Deciding what book to pick up next is like THE hardest part of being a bookworm. Oh, there’s the pain of feels and the potential of death when your TBR is taller than the Himalayas and falls on you and kills you dead. BUT! Picking is still hard! Decisions, decisions. HOW IS A BOOKWORM TO HANDLE THIS HORROR?
How do you decide which books to add to-read on Goodreads? What makes you pick up that library book? What excites you beyond belief? What must a book do to catch your attention?
What must a book do to catch your attention and make you desperate to gobble it with the vivacity of a thousand rabid goblins?
For me, there are several things I consider when I come face to face with a new book. So let me make a list (!! OMG WE LOVE LISTS !!) of these factors and then I’ll (of course) turn these difficult questions to you and see what your priorities are.
I have to admit, this is my BIGGEST factor when choosing if I want to eat a book or spurn it’s potential love. I’m horrific at reading blurbs. I basically…um…don’t? I like going into books totally blind! SO. All I want is the premise. You say “Hey, Cait, this book is about a female Sherlock who –” I AM SO ONTO THAT. If you say “And this is an epic fantasy about thieves –” Pffft, I have stopped listening and am already adding the book on Goodreads and selling my sister on the black market so I may get this book right now and consume it.
Premise is everything for me.
Read the blurb? ME?
BLURB REAIDNG IS FOR WEAKLINGS*. If I do bestir my regal eyes to read a blurb, it’s usually 2 seconds before I start the book.
And do you find that blurbs are often too useless to even be interesting? It’s very hard to make a book stand out from a blurb.
* I’m totally kidding. I’m too lazy to read them, basically. But I can’t admit that too loudly or oh gosh, what will you think of your mighty overlord?
Comparative titles make me wary. Only because 99% of the time, whoever does these pitches has only read the famous books in the genre. So ever contemporary EVER is “John Green meets Rainbow Rowell!” and anything remotely fantasy or dystopian is “The Hunger Games meets Game of Thrones!” The worst I think, is when it’s “Twilight meets The Fault in Our Stars, with a bit of Divergent, and Percy Jackson!” NO. A BOOK CANNOT BE ALL THOSE THINGS EVER. JUST STAHP AND GO HURT SOMEONE ELSE’S EARS.
Although sometimes, there are excellent comparative title pitches out there. Like Ink and Bone was pitched “The Book Thief meets Fahrenheit 451, with a pinch of Harry Potter” and…well, there are some big titles in that claim, BUT. It really was spot on. And it totally sucked me in.
I read a lot of new books, so this doesn’t even matter half the time. BUT SOMETIMES IT DOES IN A BIG WAY. Like I would read anything by Maggie Stiefvater. She could write about a pineapple pikelet and, hello, I would be all over it.
And I’ll often read books by authors I know just…because I know them. Sometimes it’s because I want to give the author a second chance. Like Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman! I really really didn’t like Taken (most blah dystopian ever, for me) but 94% of the reason I want to read her new book is to see if it’s a “you not me” or “me not you” thing.
Because when you have a favourite genre, you gravitate there most of all, right?!? I am a fantasy fiend. I WILL EAT IT UNTIL I CAN EAT NO MORE. Urban fantasy or epic fantasy, I am it’s one true love. So, I’m a million percent more likely to dive for a fantastical book over a contemporary. This does play into my choosings.
(Although I also pick contemporaries solely so my brain can have a break. Sheesh, is it just me or are epic fantasies exhausting? I basically need a nap after one Game of Thrones chapter. A nap and psychological counselling.)
OF COURSE I HAD TO LIST THIS. I’m a big believer that covers and titles are legit reasons to pick up a book. Why wouldn’t they be?!? If covers weren’t important, we wouldn’t have them. If a book is gorgeous I’m totally snatching it up and hugging it and devouring it like a goblin eating melons*. Made You Up got me on cover love. I AM NOT ASHAMED.
* I don’t even know what goblins eat. I assume they like fruit occasionally and eat it passionately?
As I’ve mentioned, I’m very open to passionate suggestions and recommendations. And I trust humans who are wildly excited about a book. I spend a lot of time adding books to my scarily gargantuan TBR that’s going to fall on me any second and kill me manageable TBR because I’ve read a great review. This is a big part of blogging right?! Listening to recommendations? I like to find bookworms whose tastes line up with mine and then just stalk them in a totally not-creepy way and read everything they read and monitor their every move. Subtly. I’m always subtle. Don’t deny this.
SHUSH. YES I AM EVEN THOUGH I JUST ANNOUNCED IT TO THE WORLD.
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I think all the things are somewhat important. Right? There’s no ONE factor that contributes to every. single. book. you. read. Sometimes the cover will win us and sometimes the blurb and sometimes the fact that I’m standing 2 centimetres from your ear screaming that you read it right now will really motivate you.
But, for me, it’s the premise that lures me most of the time. Although, to be honest, I personally read just about anything and everything that falls into my lap. I like books okay?! I want to know all the things.
obviously i’m desperate to know what is your biggest influencer for picking which to devour at dawn?? TELL ME ALL, OKAY!??! is it premise or author or do you just read whatever? is picking books hard for you? do you read blurbs? do goblins like melons? I ASK THE BIG QUESTIONS.
*whispers* IMO, it’s kind of hard to read the headings, even though the font was super pretty. It might be something to keep in mind for future posts?
Anyhow! I agree with so many of these. The deciding factor for me, personally, is definitely recommendations. Many of the other factors you mentioned like cover or genre or premise can make me add the book to my virtual TBR, but for me to actually take out my wallet and pay for it, recommendations are so important. Although some authors can make me start to contemplate a life of organ stealing just to devour all their books. I don’t pay attention to comp titles either, because yeah, they’re mostly all big-name ones. Although if a blogger says it, that’s 200% more reliable than anything on the back cover copy.
Blurbs ARE such tricky monsters, aren’t they? They deceive me all the time, which is sad. And I have to write pitches for my own novels, which is WORSE. *weeps*
*whispers* It’s the same font as my blog title but, gah, maybe it is too swirly.
