I confess, I kind of have low standards.
For books, I mean. My standards are quite high for other things, * like the quality of music or movies or art or the kind of pirate ships I like or laptop brands or sisters (they actually failed to reach my standards so I’m selling them all on etsy). But for books? I JUST WANT TO READ THEM ALL AND IT’S A CURSE BASICALLY. This is proven by the fact I have 1,326 novels on my to-read list on Goodreads. #helpme
But I do have a vague picking-what-I-want-to-read system. Otherwise I’d just be dead under a pile of unread books.
So today I’m listing 10 reasons I’ll decide to read a book and they’re all definitely sensible and logical. No doubt. That’s why you come to read this blog I’M SURE. And ah no, “reading blurbs” doesn’t come into this at all. Who reads blurbs? What is that nonsense? I am QUEEN OF ALL and don’t have time for reading silly little blurbs. **
* My standards are also insufferably low when it comes to cake. I JUST MUST EAT THE CAKE. My parental made one the other day that she deemed a flop. But did I eat it? Yes. Because cake.
** I’ve been called Slightly Delusional before but I’m sure that was a mistake.
1. IT’S DOWNRIGHT GORGEOUS.
Oh STAHP. You know you cover judge too!! And I have exactly zero shame for cover judging because I’m on #bookstagram * and do I want to take photos of ugly books with terrible fonts?? No. Don’t be absurd. I need precious art on book covers. And I will absolutely pick up a book just because it’s pretty.
Actual Conversation While Trying To Decide What Book To Buy
Me: This is pretty.
Brain: But what about the words? Why don’t you look it up on Goodreads? What are the bloggers saying? What’s the writing style like? Is it in your favourite genre? Do you like that author?
Me: It’s soooooooo pretty.
Brain: THINK THIS THROUGH.
Me: PrEtTY.
Brain: You might not even like it!!
Me: You’re right.
Me: We’ll get it.
This backfires only 89% of the time. But at least I still get a pretty book out of it??? Shelves don’t grow healthily overcrowded and start screaming in pain without help you know! I AM HERE TO HELP.
* AND I JUST HIT 20,000-FOLLOWERS AND KIND OF CAN’T BELIEVE IT.
2. IT WAS FORETOLD IN THE ANCIENT GREEK PROPHECIES THAT I WOULD READ IT.
What? That sounds legit. If I was in Camp Half Blood NO DOUBT my quest and prophecy would be “go to the library and read all the books”. So I’m just saying. The stars have aligned, the universe decress, the dragons have nodded, my bookshelf has given the stamp of approval. My dog even says yes. So I’m reading it.
3. I HAVE BEEN THREATENED THAT IF I DON’T READ IT I WILL BE DESTROYED AT DAWN.
I’d like to say “YOUR THREATS WON’T WORK I FEAR NOTHING, YOU FIENDS” but that is not true at all and I have hastily run towards a book to escape blogging friends reaching through their computer screens and across the globe and beating me to death with a tricorne hat.
I’LL READ IT THEN, YOU VIOLENT FROND. (And I actually really like recommendations from my friendly local book bloggers, so keep ’em coming.)
But in all fairness this is how I generally recommend books too.
Why politely inquire if someone would like to read a book when you can duct tape them to a chair and hurl the book at them repeatedly??? #BookwormLogic
4. IT’S MY FAVOURITE GENRE.
Because I’m very easily persuaded by genres I know I’ll love. Like if you say “HEY LOOK AT THIS NEAT CONTEMPORARY” I will possibly pause and consider and maybe read the blurb and possibly consult the kraken lords of the ancient darkness and then consult my 5-year timeline to see if I can squeeze it in.
However. Just say “HEY LOOK THERE’S THIS NEAT FANTASY” and I’m there. Absolutely 1000000% there. I’ve probably stolen a camel and bravely swam nine seas with only a pocketful of cake crumbs to sustain me because NAUGHT CANNOT KEEP ME AWAY FROM FANTASY NOVELS.
5. IT’S BY AN AUTHOR I ALREADY LOVE.
Am I a stalker? Why yes. Yes I am. I’m basically like an adorable little wraith of the darkness that just lurks over the internet waiting for authors to announce their next book. And then — BOOM — I’m all over Goodreads and howling until release day. I like authors I can trust, okay?! I like to know I’m in for an excellent read.
6. IT CONTAINS ONE OF MY MANY BOOKISH WEAKNESSES.
And, dude, I have so many. You wave any of these in front of my eyeballs and you’ve got me. I’ll even trade you cake for a book that contains any of these AND THAT’S SAYING SOMETHING BECAUSE I LOVE CAKE.
- Families, especially evil families.
- Dragons, especially shapeshifting dragons.
- Sassmasters.
- Stabtastic stabby plots.
- If it includes assassins, wars, knives, other general pointy objects of doom.
- Anything set in a bakery because obviously I have priorities.
- Books about books BECAUSE HOW CAN THAT GO WRONG?!
- Obscure retellings, particularly diverse ones because the world needs these.
- Fantasy that focuses on characters with disabilities or mental illnesses.
- Maggie Stiefvater books. Yes this is a category, hush now.
- Non-human characters with I-want-to-feel-all-the-things complexes.
- Cake
- Pirates.
- SERIOUSLY ALL THE PIRATE BOOKS. WHY AREN’T THERE MORE.
- Paris
- Royal children who go missing all the time and honestly need playpens.
- MAGIC POWERS OF DARK AWESOME.
- Cake
- I think I mentioned cake a few times already??? It’s hard to say.
7. I’VE BEEN SENT IT FOR REVIEW.
Which is actually a reason I pick up a LOT of books that I probably wouldn’t have tried otherwise! Sometimes being inundated with unsolicited ARCs is actually terrifying. (Especially when I got sent a very PINK book with a picture of LIPS AND LIPSTICK on the front with the tagline about beauty and sex and I was just like…unless someone is being stabbed here, noooooooo.) BUT USUALLY I GET SENT THE RIGHT KIND OF BOOKS! And I basically read everything I’m sent. Plus I don’t have to make decisions. It’s there. I read. Nice.
