Friday, February 3, 2012

What grabs my attention about a book (TGIF)

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This is my first TGIF meme. Click Here to visit meme.

Book Appeal: When you're browsing goodreads, the library, or another blogger's reviews, what grabs your attention to make you want to read it?

My Answer:
The thing that I find appealing about certain books... I guess the cover is a big aspect in this. It shouldn't be, but it is. I don't mind plain covers, but if it is ugly I probably won't pick up a copy of the book. I tend to buy a lot of books online, so if someone recommends a book to me and I really want to read it I tend to find the most affordable pretty edition and purchase that.

Another thing that influences my choice in book is not only the reviews I've read, but who wrote them. I tend to become familiar with particular bloggers or shelfari members and I know which ones I tend to agree with. Bloggers with similar tastes to me tend to be spot on with their reviews, while some I don't agree with might suggest their followers not to read a book and I will probably read it anyway because I know there is a fair chance that I will enjoy it.

The question says about library books, but I prefer to buy my books. If I have spent money on them I try harder to give them a go. As for review books, I like to review them as soon as possible, so those normally get a pretty fair shot too.

One thing that I've found to be a big factor in my wanting to read a book is the blurbs. If one of my favourite authors states that they quite liked a novel then I will definitely read it. I also find that anything written by a favourite author or at least an author who's written another novel that I've rated with 4 stars or more tends to go straight in the TBR pile.

A really  interesting sounding book though, regardless of the reviews or blurbs will probably make it's way onto the reading pile eventually. I find that I think this way about many historical novels that I see in stores. I'm a sucker for historical fiction... I like descriptive blurbs that actually tell me something about the novel.

Also... I have a bit of a checklist for things that don't attract my attention. Harlequin romance novels and anything else that looks or sounds very raunchy does not make the list. Also anything too horrific looking, murder mystery, gory looking fantasy etc does not even get a glance.

What do you look for/ not look for in future reading material?

Your Favourite Blogger,
Natalie

6 comments:

Tanya Patrice said...

I'm with you on the blurb - no matter how fantastic the cover, if the book doesn't sound like something I'm interested in, I won't pick it up.

Wall-to-wall books said...

Yeah I def. go for a cute or pretty cover!
I always think - boring cover = boring book.
Also I stay away from huge encyclopedia like books.

Lady Jaye said...

Your final paragraph about harlequins made me laugh.

Alexa S. said...

Covers are a definite initial draw - but the blurbs seal the deal for me.

Yahong Chi said...

Ooh yes, when a favourite author of mine blurbs another's, I'm definitely picking up the book. :D And bloggers with similar tastes are always a safe bet.

I hope you'll drop by and enter my giveaway to win one of three ARCs! :)

Ms. McKellips said...

I'm totally with you about fellow bloggers/shelfari suggestions. If I know the person's like are similar to mine, I'm willing to try just about anything they suggest.

Sadly, I'm super poor so the library is my best friend! My special treat(self-bribe) for being good or accomplishing something wonderful is going to the bookstore for a splurge.