35 to 50 fantancy novels a year.

Also, I will pick up around 15 or so ancient religion, spiritual, wicca, and history books per year to read - those are normally judged by the cover, title, and overview on the back of the book.

Did you say 'only' 35-50 novels a year?! :rolleyes2: I wish I could do the same. I like books on ancient religions and history too

If I don't have a book already in mind with an interesting plot, I just browse the bookstores/libraries for books with an intriguing title and cover. It's a little superficial but it's hard to choose a book otherwise from only looking at the spine. Of course I read the plot and flip through some pages for the ultimate decision. Almost always, a book that says "time travel", "space", or "alternate universe" pique my interest.

looking at titles doesn't seem superficial, however, it can be misleading. Well, I do the same standing against the wall full of books


Anyway, after this week I ended up with a bunch of contemporary novels by women (Serbian, Croatian, German and Ukrainian), a volume of short stories by a Polish poet, two books by Darwin and one academic title on the English national character

 

[annik]

I also pretty much read anything and everything the Manics ever referenced or even mentioned in my teens. That was quite an experience but it also lead to slogging through some stuff too.

The most memorable must be "Scum Manifesto" which is interesting to say the least.

It's a great way to discover new stuff

Yes I think it also lead to me having to slog through a lot of stuff that was perhaps far too intelligent for my level. Or stuff I just didn't enjoy *cough* On The Road *cough*...

 

[silver birch leaves]

Yes I think it also lead to me having to slog through a lot of stuff that was perhaps far too intelligent for my level. Or stuff I just didn't enjoy *cough* On The Road *cough*...

*cough* you're a renagade *cough* but at least I have someone to hide behind

 

[Bones]

Since I have absolutely no social life, play taxi driver for my daughter with long waiting periods (single parent), prefer to read over TV, the internet, & engage in small talk at work during breaks or lunch, and read to counteract feelings of being lonely by retreating into a fantasy world, it is very easy to rack up the book count.

(Until my daughter turns 18, I have always felt I needed to be home for her for one reason or another. However, when she turns 18, I plan on going a little crazy with freedom.)

I only read about 35 to 50 fantancy novels a year.

Also, I will pick up around 15 or so ancient religion, spiritual, wicca, and history books per year to read - those are normally judged by the cover, title, and overview on the back of the book.

Thank you all for replies. They made me think more carefully about my choices Did you say 'only' 35-50 novels a year?! :rolleyes2: I wish I could do the same. I like books on ancient religions and history too