8. I’M INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE TOPIC.
I get super obsessed with topics. It’s like I just must learn EVERYTHING ABOUT IT OF EVER. So often I’ll pick up a book exclusively because it’s dealing with my current Topic Interest. And this fits in with writing too, because #RESEARCH. Anyway, currently it’s pirates of the seven seas. This is an honest interest and there’s nothing to be worried about here.
9. IT HAS AN INTERESTING PITCH.
Like I said, I don’t read blurbs. Blurbs are often (A) boring, (B) actually accidentally spoil the whole book, or (C) I just can’t bring myself to read like a 200-word blurb because who has time for that??? #QueenOfTheLazy But PITCHES on the other hand?? I am all over those. Sell me a book in a sentence, with hopefully a juicy comparison, like “it’s the child of Six of Crows and Pirates of the Caribbean IN SPACE” and you know what? Here I am. Sign me up.
Also someone write that.
10. EVERYONE ELSE IS READING IT AND I’M A PEER-PRESSURED KUMQUAT.
I actually just like to say the word kumquat because it’s very satisfying. BUT ALSO MOVING FORWARD — I really really like to know what everyone is flailing about. I get very curious, okay??? I just want to read it if you’re reading it too.
If a book is hyped — I’m probably already gnawing on the pages like a little book mite.
This backfires like ALL THE TIME but when does that stop me? NEVER. As I famously like to say: why make a mistake once when you can do it a dozen times until you’ve spontaneously combusted into a psychotic dragon that just laughs and eats people and has no idea what it’s doing with its life. *
* That was super poetic and also I’ve never said that before SO IT’S NOT FAMOUS BUT IT COULD BE. I HAVE FAITH IN ME.
A lot of my reasons are similar to yours! I pick up a book if I like the author and genre but I read blurbs because I get pulled in by pretty covers and then I read it and I’m sitting there, accusing the book “You tricked me.” So I always go to Goodreads (which is really not reliable but hey, it’s better than nothing) or some other blogger’s site and see what they thought about the book and if the stuff that they liked will be things that I like.
Aggggh, my bookish weaknesses: I am a total sucker for friendships and sass. Romance, it reaaaaaaally hedges on the character development and relationship development between the characters which means I have to read it, and that means I have to read 200+ pages WAITING for my ship to sail.
Oh it’s the WORST when a book is beautiful on the outside but the insides are awful. #BETRAYAL😂 And like I mostly just look through Goodreads to see my closest friends’ reviews. It’s useless to read TOO many reviews though, because people always have such opposite opinions. haha. But my trusted blogger friends are completely invaluable!!
OMG YES TO FRIENDSHIPS!! They are precious in books, and actually sometimes rare?!? I love a really good solid friendship story. <3
If anyone says they don’t judge a book by their cover then they are liars! At one point or another everyone is drawn to a book by the art that’s plastered on the front. As humans we are visual people, hence why we have 5 senses (so to speak). I know I am guilty of this to a fault. Most of the time I stop to look at a cover and then I get down to the nitty gritty. I will read the inside or back summary and then make my assessment after I get a general idea of what the book is about. More or less, I actually find books I like to read by going into the store and finding something that peaks my interest. I also follow my favorite authors on social media as well and I always keep track of their new books coming out. I am also a huge Maggie Stiefvater fan! I won an ARC copy of Sinner from her before it was released and she even signed it! I totally fan-girled on the inside when it happened. Another favorite author of mine is Lauren DeStefano. Her writing is so magical and poetic like that I can’t get enough of it! I honestly tend to shy away from websites like GoodReads because everyone’s opinions are different. While one person might not like a book, I might end up loving it! Everyone has different tastes and likes so I try to save my judgement for myself. Yes, it is easy to get sucked up into the hype train but I say venture out and look for books that are lesser known. Go for the book not everyone is reading at the moment. That is when you find the real hidden gems among rubble. I say go forth and adventure out into the unknown!
Yes, I’m SURE most of us cover judge!! I’m pretty okay with it.😂 I mean, like we keep the book on our shelves for longer than we actually read it, right?!? So it’s good to own a BEAUTIFUl book we’re happy to display. *nods*
MAGGIE STIEFVATER IS EVERYTHING aND OMG I’M SO GLAD YOU’RE A FAN TOO!! FLAIL WITH ME!! HER WORDS ARE SO BEAUTIFUL I COULD SHRIEK. But I haven’t read anything by Lauren DeStefano yet….I will though. She’s hilarious on twitter.😂
I’m glad you like hidden gems books too. *nods* I like them! I would rather read the hyped ones, myself, so I can discuss them with everyone haha.
I read the hyped ones as well. Who wants to be left out??? I know I don’t! In most cases I’ll read suggestions from other friends of mine. The worst case scenario is I didn’t like the book. Oh well! It’s not like that hasn’t happened before. And yes, I will flail with you! Maggie is totes amazing with her writing. Have you read Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern? I’m pretty sure it is one of the most beautifully done books I have ever read. While a lot of author’s do a bang up job with their stories Night Circus is just on another level completely. The writing is top notch! It’s interesting to think that there aren’t many stories out there with pirates now that you mention it. I mean we have Treasure Island and Peter Pan but those are the only books that come to my mind when I heard the word “pirate.” I am sure there has to be more than that though!
I haven’t read the Night Circus yet BUT I REALLY REALLY WANT TO!! I’ve heard it’s absolutely exquisite and that’s the kind of books I need in my life. Eeeep!!
OMG I LOVE BOOKS WITH SASSY CHARACTERS TOO! Also, yes I will buy a book because it’s gorgeous despite the book being absolute rubbish. #truestory
WE’RE PRACTICALLY TWINS HERE THEN CLEARLY. Sassy characters are the best.😂 I must read them so I can take notes.😂
All of these are genuinely good reasons, I think! Even beautiful covers to an extent. :’) At least it brings more attention to the book, I guess! Six of Crows had a de-licious cover, and it got me clicking to its Goodreads page. Then I read the blurb and I was like, “TAKE MY MONEY”.