Agh, actually deciding which books to pay for is my killer. Like I’m about to buy some books and I keep taking them in and out of my shopping cart because YAY RECOMMENDATIONS…but omg pretty cover…but afjdlaks premise. And I’m dying here. CHOOSING BOOKS IS SO HARD OMG. Blogger’s pitches are way more reliable than publisher’s pitches. -_- And I totally just read a book with a monstrously decieving title and it ruined the book for me, because I specifically picked it up thinking it was a contemporary. But it was like magical realism slash apocalypse???! I MEAN, NO. You have to say that kind of thing in the blurb!! YOU DO.
*pats shoulder* Writing pitches/queries/blurbs is the worse. THE WORST.
You really like dawn, don’t you :). I often read something that a lot of people have been reading/ is new and popular, or something that looks awesome. Premise and genre are a big deal for me. I’m starting to agree with you on the Maggie Steifvater thing. And of course I’m excited if I love the author.Also if it’s a book that a family member/friend has recommended to me and it’s in the library, then that is a priority. Of course goblins eat melons. They need their vitamins, and sticky things like melons suit their personality. Also, I don’t know if I’ve said this before, but I love the questions you ask at the end of your post.
(and you headings are sort of hard to read. But I don’t really like cursive so who knows?)
YES, UNASHAMEDLY. *hugs the dawn* And I’m like 99% sure goblins eat melons. I mean, where else are they going to get those vitamin Cs and ward off scurvy? I’m like totally sure goblins are health conscientious. And I’m glad you like my questions. 😉 IF YOU DO, MY WORK HERE IS DONE. *swaps out of the room regally*
(I’ve had two comments for the headings, ahha. It’s the same font as my blog title, but MAYBE IT IS TOO CURLY?)
Cait I mentioned it on my comment but definitely unreadable 🙁 I didn’t realise that it was the same font as your heading but even that’s tricky to read but because I know your blog title maybe that’s how come it makes it easier because I kinda didn’t read it but just knew it’d say “Paper Fury” at the heading…if you know what I mean,
Oh! Your list is so true – I NEVER read the blurb of books, and all too often I’m suckered in to buying not-so-great-books with BEAUTIFUL cover art… For me, I guess the bigest influence on choosing which book to read next is mood. As in, my mood, and also the mood of the novel. For instance, I have a new Louise O’Neill sitting on my TBR right now, but I probably won’t read it for a while. The cover is beautiful, she’s an author I’ve read and admired before; but the plot is about rape… and I am not currently in the mood to be reading about something so destructive and controversial. So yeah. I’m reading about old Alexandrian Libraries, instead.
Beth x
Oh oh I totally get that too. I’m not strictly a mood reader, buuuut…there are times when I look at a book and go “No way am I mentally able to read that right now.” o.O Basically epic fantasy. I NEED to be in a brave mindframe to enter it because it takes a lot to keep up. Ohhh, are you reading Ink and Bone?!? ARE YOU!?!? AJFDKLADSFKD
The author and the genre are the two most important things for me when I add a book to my kindle. I add far too much to Goodreads, though… every time I read a review that lets me know I’d enjoy a story, I add that book to my ‘might read one day’ shelf if it’s an author I haven’t read before, and directly to my TBR if it’s an author I’ve already read and loved.
It’s not as if I’ll ever run out of books to read, though, I think I own around 800 books I haven’t read yet 😀 Not that this always helps when I want to pick up a new read, though.
I basically add EVERYTHING on goodreads as well. XD I had a bit of a purge the other day, mostly of the generic looking action-adventure books because they NEVER impress me. hehe But if I read a review? I ADD IT ON GOODREADS, OMG, I THINK I HAVE AN ADDICTION. XDXD
OMG Lexxie I’m so glad I’m not the only one that has more Unread books in her bookshelf than read! Well I’m just guessing unless you have over 1600+ books.
I totally think the cover and title are SUPER important!! I always add a book to my goodreads if it has a really really awesome cover!! I’m the same I don’t read the blurb really, I skim over it and get the general gist but I don’t like to spoil anything for myself! And YEAH if someone who’s opinion I trust writes a raving review I get really excited to read it!!
YAY ME TOO. WE ARE TWINS ON THIS COVER/TITLE MATTER! 😀 I feel like beautiful covers are worth it just to own sometimes, because…beautiful. Even if the book sucks, at least they look nice on my shelf?!?! #shallowbookwormandnotsorry
If a book is going to suck it better suck with a pretty cover. If it sucks with an ugly cover, that book should just go hide in book shame!
I honestly hadn’t thought about how I pick my next book until now. I don’t think there really is a reason for me. I tend to just pick books off my shelves/TBR that I’m excited to read. I change my mind every single day so the book I ended up reading next is just whatever I happen to feel like in the second after I finish another book. Does that even make sense? Eh, time to go eat food and cry over books.
THAT DOES MAKE SENSE. But can I come eat food and cry over books with you? Because, tbh, it’s the only way to live.
Picking books is usually easy for me, but most of these play into it. I always read the blurb. I absolutely refuse to read ANYTHING until I have read the blurb. Genre is usually a big one for me since I read primarily fantasy. And cover is a huge factor. I’m most likely going to read All We Have Is Now or Under a Painted Sky after I finish The Graveyard Book (which I picked up on a recommendation) entirely because their covers are gorgeous. Author is usually involved if I have a new one from a favorite author or the next in a series. Otherwise? We weaklings will continue to enjoy reading blurbs, thank you very much.
(By the way, I have to agree with Alyssa on the headings.)
