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How do you choose a book?

Quite often, I do judge a book by its cover. I usually buy books in a shop and I'm normally drawn by a front cover or a title. I might have a look at the reviews on the back page and I'll read a random page or two. Finally, is it on special offer? Buy one get one free is always going to help.

The book I have just started is a rarity. It's actually one I got from a recommendation on TV. So if I don't like it, I'm blaming Stephen Mangan.

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dancingtongue · 80-89, M
Anything and everything might attract my eclectic curiosity. Back in the day when Barnes & Noble and Borders ruled, I couldn't leave for less than $100 and it was hard to keep it to that. Now a days I have so many stacks yet to read, people keep giving me more, or recommending more. Fortunately I associate with an eclectic group of people, so I get eclectic recommendations. Once in a while a review, or a reference, will trigger a purchase. And lately it seems there is a steady stream of books being published authored by former colleagues.
JustNik · 51-55, F
I have a number of books out of curiosity, either because they’ve been around a long time or got really really popular and the subject matter didn’t put me off. If I like one book by an author I’ll automatically check out their other ones so I have lots of books by a single author. But that random book? The art of the cover, the title, the blurb, and about a quarter of an hour carrying it around the shop while the back of my mind chews it over. At that point I don’t really know why some come home and others get put back. 🤷‍♀
Lugwho · 56-60, M
@JustNik The book chooses you 😊
JustNik · 51-55, F
@Lugwho oh that’s a nice way to think of it. I feel so loved now. ☺😂
Lugwho · 56-60, M
@JustNik It's a good way to justify the cost too 😆
Gangstress · 41-45, F
I was pleasantly surprised when i judged a book by its cover.
The list of suspicious things
Had a crow on the front..and was drawn in
Bought it, read it, cried lol was a top book based around yorkshire when jack the ripper was in the height of murdering
Gangstress · 41-45, F
@JustNik apologies. Definitely Yorkshire ripper in that era and not victorian
Lugwho · 56-60, M
@Gangstress I never noticed the jack the ripper bit 🤣
Gangstress · 41-45, F
@Lugwho im gald someones paying attention
Nightwings · 31-35, F
I never really choose books, I just read everything I get haha. I sometimes bought myself one that was recommended to me, or one from an author that I love, like Isabel Allende, but 99% of them are gifts.
Nightwings · 31-35, F
@SinlessOnslaught Yes of course, some of my favourites are Of Marriageable Age by Sharon Maas, The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende, My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, and I recently read Broken Paradise by Cecilia Samartin, which I quite liked.

Wait, I thought you asked me which books I like, not "would like" haha. I actually have a lot of promising books to read currently! 🥰
Nightwings · 31-35, F
@Lugwho Yeah, most non-Danes would. 😆
@Nightwings Haha you're always so focused on the positive. ❤‍🩹
Lilymoon · F
I go by reviews and word of mouth.
But many times I've bought a recommended book and not liked it. 🤷🏻‍♀
XDHyperGirlXD1 · 31-35, F
@Lilymoon what if the book has butter tarts as the book cover 🤪
Lilymoon · F
@XDHyperGirlXD1 go to your room 😑
XDHyperGirlXD1 · 31-35, F
@Lilymoon NO 😑
hunkalove · 61-69, M
The only book I remember buying by it's cover was A Fan's Notes, by Frederick Exley. It was a Friday afternoon in about 1970, I was in college, and I wanted something trashy and fun to read over the weekend, like a murder mystery. It wasn't trashy or fun, it was about a schizophrenic football fan and I couldn't have cared less about football. It had won the William Faulkner Award for best first novel in 1968, so it was serious literature. I just liked the the cover! An incredible novel/memoir!
Lugwho · 56-60, M
@hunkalove The cover is just the first thing to catch my attention really.
SmoKin · M
I read a couple of pages. If it doesn’t take my fancy I don’t buy. The beauty of prime reading is I can read an snapshot free
Lugwho · 56-60, M
@SmoKin I like a bookshop, but I do occasionally buy on line.
SmoKin · M
@Lugwho I used to but I can no longer indulge in new books..also they take up space
Lugwho · 56-60, M
@SmoKin This is true. We got rid of all the paperbacks when we moved to Scotland. Due another move.
swandfriends · 41-45, F
Do you read on the kindle app? I have a few books on there
Lugwho · 56-60, M
@swandfriends I prefer old fashioned paper books.
Nightwings · 31-35, F
@Lugwho Same. I can't stand reading on a screen, it feels like blasphemy. 🤣
Title first, often then the cover.

If the author is notable, that furthers my interest and commands my respect.

Book jacket reviews do help also.
ChipmunkErnie · 70-79, M
These days, mostly by author. But when the bookstores actually had row upon row of books to browse, the cover would often catch my attention.
Lugwho · 56-60, M
@ChipmunkErnie I giess that's what it's there for.
JimboSaturn · 56-60, M
I buy a book by it's cover as well. Trashy novels usually have a distinctive cover. I usually look for an interesting title or cover as well if I'm not looking for a specific author.
Lugwho · 56-60, M
@JimboSaturn A good cover is needed to make that first impression.
JimboSaturn · 56-60, M
@Lugwho It's funny how the eye can spot a good book!
Penny · 46-50, F
I read tthe first few paragraphs. if it doesnt capture my interest I dont bother with it.
smiler2012 · 61-69
[@lugwho ] 🤔are you choices always spot on then never fail too disappoint
Lugwho · 56-60, M
@smiler2012 Usually good. There have been a few I've struggled with. I always like to finish a book when I've started it.
smiler2012 · 61-69
@Lugwho well it is good too see you can perserve with a book like that

 
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