Awesome post as always!
YES YES THAT’S SO TRUE TOO! Like sometimes the cover is enough to convince me to check out the book further. <3 Covers sell books!! (And omg I just love taking bookish photos so I'm not even sad that I have such cover love issues.😂)
YES YES I LOVE PIRATES. (Duh cuz of course I am one..) Sara Raasch is publishing a pirate series next year!! ARE YOU EXCITED, CAIT?? Plus I know the whole world exploded when you said that you have not read Simon Vs. The Homosapiens Agenda. #throwbacksunday
Shit I did not enter my blog… LOL
YES I AM NOTORIOUSLY EXCITED FOR SARA RAASCH’S PIRATE SERIES OMGGGG WHY IS IT NOT 2017 YET. I HAVE NEEDS. *flings confetti and waits impatiently*
And yes, omg.😂 I had angry mobs ready to come at me and thwack me with an angry baguette if I didn’t read that. Lucky I loved it, right?!😂
Wonderful post! <3 I have a weakness for pretty books too, but who doesn't!? 😛 also yessss to any new release in fantasy! I'll definitely (at least) check it out. I can't miss out on a good fantasy haha I do the same with my favorite authors! Like if I read one great book, I'll definitely look for said author's previous or upcoming books 😀 however I don't really believe the pitch because sometimes it's not what it promises 🙁 or they refer to a book I didn't enjoy before and that just makes me less enthusiastic about the book </3 but I'm 100% with you on the hyped books! Like whatever it is, I will read it because I don't wanna be left behind hahaha even if sometimes I end up hating the book, but no regrets lol other than all these, my reason for picking up a book is if my bookish twin or someone whose opinion I trust love this book. OHHH also when it is being recommended by someone who rarely rates books 5-stars <3
Oh comparison pitches are hard sometimes, I AGREE. Like I’ve read so many books pitched as “the next hunger games” and that’s just a turn-off these days because they’re NEVER ANYTHING LIKE IT. But if a blogger does a pitch I’m way more likely to pay attention to it!! And omg it’s so hard not to be caught up on the hyped books right?!😂 I JUST MUST KNOW ALL THE THINGS. *reads rabidly* 😂
(Also finding bookish twins is literally THE BEST.)
PIRATES YESSSSSSSSSS.
When I’m older, I’m going to be a pirate (only by day of course, by night I shall be a ninja).
I read the blurb everytime because my bookish standards are très très high and if it sounds just a little bit boring then I will probably never look at that book again. However, if my sister hasn’t already bought it and the blurb hypnotises me and everyone is raving about it and I’ve actually heard of it and love the author then I may consider reading it.
High standards here, people.
Simi
A NINJA PIRATE SOUNDS FUN. Plus then you will have done all the research since you ARE a ninja-pirate and then you can write me a book about it and I will be monstrously pleased. #GoodTimesForAll
I’m glad you have high standards though.😂 I probably wouldn’t read so many dodgy books if I had higher standards!
Okay, Cait, it’s time for extreme measures. READ SABRIEL OR I WILL HURT YOU. Please It has death, and sassy cats and magical graveyards and zombies and prophecies and did I mention sassy cats? I do like reading about pirates and oceans because oceans. I will read a book if it is about forgiveness or the complexities of magic, or if it has good reviews, or if it totally fits me (e.g.our chemical hearts is about high school newspaper editors, I am a high school newspaper editor, therefore I want to read it.) I totally cave to bookish peer pressure, though I”m still holding out on The Cursed Child.
OMG I SWEAR I HAVEN’T FORGOTTEN!! IT IS ON MY TBR!! I got sidetracked by The Lies of Locke Lamora on audio though because I am the worst *hangs head in shame* (To be fair, Locke Lamora is about thieves and sass so..it’s easy to see why I was distracted.) I promise I’ll read Sabriel next year!
I actually won My Chemical Romance and I had no idea what it was about.😂 SO THIS MAKES ME WANT TO PUSH IT UP HIGHER ON THE TBR! Woo.😂 (Okay so maybe I should consider reading blurbs…)
yes, I read the blurbs. sometimes when I’m at the library, I pick a shelf, and start reading all the blurbs. then I take the interesting ones, and make up endings for the other ones. I LOOOOOOVE pirates, but I don’t really read pirate books because I don’t like them. I guess that means I need to write some. however, my sister, brother, best friend and me play LOTS of pirate games, just how we like them.and I really want to watch that movie that you got the gif’s from, it looks fun.
Most crazily, ~Olive
I can’t even FIND pirate books *howls* unless they’re Peter Pan retellings basically. So clearly I need to write one too.😂 We’ll fix the world’s pirate deficiency! And the gifs are from Pirates of the Caribbean WHICH IS THE BEST MOVIE EVER.
The cover and title make me pick up a book, but I generally read the blurbs. The bane of my existence is the recommendations on the back cover instead of a blurb. What do I care what other people think about the book? I want to know what it is ABOUT!
And if enough people rave over a certain book (or if my sister is persistent enough in her ravings) then I will eventually read it. Normally. 😉
Agh, I hear you there!! Like all these random people saying “this book is exciting and a masterpiece” but it’s more like we’re hearing going “YEAH BUT WHAT IS IT ACTUALLY ABOUT???”😂 Those things are usless omg.😂
I keep raving about books to my sister and she’s started to read some now! EEEEP.
oh yeah, because all the ancient greek prophecies spoke of great people reading books and oreo cookies, what else did you think they were about?
Haha, what else did you think the prophecies were about? They were all about reading books and eating cake of course. Thank you, it all makes so much sense now.