HAHA. I’M SORRY. YOU’RE NOT A WEAKLING, ELLIE. YOU’RE A FABULOUS GOBLIN. *nods* And there are SO MANY books I’m reading purely becuase I loved the cover. OR because a blogger raved about it. I get sucked into hype very easily. 😉
Awk, I’ve had so many people say that about the headings. I’m sorry. D:
Title/cover tends to be a big influence on my “what to read next” also the opening line/chapter.. I don’t always pay attention to the blurb or premise, though if it sounds like a book I’ve written/want to write, I’m about 500% likely to pick it up because I just want to know how this author handled it. Also, I love anything high concept. Author also has a lot of influence whether its because (1) it’s an author whose work I adore and trust (like, say, um, C.S. Lewis), or it’s because I know the author pretty well, and I just want to read her work (Like Jack Lewis Baillot or Morgan Huneke.). And, um, recommendations, though usually they have to come from someone I trust. Otherwise I just go and read Wikipedia.
And I’m sure there are other factors to my decision, but I’m too tired to think of them at the moment.
Aw, I hope you get some rest! 😀 *sends you virtual coffee* OH OH I love sneaking a peek at opening lines too. Tbh, that should’ve been on the list too. xD SO SO MANY FACTORS WHEN GOING TO READ A BOOK.
HAHA I agree with all of this, especially the author part. I am more likely to read a book from an author that I know. Like Sarah J. Maas. Definitely devouring any book that she writes. Although, I have a confession to make. Covers suck me in. If I really love that cover, I would just grab it without even reading the blurb hehe. 🙂
Saaam! I just love it when I recognise the author and get all excited about them. 😀 I have SO many auto-read authors now, it’s nearly ridiculous. But at least I know I’m in for a good story, right!?!? COVER LOVERS FTW, I SAY. NO SHAME. XD
I LIKE MELONS!!!! I usually just read whatever I feel like reading. Some are more prioritized than others but for the most part my reading selections are completely random. I am also a lazy people and I tend not to read blurbs because… what’s the point? No really…. I obsessively devour taglines though because if a book has a good tagline I AM ON THAT SUCKER like a bee to the honey. Another great post Cait!
😀
ARE YOU A GOBLIN THEN, FAITH? CAN YOU VOUCH FOR THE OTHER GOBLINS EATING MELONS?
But yesss, exactly! What’s the point of reading the blurb when you’re going to read the book anyway?! *nods* I so RARELY read blurbs. Unless I read the first few chapters and still have zero idea of what is going on. XD Then I read the blurb.
I basically just feel what my mood is then I go to my list of ARC’s to see if I have a book in that genre and read that first. If not, I choose from my normal TBR. In that one I also have books that are of a higher priority than others. ^_^ So it just comes down to what I’m in the mood for.
Mood is important. *nods* I’m actually kind of kicking myself for not including mood on this list. ALSO HYPE. GAH. *glares at list*
Oooh, interesting posts! I think premise is the most important factor for me as well, because if I don’t like the premise, I’m not gonna read that book (unless people make me – like university people and stuff). Most of the books I’ve read lately are books that were recommended to me though. Not to ME personally all the time, but just around the blogosphere in general. That’s why I picked up Anna and the French Kiss, for example. I would NEVER have read that if not it wasn’t for pretty much the ENTIRE blogosphere raving about it… And I loved it!
I’ve just finished a book I had to read for my modern lit course (Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood), and now I have some time to read something that’s not on the syllabus. I’m pretty sure I’m going to pick up Cress, because I’m SO excited to read it! That’s another series I got into because of recommendations, by the way. 🙂 And the amazingly AWESOME premise.
Ohh, university is bossy, tho, isn’t it. Read this book. Do this thing. Or else. *dramatic sigh* AHEM. But yes, premise fTW! *hi fives* I pick up so many books because I hear them doing the rounds in the blogosphere and basically I just want to be in on it. 😉 Am I nosey? Yes I am.
I think it’s a mix of all of these that draw me to a book. Except the whole comparative titles thing. I don’t need one more “HUNGER GAMES MEETS JOHN GREEN MEETS HARRY POTTER MEETS MAZE RUNNER MEETS RAINBOW ROWELL”. Look, I get that you’re trying to tell the book, but when you have so many of these that I can’t even read the synopsis, well, you’re trying too hard. CALM DOWN AND TELL ME WHAT THE BOOK IS ACTUALLY ABOUT.
I WOULD HAPPILY NEVER SEE A COMPARISON AGAIN IN MY ENTIRE LIFE BECAUSE THEY’RE MOSTLY RUBBISH. Garh. I mean, it at least makes sense when it’s in the same genre?!?! But I HATE things that compare themselves to lie, TFIOS and The Hunger Games. No. You cannot be both, not ever.
Cover usually is top for me. but I have so many horrible books because of this decision. I have also paid for some travesties. Yet I continue to do it. Premise is a big one too.
Agh, yes so relatable. It is like a BOOKISH SIN to hide a horrible book behind a beautiful cover.
The order I read books in is usually influenced by which book is due back at the library first. I tend to put a TON of books on hold, even if I’m not sure I want to read them, because a) they’re free, b) I like choices, c) if they’re books on pre-order, I want to be the first one to read (or not read) them, and d) I have bad self-control when it comes to books. (Okay, but checking out books is good for the book, SO REALLY I’M BEING A GOOD LITTLE BOOKWORM.)
As for deciding which books I actually do want to read, recommendations are a huge factor right now. I LOVE someone telling me that I might like a specific book, and I enjoy being able to talk about the book afterwards. Genre definitely plays a role. The first few pages are important (if I’m feeling cranky, I ruthlessly DNF books). When it comes to library books, books that smell bad (which unfortunately happens often) will get DNF-ed faster than non-smelly books. I won’t even pretend I’m not influenced by covers. Or by Goodreads ratings, especially those of my friends. I actually read blurbs a million times, but they never seem to sink in, so I still go into most books 90% blind. My mood also is a big factor, because sometimes I want light and fluffy and sometime those books make me roll my eyes.
OMG THAT IS EXACTLY ME WITH THE LIBRARY TOO. Although I feel a really huge need to read what I reserve. So in the past I’d reserve like 10 books at once and then freak out trying to read them all. Now I reserve 2 per week, ehhe, and still keep up with my ARCs. I wish my library preordered more books, though, omg. They need to just hire me to be in charge of all their book buying, tbh.
