Before I even thought of actually dipping my size 9/10 feet (I know, Sasquatch) into the publishing pond, I read a lot of books. I rarely bought anything without reading at least a few reviews, unless I picked it up on a whim at the bookstore--I'm a sucker for a good cover! It got me to thinking of how reviews impact what we read and don't read. I have a few favorite authors, who, even if they receive a hailstorm of bad reviews on their latest endeavor, I'm still buying it! Generally, I'll be disappointed in the book overall, but there are always those special gems held within that makes me believe it was a worthwhile purchase.
A book can't please everyone and every book is going to get a few negative reviews, even the ones who garner gobs of awards. So, if a premise of an author's book intrigues you will you still buy it, in spite of a high number of negative write-ups or do you prefer to pass on that one?
I think with the dawn of e-books, it's a little easier to bite the bullet and buy a book you're unsure of, since in many cases the e-book price is lower, but I'm wondering what you think. Is it worth it? Do you take the risk and buy, get it from the library, or pass it up all together?
I think with the dawn of e-books, it's a little easier to bite the bullet and buy a book you're unsure of, since in many cases the e-book price is lower, but I'm wondering what you think. Is it worth it? Do you take the risk and buy, get it from the library, or pass it up all together?
Like you, if it's a favorite author, I'm buying it no matter what. Others I try on a whim, but reviews definitely can impact what I'm willing to actually spend money on. :-)
ReplyDeleteIt depends on who wrote the review. I tend to rely most heavily on reviews from friends whose opinions I trust.
ReplyDeleteI don't read too many reviews because so many contain spoilers.
ReplyDeleteI do like the reviews in the ALAN Review because they never contain spoilers. I'll look to see if LSJ or Kirkus, or if VOYA gave it a thumbs up. I'll also check the YALSA lists.
But MOSTLY, I look at the premise, I look at writing on the first page, and might open to a random page or two after that if I'm still unsure if I want to buy it or check it out from the library.
I read books that catch my attention by cover art and the inside cover review, however some of the greatest reads I have experience were recommended by review ;D
ReplyDeleteI only read reviews regularly when I lived outside of DC and had the fabulous Washington Post in my house everyday (yes, I was spoiled and happy). Now I read them out of curiosity, though they don't ultimately influence what I buy.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of a spin off post I might run: how reviews affect writers. Thanks for getting my mind working today!
I am a hard-core library girl. So if I'm intrigued by the concept, I'll pick up the book - no matter what the review. I tend to read reviews after I've finished the book and to connect with other readers - whether it's that: Hooray! We loved this conversation or the Can-you-believe-the-MC-did-that!?! rant.
ReplyDeleteI don't often read reviews, mainly because my book buying/reading selection developed long ago from browsing and reading back covers or descriptions, so I never got in the habit. And since reviews are all over the place on most books, I'm not sure I'd know which ones to go by.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on the author and the review. If I've already read an author and enjoyed their book, I'll want to read the book anyway. I also recognize reviews are driven somewhat by subjective tastes so I take them with a grain of salt.
ReplyDeleteDee, that's not a bad way to be, then you don't have any misconceptions. I think sometimes I really want to read a book, but the bad reviews put in a different mindset before I read, so I see flaws I wouldn't have seen before! :)
ReplyDeleteI know I read books that wowed lots of people and I was left scratching my head as to why! :)
Wily, am such a sucker for a good cover! It's the artist in me! ;)
If the book had all bad reviews, I'd probably pass. But if it has a good mix of good and bad, I dive at it. All the best books out there have people who love and loathe it. Unfortunately, I rarely actually read the reviews. I glance at the book based on the cover, consider the book based on the back-copy blurb, and then purchase the book based on the stars.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right, though, that eBooks have made impulse buying a whole lot less guilt-ridden and if I'm on the fence for a book, I'll often go for the eBook version.
I've loved books that other people hated (and vice versa). In my newspaper book column, I only review books I like. Also, I rarely include spoilers.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI'm currently dropping by all my followers blogs and thanking them. Thanks for following me and I hope you have a fantastic weekend.