ABSOLUTELY. There’s really nothing else they could be about.😂
Definitely number 1! I can’t count the number of times I have picked up a book just because it is absolutely gorgeous. I do need to read the blurb (and goodreads and other blogs) because I want to know what I’m going into when I’m reading a book (mostly, I’m gauging if I’m gonna be bored or not)
And number 5! Once I find an author I love, I stalk them to death.
And for better or for worse, I do sometimes succumb to bookish peer pressure, and a lot of the time, sadly, I am disappointed 🙁
It’s just so easy to want to read EVERYTHING OF EVER by a favourite author!!😂 I love it when I find a new favourite author and they have tons of books because reading decisions = now sorted. hehe.
I get disappointed by hyped books too…but does this stop me? nOPE.😂
Great list. I always read the blurb. That’s pretty much the only thing I care about. If the blurb sounds interesting, I’ll read the book. Also, I’ve been peer-pressured into reading a bunch of books. I don’t like feeling left out. I need to know what everyone is talking about.
Saaaaame…I want to be in on the conversation.😂 Which is half of what book blogging is about anyway, right?! Gotta read the book to discuss it!
I rarely cave to peer pressure. I am so brave. Blurbs often get skipped these days, too, since I have found a) they can be misleading and that is just criminal, or b) they will give too much info up front, and then it’s like, “why bother? I’ll just wait for the movie.”
You can be a hoarding, flaming, sailing, conquering, cake-eating pirate dragon queen forever, as far as I’m concerned. 😉
YES YES THAT’S EXACTLY THE PROBLEM WITH BLURBS!! I read a blurb that legit gave away THE WHOLE BOOK and it was so frustrating. Either that or it’s just “the journey of a lifetime!” sort of waffling on and what does that even mean?!😂 Blurbs can be the worst.
I think that should be my OFFICIAL TITLE tbh.
I read books because of the hype so often! Usually I like them, which is good, but there are a few times that I’ve definitely regretted that. Besides that, I think I mostly read books based on whether I like the author’s other books and whether I like the blurb (plus bonus points if it’s diverse). I don’t usually base my decision off of the cover, but a nice one will definitely catch my eye and make me more interested.
I do regret following the hype sometimes too…does it stop me from continuing to do it? NOPE.😂 And cover-love-buys can be just as dangerous but at least we get to stare at a pretty cover even if the insides aren’t great, right?!😂
Great post! Clearly we are bookish twins because a lot of these things will make me want to read a book too (I swear I have a fantasy radar, anyone even mentions anything to do with fantasy and I’ll be like “What? Where? Gimme!” I love sassy characters too & dragons (I got far too excited when I managed to fit a dragon in my NaNo project!). I need more pirates in my life, I have not read enough pirate books! I also love books about books and stabby books as well, because what book isn’t made better by a good assassin? And Maggie Stiefvater is Queen. I’m also very loyal to authors I love, I actually wonder how I ever end up reading new authors! I may also have a weakness for pretty covers 🙂
HELLO MY NEW BOOKISH TWIN. *feeds you cake because clearly you must love cake because we are now twins* AND FANTASY IS JUST THE BEST. It’s not our fault we need to try it all.😂 Every book needs sassy characters and dragons. #fact
Maggie Stiefvater books are absolutely everything.😍😍 I seriously am DYING for her to announce her next book. I feel like there’ll be no new Stiefvater-things in 2017 and this makes me weep.
I do love cake (how can anyone not love cake? Especially if it’s chocolate)-I’m reading Heartless at the moment and I’m enjoying it but it’s just making me super hungry because they’re talking about deserts all the time! Fantasy is the best and every book should have sassy characters and dragons! She announced on twitter that she’s doing a new Ronan-centric trilogy, but I think you’re right, we probably won’t get any new stuff in 2017 *curls into a ball and sobs loudly*
YEs! I’ve heard Maggie Stiefvater talking about the Ronan trilogy (FAJDKFLADSJ SO EXCITED) but I’ve also heard her talking about a standalone??? I think that’ll be the next one to come out.😱 But since there’s no info on it AT ALL, I’m guessing no for 2017. *joins you in the corner of sobbing*
I have a lot of the same reasons to pick up a book, haha. xD I mean, I totally tend to judge a book by its cover sometimes, which is horrible I know but I CAN’T HELP IT. But then sometimes I get a book thrown at me with a horrendous cover but people keep recommending it and then I get it sent for review so I think “WHY NOT??”. And then sometimes those books are still horrendous so bleh. But recently I had that with a book called The Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic and DUDE. I loved it. The cover is soooo unappealing but the book itself was sooooo good. I’m gonna binge the rest of the trilogy immediately because the characters are like a dysfunctional family but also so very precious. <3
I hear you with the Foxhole Court!! I was actually reading a review by another blogger and they made a fanart cover which was AWESOME so I’m like “I’m totally getting this book”…😂 And now I’m really keen to read it and just pretending the cover is the fanart one and not the actual one. haha. (Seriously though, it’s sitting on my kindle…why haven’t I read it yet.)
I can relate to almost all your reasons! I do admit I’ve never caved in due to bookish peer pressure 😛 Mostly I pick up a book because the blurb is freaking awesome, or the cover is delicious. Great pitches work for me too! Also I have certain bookish weaknesses like books about Witches, demons, talking animal companions, main characters with scars, dark magic, fairytale retellings, space adventures and so much more!! And truthfully, I haven’t read any pirate books (Though I LOVE pirates of the Caribbean!)but after you’ve mentioned it, I definitely have to try it!! What pirate book would you recommend?
Oh wow, you’re strong never to cave to bookish-peer-pressure!😂 I seriously fall for it EVERY TIME, bahahah. Ahem. *composes self and self’s weakness* And omg your bookish weaknesses are awesome and I highly approve. (And seriously why aren’t there any pirate books?! Where can I find some. Omg.) I have read like BARELY ANY MYSELF. A Gathering of Shadows has a smidge of pirate stuff in it. And then there’s Peter Pan retellings which have pirates! BUT I NEED AN HONEST TO GOODNESS NEW YA SWASHBUCKLING PIRATE ADVENTURE.