I like people telling me to read specific books too. xD AND JUST SO YOU KNOW, I BOUGHT THE DEMON KING. SO YEAH. Recommendations are important to me. 😉
I never reserve a specific amount, so sometimes I end up with a ton all at once. Usually I check to see which books my library has pre-ordered and reserve them as soon as they appear. But since I live 5 minutes away from the library and have a week to pick up holds, I try to stagger the books as best I can. Your library really SHOULD hire you to order books. I wish mine would hire me.
Yayyyyyyy I can’t wait for you to read it. I hope you love it! 😀
Usually I pick out books by two things, cover and blurb on the back. Usually covers are what pull me in first, I’m like “Huh this might be cool” *checks the back* Honestly the blurbs are what make it or break it for me. And I really really hate it when books have praise for the book instead of a blurb. DRIVES F-ING INSANE! Gah. Sorry.
Anywho, like I said, usually the back is enough, but if it’s not then I’ll read the first page.
OMG ME TOO. Why do they even do that?!?!? What’s the point of all the big review retailers or whatever saying “best book ever” when all you want to know is what the freaking book is about. GAHHHHH. The pain is mutual there. XD
Yes! Someone else agrees. 😀 This is a legitimate question that someone powerful and wise needs to answer one day. There is no reason for the praise on the back of the book. NOBODY CARES. lol
I’m more analytical. I often go to Goodreads and check the book’s rating, and then I read some of the negative reviews (hopefully without spoilers) so I can see if the things that bothered people who didn’t like the book are also things that tend to bother me (e.g., weak grasp of the English language, typos, cliches, overused tropes, etc.). I guess that sort of fits in with “recommendations”.
I wish I could go on premise alone, but I’ve read too many books where the premise sounded awesome but I just didn’t click with the plot or the characters. Unwind, Cinder, Throne of Glass, and More Than This all come to mind. I picked them up because of the premise… but I wasn’t thrilled with any of them. Then there are books that have premises that I’m not sure about… and that I end up really enjoying.
Don’t even get me started on covers. There are so many that I’d hang on my wall just because they’re so pretty to look at… if only they didn’t remind me of the story inside the covers that I didn’t like! (And then there’s the flip side, with the blah covers that disguise amazing books.)
That is a good idea! I’m a bit opposite, though, in that I always read a book FIRST and then read reviews (well, more so for like books I’m really reeeeally keen on) because I don’t want to be subtly influenced in my opinion. BUT I CONFESS: if I don’t like a book, I go on goodread sand read all the low star ratings. haha. I’M TERRIBLE. *ahem* But that’s totally a rabbit trail. I digress. XD
Oh covers are totally NOT a good way to judge books. XD BUT I CAN’T HELP IT BECAUSE THEY’RE PRETTY. And omg, I’m with you on beautiful covers that NEED to be on walls. :’)
Author is probably the biggest influence on my decision. I can have a TBR the size of the Eiffel Tower, but if Rick Riordan releases a new book I will buy it and read it immediately. Maggie Stiefvater has reached this status this year too.
Mythology books tend to leap up the pile. The same with anything involving witches. Manga is read straight away, usually in the car on the way home after I’ve bought it.
Recommendations tend to get bought, but I don’t always read them quickly.
I’ve only fallen for a cover once, with The Sin-Eater’s Daughter.
Comparitive titles never get me. Mainly because I’m not a Hunger Games fan and I’ve never readTwilight/The Selection/The Mazerunner so there go most comparisons.
OMG YAY FOR MAGGIE STIEFVATER REACHING THE RIORDAN STATUS FOR YOU. :’) She is just incredible. AFJDKLS I LOVE ALL HER BOOKS SO MUCH. ‘SCUSE ME, I NEED A MOMENT.
Ahem.
Ha! I’m like that with comics! I just read them the second I’ve got them because they’re awesome and fast. x)
It’s the buying of books where the decision process happens for me — when it comes to deciding what to pick up and read, I just go with ‘what I feel like’, and… I can’t pinpoint a rational decision there. Not a consistent one, anyway! It’ll be ‘ooh, I heard a lot about that one’ or ‘ooh, I really wanted to read that when it came out, why haven’t I read it yet, it is clearly time’ or just ‘pretty cover!’. At the moment I’m doing TBRs at the start of the month where I pick out the ones I’m feeling interested in then, and sometimes that works. Sometimes it does not work because oh goodness I am suddenly not in the mood for xyz anymore. But I provide for that by having some blank spots on the list so I can also go with something on pure impulse. (Here’s September, for example.)
I can’t actually imagine organising my TBR for a whole month. XD I didn’t think I was a mood reader??? But I guess I kind of am in that I’ll just read whatever and not plan it too much. *nods* ALTHOUGH. This all saying, I spend 90% of my reading time just reading unsolicited ARCs, so, hehe, my list is nearly devoid. xD
I go by a lot of people’s recommendations. I get some book randomly in the mail, and then I must read them. I tend to go by cover, premise, recommendation for what to pick. I try to read things according to their release date, (cuz I hardly ever purchase books). My purchases get squeezed it according to however I pick them,
SAME. I always read books I’ve been sent by publishers first…and then library books because they have due-back dates. So books I’ve actually bought usually end up on the bottom of the pile. D: IT’S A PROBLEM SOMETIMES. haha.
There are some authors out there where I will read anything they write – regardless of what the book is about – but that’s not all that common. I suppose the premise is the main thing. Summaries and the like are nice, but you’re right, they aren’t always the best for figuring out a novel…so hearing other people make recommendations or give me a more concise breakdown of the book can really help!
SAME. I have a huge list of Absolutely Favourite of Ever Authors these days. And mostly I just wish they’d write more because I neeeeed it. And that’s exactly why premises lure me in! I often feel like a blurb either says too much or not enough. >_<
What lures me in the most is DEFINITELY the synopsis on the back/inside cover. Although I ALWAYS check Goodreads or blogs to make sure that the book doesn’t, you know, suck. I am right with you with loving fantasy, although it really is exhausting! Contemporaries or just lighter reads are what I like to read to take a break from heavier books. OR COMIC BOOKS–which I have just recently started getting into. Wonderful post, Cait! XD
PS: I Googled it, and Goblins actually eat human flesh. :O The more you know. Avoid goblins.
OMG. I BELIEVE IN VEGETARIAN GOBLINS AT TIMES THOUGH. LET’S NOT STEREOTYPE GOBLINS NOW, ERIN.
I check Goodreads a lot now too. xD before I blogged I like NEVER cared what other people thought and just picked so may books at random. But now? I’m like “but do my friends like this” hah. It’s actually helpful though. XD COMIC BOOKS ARE GLORIOUS.
Oooh, I’d say premise is key, indeed. I do NOT want to know much, if anything, about a book. Author is big; if I like an author I will read pretty much everything they’ve written. Covers catch my attention at the bookstore or library, but don’t really direct my decisions.
Today I read “After Ever After” by Jonathan Sonnerblick because I was sitting in a comfy chair and it was within reach. It was there because I loved “Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie,” so when I noticed this sequel existed, I’d picked it up.
One of my favorite things to do is check out a bunch of books at the library, then sit down with them piled up next to me and start reading first chapters. It gives me a taste of each book (because I’m a mood reader, so it lets me know which mood each book will work for) AND the book that I can’t put down after one chapter is clearly the one I’m supposed to read Right Now.
About the fonts…I had to read your thoughts in order to figure out what each subtitle said. I can read the blog title because I already know what it says, if that makes sense. When it’s bolded (i.e. “let’s chat’), then I can read it more easily. Not a complaint, because it’s your blog, not mine, and anyway your content is awesome, so who really cares about the font of your headings? But in the spirit of “maybe you want to know this.’
Ohh, that is SUCH a cool idea with just reading the 1st chapters. I LOVE THAT! 😀 I tend to be “if you start it you have to finish it” even if I only read one page. XD But that still is suuuuch a good idea because you definitely know what grabs you the fastest, right?
Haha, I’ve had a TON of people tell me that about the fonts. Sooo, I guess I will not use that font anymore. 😉
Cover is the biggest thing for me…. I know you’re not supposed to judge books by their covers (and I do admit, it sometimes ends badly), but a gorgeous cover is enough to make me want to read something….
I don’t usually bother reading the blurb either so most of the books I read end up being recommendations from the other bookish people in my life or just books with really pretty covers… yep, that’s basically my life.
I knoooow we’re not supposed to BUT I JUDGE TOO AND I DON’T EVEN CARE. I mean, the author doesn’t have any control over it, so in that respect it’s not fair. bUT. A good cover is part of the experience, right!?! Plus I think covers often give you an indication on what the book is going to be about. *nods*
OMG i totally get you on the whole needing to take a break after reading fantasy thing. Fantasy can actually be mentally EXHAUSTING. Like your heart starts racing and your head hurts and sometimes you even break a sweat just sitting and reading :’)
I definitely gravitate towards fantasy, as well as the classics. I’d say these two are like my ‘comfort’ zones. But contemporary is so everywhere right now and there a few that I am DYING to read because they seem genuinely beautiful (e.g. I’ll Give You The Sun, All The Bright Places, The Rest Of Us Just Live Here, and Emmy & Oliver) (… my TBR is scary)
Premise is definitely a big thing for me, and I also avoid reading blurbs just in case they give even the smallest thing away because spoilers are one thing I CANNOT HANDLE. honestly if i see a big spoiler I probably won’t read the book. It’s that deep.
FANTASY IS MENTALL EXHAUSTING. IT’S JUST LIKE, OMG, CALM MY BRAIN. I’VE JUST WON A BATTLE WITH A DRAGON AND NOW I NEED A HOLIDAY. *collapses* I like contemporaries because they don’t take as much brain power, I think. XD Omg you need to read I’ll Give you the Sun someday you just do. I PROMISE YOU IT IS BEYOND BEAUTIFUL. 😀
I don’t really read blurbs either. Sometimes I might, but it’s usually after everything else has attracted me, and I still have a few fading doubts, then I read the blurb. But normally blurbs are so vague or poorly written. Sometimes they all sound the same. 🙁
The title is probably a big factor for me. A lot of times I’ll pick up a book solely because of the title. I picked up Blood Red Road by Moira Young at the library earlier in the summer. The cover was interesting, but at the same time not exactly the best as covers go. It said it was about a girl trying to find her brother. Sibling relationships, that’s always AWESOME! But that title really grabbed me (I don’t even know why). So I took it home and it’s now one of my new favorites. 🙂
Also bok covers. Which is totally not shallow at all. . . Haha, eh. *cough* I know a sword is the most cliched fantasy cover ever, but it gets me every time. I’ll snatch up a sword cover or eye it suspiciously at a distance and tell myself I should pick it up until I do. XD I think though, since I give myself permission to not finish books I don’t like, I’ll bring home a book that I”m mildly interested in for whatever reason.
I think recommendations are pretty big as well as trying authors I’ve never heard of.
I AGREE. Why are they so vaguely written!?!? Sometimes they say too much, other times nothing at all. Ghhahhhh. And I feel like, especially in series, they just end up saying NOTHING useful. -_- Which I get is for spoilers, but still. If I do bestir my lazy eyeballs to read a blurb I WANT IT TO TELL ME STUFF, GOSH DARNIT.
omg, you like Blood Red Road??!? I REALLY WANT TO READ THAT ONE. I heard it was a bit weird with the slang/style though. Did you find it hard?? I’m soo tempted to just ignore my current TBR and library it. XD
CAIT, YOU NEED TO LIBRARY IT! It is amazing. It does have some slang. But it’s not half as bad as The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness (if you can read that, you can read anything). Now there isn’t any quotations marks for dialogue. But I was seriously surprised that the lack of quotations didn’t inhibit my reading at all. I could still understand when they were talking to each and when they were just thinking. I guess you could say I was surprised at how much I didn’t need quotations marks (which pains my inner grammar Nazi to admit. . .). I’m hoping to get a review of it on the blog soon. But I still have to edit it.