Okay then I’m gonna go look for Peter Pan retellings 🙂 :)I WILL ALSO SEARCH HIGH AND LOW FOR ANY PIRATE YA BOOKS! Wish me luck 😛
I would like to say HOW PREEETTY the pictures for this post were. My favorite is the last one, because it looks like all the other books are raising Blue Lily, Lily Blue as their all-powerful leader. And I am more than okay with that.
I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 365 (one for every day of the year) PIRATE NOVELS FLOATING AROUND MY NOGGIN, WAITING TO BE BROUGHT INTO THE LIGHT. And I firmly believe in my ability to write all of them AT ONCE. Because that is how writing works. Also, sanity is not an issue. Nope.
That is EXACTLY what the books are doing with Blue Lily *nods* Because it is obviously the queen of books and beautiful covers. #legit 😂
DUDE, I’M REALLY GLAD YOU HAVE THAT MANY PIRATE BOOKS IN YOUR BRAIN PLEASE LET THEM ALL OUT IMMEDIATELY. I have…one.😂 Baha, I mean, well, I have a pirate duology planned! I’M SO EXCITED ABOUT IT. It’s going to be a Davy Jones retelling because the world has need for that obviously. (Who wants sanity??? Seriously? Why would anyone want that? *shrieks and runs off with the unicorns*)
Oh gosh, that just reminded me. I wrote an entire blog post (read: rant) about blurbs spoiling books. Do not read the blurb for The Masked City before you finish The Invisible Library. DO NOT.
I don’t really cave to bookish peer pressure unless the book sounds legitimately interesting to me.. When people tell me to do something I don’t really want to do, I want to do it even less.
I usually read the blurb before I buy a book…and then some random pages…
Awk I WON’T!! I don’t even look at blurbs of the second books AT ALL nowadays because of the potential of spoilers.🙈🙊 (Speaking of which….whyyyy haven’t I read The Invisible Library yet?!? It’s on my TBR and it’s glaring at me.)
Bahah, I do get that whole feel of “don’t tell me what to do” though, don’t worry.😂 If someone is really pushy for a book I KNOW I won’t like, then I just definitely don’t do it. But otherwise I just want to chat about books with everyone! So I cave all the time.
I love this so, SO much! Also, I do have my preferences when it comes to some bookish topics. I do love a great book with best friends, anything with sisters as well because sisters are pretty cool when you think about it and strong family bonds. I’m kind of a contemporary reader unlike you are, but… I cave because of the hype sometimes, and I am SO HAPPY about it because I’ve gotten more into fantasy thanks to blogger’s recommendations, and I love it. Also I have discovered your incredible Maggie Stiefvater category AND I LOVE IT.
Yesss, family bonds are AMAZING in books!! I really get all squishy happy when there are awesome sibling dynamics. <3 HYPE IS SO FUN THOUGH BECAUSE YOU GET TO DISCUSS IT WITH EVERYONE ELSE!! I love chatting about books and like I can't unless I read what everyone is reading, right?! 😜
Also I'm afdjsaklfd so so glad you like Maggie Stiefvater too!!
I read blurbs all the time. It’s actually the pitches I ignore! I’ve found that pitches are not all that accurate, and they can actually make me wary. If a book is compared to one I love, it had better measure up. If it’s compared to one I hate… well, I might miss out on a great read because the pitch turned me off.
I’m sure you’ve mentioned it elsewhere, but I’ve got a quick question about your photos. What do you use for lighting? Is it just daylight coming through the window, or do you have some sort of lighting setup?
Oh I should’ve clarified, but I more mean pitches done by bloggers or friends? Not publishers.😂 They always just pick out the top books of the genre whether the new book has anything in common or not. IT’S RIDICULOUS.😂 But the blurbs often tell me nothing or spoil too much!! And I hate that gahh.
Omg I know NOTHING about lighting. I swear I’m the most inept thing ever. I just use whatever light is coming through my window. Not direct sunlight though? Currently I take them like a metre away from my window. In winter I was talking them directly under the window, but now it’s to bright with direct sunlight. *nods* But yeah, no actual lighting set up. Just natural light and automatic on the camera.🙈🙊
I am a VERY WEIRD book reader. All of the reasons you list are all the reasons I put off reading a book. I’m not kidding! I get SO excited about a book, pre-order it, it comes… AND I DON’T READ IT. I don’t even know why? Because there’s so much hype? Because EVERYONE on Twitter loved it & you’re worried you won’t like it? I JUST DON’T KNOW. I have books on my TBR from authors I LOVE but I’m ALWAYS worried their new book will be terrible (it won’t, I’m just a weird human being).
It’s like I like the chase rather than the relationship. Or something bookish? I’m weird, OKAY? *Shrugs* I’ll get to it eventually…. I THINK.
It’s kind of why I love library books because you kinda HAVE to read them. Or you have to take them back and re-request them and that’s just a pain (and costs 40p).
I also buy books because they’re pretty. I couldn’t care LESS what the plot it, I just need a beautiful book. My eyes appreciate me for that.
Omg really?! Hehe, that’s hilarious that we’re just completely opposites then!🙈🙊 And I do like library books for having that due-back-date too because it makes sure they don’t languish on my TBR for too long. haha. Although it makes me read WAY more library books than books I actually own which is…a problem. MY TBR IS GOING TO FALL ON MY HEAD!!😂
Hey, Cait!
I have this annoying habit to buy books even if I didn’t like the predecessor. Maybe I didn’t like the first one because of too many povs or an annoying style or no logic or a protagonist I wanna strangle. But there is a 95% chance that I will buy the sequel sooner or later because “Hey, maybe the author changed completely, the characters are suddenly divers and interesting and the plot is over the moon.” Ya-ha-ha-ha, you can guess how that works out for me. What should I say, I’m incorrigible.
I’m not so much a sucker for covers – although I appretiate a pretty book as much as the next person – but give me a fairytale adaption and I WILL BUY THE PETUNIAS OUT OF THIS BOOK.