My friends pushing me to read a book is a BIG factor. Covers don’t usually work for me that way, but premises sure do! Btw, I absolutely HATE comparing titles. Some are on-point, like Ink and Bone, BUT I HATE IT, OKAY? Okay, haha. If a book is by an author I love, that’s an immediate add for me. I will try to devour it ASAP… and blurbs are such a tricky monster! I can never resist them! I must say, though, that I don’t read books at dawn! I read them around 9-11 pm when I have finished with my studying if I have time at all, haha. No, goblins prefer WATERmelons to melons.
oh oh I agree on the comparative titles. Like 99% of the time they are just RUBBISH and it’s nearly offensive sometimes? I don’t know if that’s just me, but when a book claims to be the next “so and so” or whatever and that’s my favourite book? I get all defensive and “how dare you try to be better than my favourite, no, go away”. xDD I’M WEIRD, I FULLY ADMIT IT.
No no, haha. I actually think like that. When a new book comes and it is compared to one of my favourites I get defensive as well. It’s also as if I didn’t want another book to be better than that one. LET’S BE WEIRD. Who cares anyway? xD
Picking books is SO HARD. I think it actually helps to have books to review, because otherwise I cannot choose for myself. Like, I will look at my bookshelf, wanting to read all of them… yet none of them. It doesn’t make ANY sense. Like, I let myself pick a book the other day, and it was like some kind of torture. I looked at all the books. Grabbed one. Put it back. Looked at a few more. Repeated that about 37 times. I ended up settling on Illuminae, only because of peer pressure.
When I am done with Illuminae, I will probably go back to review books, since I am always woefully overwhelmed (due to my own lack of self control, of course). But a few things that I DO consider:
1. Release date. I am probably not going to start a February 2016 book today. Sadly, I am also not likely to start a 2006 book either.
2. Genre. If I am reading a Kindle book for review (which I ALWAYS am, no matter what else is happening) and it is of a particular genre, I am not going to start a physical book of the same genre.
3. Hahah just kidding, there were only two, beyond that, it’s 99% peer pressure.
OMG THAT IS SO SO TRUE. It’s like publishers have made the decision for us. bless them. AND IT TOTALLY MAKES SENSE. I want to read all the books of ever, but I also just want to lie on the floor and, idek, think about pancakes or something.
Release date is important for me too. *nods* I basically just ALWAYS read my library books first because I’m allergic to library disapproval and fines, aaaand then I read everything I’ve been given by publishers. AND THEN BOOKS I BUY. Poor things. They are so last priority and I want them the most. XD
ALSO, HYPE. HYPE GETS ME EVERY TIME.
But yeah, for me it’s definitely the premise, the comp titles (if they’re done well) and commonly the author 😀 Speaking of which, when is John Green going to write another book???
Omg, I can’t believe I didn’t put hype onto this list! HYPE GETS ME TOO. I basically just social read, too. Like if I see someone even rave about a book twice I’m like “I need to know”. XDXD
Isn’t John Green writing a book?!?! He keeps saying he is. I think the pressure must be AWFUL. o_o
PREMISE. PREMISE. PREMISE! I agree that a book’s premise is what gets me to pick up a book. I never, EVER read blurbs anymore. I’ve been spoiled way too many times by them – if you haven’t read Hunting Lila yet, don’t read the blurb. It spoils practically the entire book! And there’s nothing that makes me rage like spoilers, so now I just go into books blind. More fun that way anyway – easier to be pleasantly surprised!
Oh, and it makes me rage when books are pitched as ‘the next Hunger Games” etc. They pretty much NEVER do or are even remotely like them. Like the series I currently reading (the Waterfire Saga by Jennifer Donnelly) is pitched as “Percy Jackson with mermaids” and trust me when I say it is NOT like PJ at all.
P.S. *butts into conversation* *also whispers conspiratorially* I saw Alyssa (The Devil Orders Takeout)’s comment about the headers being hard to read and *coughs* I have to agree just a little bit that they might be just the teeniest bit too swirly. i.e. It took me like three times to figure out what they actually said… I don’t want to be rude but thought you’d want to know… *sheepish grin*
YOU AND I ARE TWINS IN THIS, CLEARLY, RACHEL. *nods* Agh, and I hate spoilery blurbs. But I just like surprises, you know?! I don’t actually WANT to know too much about a book. Going in blind = the best thing of ever.
How can Percy Jackson with mermaids even WORK?!? OMg. I’m like 99% convinced whoever does those pitches just looks at what’s popular and not what even their books is about.
AH, IT’S OKAY, IT’S NOT RUDE. XD It’s the same font as my blog title. BUT HEY. I’M WORKING ON THIS. XDXD
Great mind think alike, right? What a bunch of brainsparks we must be then! Going into books blind was the best decision I ever made, honestly.
I don’t know…!? I cannot see Percy as a merman but you know, half naked Percy swimming around all the time doesn’t sound so bad to me! 😉
And gah, I get it. I love the blog’s title and THAT is easy to read so…. I don’t know what else to say. Apologies!
I read blurbs…. and get really annoyed if they are ones that either spoil the whole story or give you no information whatsoever about it!
AGh, I HATE it when the spoil. But I hate it worse when there’s really no clue as to what the book’s about. >_> I feel like series get very bad at this? And I get that they’re trying not to give spoilers BUT STILL. I do want to know what the book’s about!
I used to pick up books because of their covers a lot, but now I tend to pick up books with authors I know, or have seen people review. I kind of blame you for the large number of Stiefvater books I’ve accumulated and devoured this year. (Seriously though, her writing is amazing. I’m glad to have found out about her through your blog.)