Btw, have you read “Magic bitter, magic sweet” by Charlie N. Holmberg? It’s about cake. 🙂
LG, m
Omg I understand that pain too!! Like sometimes I have zero tolerance if the first book is dodgy, but sometimes I get too curious if everyone else is still raving about it?! It’s like “WHAT DID I MISS I MUST TRY AGAIN.”😂
Omg “I will buy the petunias out of this book”….😂😂 YOU ARE HILARIOUS AND WONDERFUL. And Yes I did read Magic Bitter Magic Sweet! I didn’t really love it though, but the cakes were AMAZING.
I like books with pirates. I have never read a book solely about pirates that I liked yet. Recommendation? I pick up books also with pretty covers (Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo, Victoria Aveyard, V.E. Scwab, are all pretty and the insides are great too!) Also if an author I liked blurbed it I give it a try (Me: Marie Lu blurbed this!? It must be good.) I also pick up books if it says if your fans of *blank* and *blank* you’ll love this. (If your fans of Game of Thrones and Outlander you’ll love this. Or if your fans of Maggie Stiefvater and Holly Black you’ll love this.) I will be like I love both those therefore I will love this book to. It works out most of the time for me. I have only ever been pressured to read on series, Harry Potter, by my sister. I do not like the HP books. I like the movies though, does that count?! I read books if I see a lot of good reviews sometimes, but mostly with contemporary. I am a lover of Fantasy and stay away from contemporary, but sometimes I go through phases where I want to see what its about. I am a curious reader. Usually when I read contemporary I learn something too! Like about mental illness’s, sexual assault, physical illness’s (*cough* Memory Book *cough*), and yeah. It’s kind of like “The more you know*.
Agh, I seriously do not have enough pirate recommendations. *goes to cry in the corner* Like Lila Bard is piratey but you’ve read that.😂 And Blackhearts by Nicole Castroman is a prequel pirate book but there’s not really actually any pirate action happening yet. THIS IS A DISGRACE TO HUMANKIND HONESTLY. I’m going to write a pirate book. *stomps off muttering to self*
😂😂
I haven’t actually even seen the HP movies!! So no shame from me.😂
I generally am cautious of contemporary too *nods* But I do like to read ones that talk about mental illness or disabilities too because I really like to be educated on these sorts of things?! And it’s so interesting too!
I am a complete sucker for a pretty cover! I’m not even on Bookstagram at the moment but my books still need to look beautiful on my shelf. I’m the exact same with authors I love mainly J.K. Rowling though – if she writes it, I buy it! I have so many bookish weakness too. Too many to mention right now really, but right now I’m kind of gravitating towards retellings.
Retellings are amazingness I completely agree! If I see a retelling I JUST WANT TO DEVOUR IT.😂
Evil families, shape shifting dragons, sass masters and stabtastic plots are all things that would make me lick up a book too.
If you told me that a book was about a morally grey, sarcastic theif who may or may not like sharp things I would 100% always read said book. And probably love the book too unless something went horribly awry and it was written by a five year old.
Oooh, we’re practically TWINS HERE, JESS. *hi fives* And omg speaking of morally grey stabby sassy thieves…have you read The Lies of Locke Lamora? I’ve only just started but it is 10000% AWESOMENESS SO FAR.😂
1 and 10 are my biggest weaknesses. Like if it’s BEAUTIFUL and everyone is PEER-PRESSURING ME, you better believe it’s in my Book Depository cart. But I also have obsessions that make me want to read books. Like ballet and retellings and Norse myths. Not so much stabby things for me 😉
*hi fives* SAME, SAME. And especially when I know it’ll look good in my bookstagram photos…omg I’m so close to buying Furthermore it’s ridiculous. (Pfft, you can’t tell me that Tiny Pretty Things isn’t a bit stabby. THAT MIRROR IN HER SHOE THOUGH.)
I always, ALWAYS read the blurb and it doesn’t do me any favours. I’m not sure who writes these, because 90% of the time they have absolutely no relation to the actual plot. It’s all ‘love interest and dates’, when the actual book is about stabbing and death. Oh, and the love interest appears in three chapters. I would rather read about the second one tbh. WHY DO PEOPLE DO THIS?! Not only does it discourage people who would want to read the actual book, but are worried that there will be instalove and other ridiculous things. It encourages people who do want instalove and other ridiculous things, but DISAPPOINTS THEM. It’s a lose – lose.
Agh, I know right?! Blurbs are either too vague or say too much and spoil all the things! IT’S SO ANNOYING. And agh, I get annoyed when blurbs allude to instalove too and then the book doesn’t even have it. Like I don’t know who the blurb-writers are trying to hook in but it’s not most bookworms.😂
First of all, ALL OF THESE PICTURES ARE SO BEAUTIFUL AND COLORFUL AND HOW DO YOU DO IT BECAUSE THEY ARE GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!
Ahem… Excuse my fangirling…
As for books, I choose my books with great precision… Literally, it takes me forever to decide. I blame it on a few factors… Mostly it’s because I’m scared of what might be inside (it’s a serious issue, I tell you)
Anyway, this post was fantastic! I can totally relate to wanting to read anything with dragons or pirates!!!! Those are like two of my absolute favorite things!!!!!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH KENZIE YOU ARE TOO KIND HONESTLY. *gives you cake* And omg I don’t know?😂 I literally just point my camera and shoot on automatic. haha.
And I’m SO GLAD we agree about pirates and dragons. Clearly we have excellent taste.🐉🐉
Ooh!!! Cake!!! *chomp!* Thank you!!!
Oh my word! I need to change my tactics, hahahaha!
Haha! Most definitely! Pirates and dragons are THE BEST!
Ack!! I love this post!
I always read the blurbs. Always. xD How the cover looks plays a big part in whether or not I’ll pick up the book, sad, but true.
If an author I love wrote it, waaaay more likely to read.
My sisters always run to me saying ‘Jaimi you NEED to read this book, or else!!’ which is basically my only peer pressure hahaha.