Certainly goblins eat melons. I can’t help but see them swallowing them whole, but who knows? Perhaps they go all out and eat their melons by way of fancy slices on platters. Someone should write a book pertaining to goblins and their eating habits. xD
I WILL ACCEPT THAT BLAME WITH 1000% SMILES AND HAPPINESS. *dances quietly in the corner* She’s like THE ultimate author for me and I kind of just want to throw her books all over the place and have everyone read them. hehe. But I do that too!! When a blogger is really intense about their love for a book I’m always like “I NEED THAT. TOO.”
I’m like totally sure goblins swallow them whole. I also feel like perhaps they eat the insides and then use the melon skin as, like, a little carved canoe.
I’m a massive mood reader – so I don’t know what I’m going to want to read next from book to the next. If I’ve read a book that I’ve loved, I’ll probably pick something in the same genre – just wanting MORE. But otherwise, I’ll read something completely different. E.g. I finished Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys on Monday, and now I’m in a massive slump because all of a sudden I want to read a load of historical fiction that I don’t have access to because normally I despise the genre. AGH.
Ohhh I want to read that book so so bad. Despite how its title is now dubious…I just hear totally good things about it and ajdfklasd THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A GOOD READING SLUMP. hahaaaa. I kid, I kid. Reading slumps are horrible. 🙁 I hope you find a good book soon, though, although I know the pain. I DO.
Picking books IS hard, stupidly hard for me considering my shelves contain nearly nine billion unread ones and if I were to stay locked in my room from now until Christmas I wouldn’t run out of things to read … but, wow, I guess that makes it harder!
For me, the biggest factor is actually: what did I just read? I never (ever ever ever) read two things from the same genre one after the other (unless I’m binge-reading a series, obviously). So, when I finished Crown of Midnight last week (WHICH WAS ASD;LGKJASDLGKJ AND HECK FLIP THE ENDING AND I’M SHIPPING CHAOLAENA SO HARD I MIGHT DIE), although I’ve got a whole bunch of other fantasies/paranormals I want to read — A Dance with Dragons, Demon Road, Forever, the new D19 book — I had to pick up something with zero magic. I just had to. I’m a very weird mood reader.
Zomg me too. I really should just tie myself to my bookshelf and finish all the books there. AND then reread the ones I’ve ben meaning to reread for 92 years but NEVER DO BECAUSE NEW SHINY BOOKS. *hyperventilates*
That is kind of cool though! BALANCE! 😀 I often read a seriously heavy fantasy and then go for something a bit fluffier. Actually, tbh, a lot of the time I just am reading whatever publishers send me, regardless of even whether I want to or not. MY BAD. >_<
All of these things definitely contribute to my book choosing habits. To go with premise and recommendations, reviews of the book in question are helpful too. GAH I DON’T KNOW WHICH FACTOR IS MOST IMPORTANT. Pretty covers instantly give a book an advantage over everything else. Such a beautiful thing wouldn’t dare deceive me would it??? The blurb kinda gives me an idea about what is in the book… not much, but some. Premise/recommendations/reviews etc REALLY make me think, hmm okay perhaps I should be reading this. Even just so that I can then talk to other bookworms about it because fangirling = my life. Comparative titles are a tricky one. I’m gonna leave that one there. Genre depends… I mean I would definitely never read a horror story but some types of dystopia and historical fiction don’t appeal either. Some fantasy also isn’t always quite my thing. So it depends more on the individual story than the genre blanket it’s wrapped up in. If it is an author I know and love THEN I AM SO THERE. See, I’m already there. I’ll send you a postcard.
Goblins do eat melons. I hear they are rather partial to the cantaloupe variety. 🙂
AAAAND pretty covers can also kind of give you an idea on what the book is, too, right?! So they’re almost a pitch in themselves. *nods* Comparative titles are like 90% sure to fail, in my experience. Especially if publishers do them and like…it always sounds like they’re just overselling the book, so then it fall hopelessly short and YEAH.
Cantaloupe just SOUNDS like a goblin thing tbh.
*huggles post and your fabulous reasons and gifs* I’m a mix of lots of those… XD
Also! TAG, you’re it! *tosses writing challenge snippet post tag at you* https://deborahocarroll.wordpress.com/2015/09/20/777-challenge-round-2/ Only do it if you want, obviously. 😉 But Cait snippets would be awesome… and we don’t hear much about your writing, ya know… ;D
I KNOW. OMG I HIDE MY WRITING SO BAD THESE DAYS. XDXD I thought I would get braver but I seem to be going backwards at the moment!!?? Anyway, thank you for the tag!! I WILL DO IT I PROMISE. I’m starting a new WIP so when I’ve got something to look at I’ll do the challenge. 😉
I am subject to whim all the time. Most of my reading choices are spontaneous! Premise is the most important aspect to me. Sometimes someone will rec something so to me, and if I REALLY like the premise of it I’ll read it instantly so it’s a mix of both. I like to mix up genres as well. If it’s by my favorite author I will read it instantly 🙂 I am SO weary of comparative titles. Sometimes I’ve been so baffled by the comparisons…. Awesome awesome post <3
Rachel @ A Perfection Called Books
Comparative titles are almost always awful, right??! I HONESTLY feel like whoever puts them together doesn’t even read. o.O Or else oversells the book and kills it with unfair hype. >_<
Hmm, usually the blurb doesn’t influence me all that much, and comp titles do little to nothing. But I will read any book by an author I love, even if the premise sounds stupid. And I’m a sucker for a good premise–usually that gets me most of the time. And book recommendations by people whose taste I trust also get me. I’ll also grab any pretty book I can find and read it only for the cover–like, that’s why I picked up Divergent in the first place. And that was the main reason I couldn’t live without getting my hands on Insurgent. So, in order of greatest to least, I’d say cover, premise, author, and recommendation, then comp titles, then blurb.
Also, yes, goblins most definitely do eat melons. I would be willing to kill for that belief. (Ahaha…ha…ha, I joke.)