And I Love pirates, they are super cool, but I have yet to read a good book with a pirate. any recommendations?
(Maybe I’ll just have to write one (?))
I’m such a sucker for my favourite authors.😍 Half the time I don’t even care what the story is ABOUT, I just love the author’s writing so much I need moooooore. And omg you have lovely sisters! I love it!😂 At the moment I’ve been recommending so so many books to my little sister and it’s been so fun!
Omg I wish I had more pirate recommendations. *cries* Have you read A Darker Shade of Magic? The sequel has a minor pirate-y bit. And Blackhearts is a pirate-prequel so I hope the sequel is more piratey. I NEED SO MUCH MORE PIRATES. (And I’m actually planning one myself. Because the world has need.)
My main reasons are five and six.
I also tend to read “hyped up” books, that a lot of people seem to be liking.
And I do definitely take covers into consideration, but I never pick something up solely based on it’s cover.
🙂
It’s nice to be able to join in the conversation about hyped books, right?! And I do love to chat books with people. hehe. (And I confess, if I’m actually buying the book, I’ll care about more than just the cover…but library or review-books? I COVER JUDGE SO BAD OMG.)😂
I KNOW RIGHT I’m constantly wondering why there aren’t more pirate books. I love them, and I love Pirates of the Caribbean, and I love your gifs. But somehow I’ve only read like 5 books with pirates in them? This needs to change.
I’m not even sure I’ve read even five pirate books. *wails* Although I’m VERY excited for the sequel to Blackhearts which promises to, ya know, actually have pirates in it.😂 And then Lila Bard in A Darker Shade of Magic is awesomeness. AND CAPTAIN HOOK. But I swear I’m writing a book about pirates. I WILL.😂
I completely understand these reasons, there is a reason my TBR pile is overflowing and is threatening to drown me if it topples. I mean, how are people ever meant to conquer their TBR when so many new books keep coming out each week. I wish I could be a touch more selective with what to read next but I can’t. My favourite authors I must buys for me and whenever I see a book everywhere on the blogosphere I can’t help but want to read it too, even if it hadn’t been on my radar til everyone else read it. I can’t help it, sometimes I’m a sheep when it comes to books.
These reasons are also why my TBR is stalking me in my sleep and planning to crush me flat.🙈🙊 Why can’t the publishers take a year off or something so we can catch up?? 😂 I’m just not selective enough AT ALL omg. Help.
Anyone who says they don’t judge books by their covers are totally lying. I’m ten times more likely to pick up a book with a pretty cover than I am one with an ugly cover, even if I know the author who has the misfortune to get a book saddled with a not-great cover.
Peer pressure is a thing with books, too. Although I’m kind of more likely to dig in my heels and refuse if everyone’s telling me to read it. But if no one’s told me to read it and I’ve been seeing it around…yeah, I’ll read it, especially if I want to avoid spoilers.
I know right?!? It’s just impossible not to be at least SLIGHTLY cover-judgy.😂 And the cover totally doesn’t indicate what’s inside, but, gah, it’s just so much nicer to be petting a pretty book instead of an ugly one. I’m just going to glare at the Every Breath by Ellie Marney trilogy because amazing books but awful covers.
The internet is SO BAD AT NOT SPOILING STUFF THO. omg. It’s worth it (for me anyway haha) to read it ASAP just so I don’t get spoiled.🙈🙊
I’ve realized that I like the concept of pirates, and movies about them. But the books loose my interest. Assassins and villiany people though in general are pretty fun to read about. I’ll buy books based on covers but I ALWAYS look inside b/c right now there are more unread books on my shelf than read. And I don’t want to be more shamed than I already am. lol. Other things I buy is almost anything having to do with mental health minus the ones where someone died. Like Perks or Speak. Also as a fantasy lover I’ll buy anything that has an interesting magic system or world building without reading the plot. 😀
I can’t even FIND piratey books. *cries* And if there are pirates in a book, it’s like a teeny tiny thing happening in the background. I need more famous pirate retellings. *stamps foot* But assassins and villainy people are AWESOME…provided they actually do evil things. I hate assassins that are really bad at assassining.😂
Oh I definitely pick up tons of books purely because they have mental illness aspects too….and disability. *nods* I just got two library books out on a whim solely because they were about Tourette’s Syndrome and I want to learn more about that. (ALSO PERKS IS SUCH A GOOD BOOK OMG.)
It’s not that hard to make me want to read a book too! I like pretty books, but I’ve gotten better at doing that whole don’t judge a book by it’s cover thing. Usually you associate that phrase with ugly books, but I think now it should be tied to pretty books because some books are GORGEOUS, but sadly suck.
~Sara
Agh, it’s true…I’ve been burnt by gorgeous covers and sucky insides before.🙈🙊 I should learn from it and be more cautious…but yet??? I DON’T.😂
I can totally judge a book by its cover. I’m not sure I really BUY books that way, because I have no money! But when it comes to wanting to read books or seeing them in the library? Yes, that can be a big factor!
-Lauren
Hehe, me too! I mean, I mostly get all my books from the library anyway….so it’s much less risk. Although I DO request books off Netgalley on cover alone and often live to regret it.🙈🙊
Great list! I pick books based on blurbs and good reviews from people whom I have reading habits in common with. I try to stay away from hyped books unless it makes me curious to check them out, or wait for the hype to die down. Sometimes the hype is worth it, but at times I’m left disappointed so I don’t really prioritize hyped books.
I try to take lots of notice of reviews from people I have tons in common with too! I call them Bookish Twins.😂 The hype often lets me down, too, I confess….but does that put me off reading them all? NOPE.😂
*reaches through your computer screen*
“READ TAMORA PIERCE!!!”
Here are all the reasons why:
-evil families?? >> how about evil ROYAL families and plots to take over the throne
-dragons? >> yup! A really cute baby dragon who likes to whistle at you
-sassmasters >> sassy cats and sassy characters = BEST COMBINATION EVER!
-stabbiness >> tons of stabbing and maiming and blood, oh also the kind that stabs you in the heart and makes you want to yell at the world
-lots of knives, swords, spears, bows and arrows, and sharp claws and beaks
-they’re constantly having lunch or dinner or bribing food from the cook so that counts!
-definitely some books and libraries
-not exactly retellings, but definitely diverse characters!!!!!
-Maggie Stievater is a fan (she told me personally 😉) >>if she isn’t a fan, she should be, that’s all I’m saying
-did I mention a dog named ACHOO and sassy cats?? Oh and wolves and birds!!!
-there’s a town called Pirate’s Swoop and one book that’s all about pirates attacking a city and a girl who likes to read books who has to defend it!!!
-not exactly Paris, but there is a tall tower
-oh my god those annoying royal children always go looking for trouble!!!
-MAGIC POWER YOU SAY??!! Well there’/ the greatest Mage in the Eastern Realms who has a whole trilogy about him coming out Summer 2017
-possible chance of cake, no promises
OMG WELL IT’S THE “MAGGIE STIEFVATER IS A FAN” PART THAT SOLD ME.😂 I do remember reading one Tamora Pierce book years and years ago…and I don’t really remember if I liked it or not? So eems fair I should give it a go.🙈🙊
These are all so true! I think half of my TBR has been selected purely based on looks + dragon involvement. Let’s be real. What would be the fun in deciding what to read next if we actually read the blurbs? HAH. What a joke. I do think it’s terrible how many books I choose to buy because they’re my favourite genre – if it’s a YA fantasy then there’s about a 0.182746% chance that I won’t pick it up – because that’s the perfect recipe, right?
It’s an absolutely great idea to just pick up books because of dragons. *nods* What can go wrong? NOTHING CAN GO WRONG. (Actually everything can but let’s not talk about logic right now pfft.)😂
I pick books based on the deep feelings of my innermost soul. By which I mean, depending on how pretty the covers are.
Really though. I spend all my time complaining about how many books I have to read … and then you find me reading some weird 19thc novel set in 15thc Florence that I’m not even enjoying that much?? (That’s what I’m reading right now.) And you’re like “but Emily there are 94696960 books you claim to be DESPERATE TO READ and that was never one of them so why?” And I have no answer except that maybe the stars aligned and it had to happen??
Really I struggle to understand myself.
(I guess what I’m saying is, for the past seven months I’ve been reading books purely for school purposes. Pretty much. Since May I believe I have read 4 YA books? (And that is out of a lot of books.) None of them were even high fantasy?? WUT IS LIFE. I cannae wait to be back to reading WHAT I WANT. Not that I don’t love reading for academic purposes, bc I do. But also. Dragons. I need more.)
WE ARE LIKE TWINS, EMILY. *nods sagely* It’s definitely that deep feeling of the soul, not like our shallow eyeballs that just want to look at nice stuff. And omg I actually do that all the time…with the reading books I don’t even care about and NOT reading books I want to read.😂 WHAT IS MY LIFE. (Actually I hype myself up for highly anticipated books so much I don’t have the courage to read them, haha.)
CLEARLY YOU NEED SOME MORE FANTASY IN YOUR LIFE THOUGH. JUST TO MAKE THINGS BETTER. Dragons are life. Every book needs more dragons.
Yup, basically all this. I’m such a sucker for pretty covers. And my best friend is also a big reader, so lots of recommendation from there. And how can you say no when the book is the jam and has everything you love in it?? You can’t.
Great post, Cait!
Exactly!! If it has a good premise I am ALL OVER IT…and like those darn gorgeous covers are always my downfall.😂
So many of these things make me decide to read a book too! Often if it’s by an author I love I will definitely read it. Also, genre, if it’s YA Sci fi or YA fantasy, chances of me reading it is 110%. Hyped up books are also books I read because I just want to know why everyone loves it so much! And then I can also join in on conversations that everyone has.
I always get so curious to why people are flailing over a book! Or even if they’re yelling at it.😂 I want to knoooow. Hehe. And omg fantasy is just THE BEST right?! Fantasy is life.
Blurbs! Bah Humbug! They always give half the story away what’s the fun in that!?!
Exactly! Or they give those annoying “and what destiny will she choose?!” questions that are so cliche and annoying.😂
I LOVE BOOKS ABOUT PIRATES. THERE NEED TO BE MORE WONDERFUL PIRATE BOOKS. ahem.
Honestly, I will a book based on a lot of things, peer pressure, the cover is pretty, I liked the blurb, or it’s really hyped.
YES WHERE ARE ALL OUR PIRATE BOOKS?!? WE DEMAND MORE OMG. *casts anchor and sails the seven seas in search for pirate books*
Oh Cait. You never fail to make me chuckle – I love your words.
I TOTALLY cave to bookish peer-pressure because I NEED TO KNOW! If you’re raving and gushing and flailing – I’m there to find out why. However – ALSO suffering with massive TBR pile issues right now so . . . When I get to said book is a different story.
I do read blurbs on occasion although many times I skip them and then wonder what the heck the book is supposed to be about when I’m about 25% in and then I go check out the blurb. Hey – it’s not a proven formula.
I generally pick up books because of hype, covers, peaceful (and peaceful can include duct tape and book throwing because that’s how bookworms are) persuasions by bookworming friends and checking out how many books I HAVEN’T managed to read when the Goodreads Choice nominations roll around. 😝
As per usual – GREAT POST.
WELL I AM VERY GLAD.😂 And bookish-peer-pressure is the best/worst thing to happen, right?!? I love knowing what everyone is talking about, but omg I need to read so so many books. AHHHHH. *flails wildly*
And omg I was pretty out of the loop when it came to the Goodreads choices too! Sometimes I feel like I haven’t read anything this year?!??! 😂 WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING.
I completely agree with all of your reasons! People say ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ but I constantly find myself being seduced by the prettiest books in a bookstore! haha
Same! I think it’s impossible not to be influenced at least a little by the cover, right?!