I AM SO SURE ABOUT THE GOBLIN MELON THING. I AM. I JUST KNEW IT. *ahem* But seriously covers are LIFE and I’m not even ashamed to love them so much. Particularly when a good cover can kind of sum up the book as well as just be beautiful to
eatlook at.I look to see what tours or releases are coming out soon and focus on those. If there is nothing I browse my shelves until I feel called to pick up a book. I’m weird.
You’re not weird! 😀 That’s actually a really good process. XD I get lured in aaaall the time just by what’s new.
In all honesty, you’re usually my source of what I decide to read next Cait. 😉 If you like a book then I always run to get it from the library so I can devour it ASAP. And if you don’t like something, I kind of shove it to the side a little. (Unless it’s The Diviners. Because I’m too curious about that for my own good).
I also rely a lot on the blurb and the descriptions of books to see if it sounds like a story that’s up my alley.
Thanks for sharing Cait and, as always, fabulous discussion! ♥
Omg. *blushes* WELL THIS MAKES ME FEEL GOOD. and I’m super excited that you’re reading Minnow Bly, too, btw. AH I REALLY hoPE YOU LIKE THE DIVINERS MORE THAN ME. I do. *nods* Ohhh, we should buddy read something again, someday, eh?!?
I hate to say it, but I totally judge a book by it’s cover! If the cover is pretty, I then have to pick it up (as if a magical force is forcing me to do so) and then read the summary. If it seems intriguing, I want to read it. If not, back down it goes. When I finish a book and then look at the giant mountain of books at home to decide which to read next, I generally go by feeling. How is my mood right now? Do I want to read something light or emotional or full of romance or something with murder? That’s generally my thought process, haha!
~Sara
YOU AND ME BOTH THEN. And I’m not even ashamed. XD I like to photograph books! I DON’T WANT TO PHOTOGRAPH UGLY BOOKS. *stamps foot*
It’s not the cover or the premise or the title that gets me. You and I are very different beings, Cait, for it is the blurb/synopsis (and, if they’re an all time favourite, the author) that sells a book to me. The cover can be beautiful, but many gorgeous books are hidden under covers I dislike (and the amount of input an author has in their covers, I’ve heard, can be little), the title… doesn’t generally do a thing against winning me or turning me against a book, and the premise can be ace but not actually accurate. It happens. But the synopsis/blurb. I regularly go through my GR tbr and reread the blurbs and ensure I really am interested in what the novel is all about. It’s a very me way of going about things! Reviews and recommendations are also very important, since most of the books on my tbr are THERE because of those two factors, which is awesome.
x
AHH, but at least we balance each other out right?!?! You can read the synopsis and I’ll horrifically cover judge and eat it just for the premise. XDXD Oh and yes, I’m pretty sure most authors have zlich control over their cover, but I still think it’s NEEDED for publishers to hire good designers. There are so many EXCELLENT designers in the world! I really see no excuse for horrific covers. >_> Buuut then, it’s a matter of taste too, right?
Well I suppose that is quite correct.
Yes! More cover designers! Although you’re right, it is a matter of taste. And also, recently for me, how the book progresses. I read this one novel where I basically loathed the cover until I was about halfway through the book, and then it became amazing because of how it linked/represented the story.
I’m kind of a snob when it comes to covers. Like, if I think the cover is ugly, I have to hear a TON of good things before picking up a book. And I’ll probably still put off reading it.
A part of me knows this is silly and that the writing and plot matters so much more, but the other part just wants pretty books.
I’m a snob too AND NOT ASHAMED. I like to photograph books and I just die inside when I have to photograph a horrible cover. NO THANK YOU. *pushes horrible covers away with a 9ft pole*
Picking a book is damn hard at times! I just pick something up, read 40-50 pages and get bored. So, I think it’s vital to consider all those points you’ve stated. Usually I go with the author or the genre. I save the recommendations but use them rarely. I pick up a book if one book has like 10 recommendations! I think I’m going to read Ink and Bone now! 🙂
AHHHH INK AND BONE IS AMAZING I HOPE YOU LIKE IT!!! I don’t usually not-finish books, but, omg, the WORST thing is to get lumped reading a 400 page monster of boredom, right?!? THE WORST.
Oh yes choosing books is a nightmare. Sometimes, I hesitate so much I don’t read at all in the end. I would say recommendation and the blurb are the most important for me. Also if a friend of mine or a reviewer rated the book highly I’m most likely to add it to my TBR list. Like I’m a die hard fantasy fan this mean that any other genre ifs far far far far far less likely to be added to my TBR list. Seriously somethimes when I read contemporary I feel like something is missing even if the story is good. And that something is fantasy. I just can’t live without magic, lol.
I’m currently at that point where I have no idea what book to read next. It’s such a big issue! Do I read something small to ensure I’ve read it before my “Books I Read in September” post? Do I pick one from my TBR? Do I re-read? Non-fiction? Fiction? OR DO I JUST BUY MORE? Hahaha. Such a dilemma. Xxxx
I used to be so bad at reading synopses. I was all about seeing if the reviews were good and the cover was – that was what sold me! But now I have forced myself to read synopses before I get a book because otherwise I will end up reading a bunch of books I have no interest in or can’t enjoy. I am someone who is influenced by cover, author and premise a lot though!
My recent discussion post: http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/2015/09/olivias-catastrophe-oh-my-sequels.html
I was honestly reading this post and the whole time I was simply waiting for you to mention the cover and the recommendations! Guiltily, covers influence me heaps when picking what books to read. Equally comes the genre. FANTASY ALL THE WAY, FANTASY IS THE ULTIMATE GENRE. 😁😊
And recommendations and blogger reviews are some of the best ways I find new books to put on my TBR and rear almost immediately! It’s almost impossible to NOT pick up a book that one of your fave bloggers races about it.
Lovely post, Cait!
I don’t always read blurbs, but I do like to know what I’m getting myself into. I think author is a big one for me, personally. But all of these other categories also have a say.
Ahhh . . . choosing my next book can be so HARD! I have most of my books on my Kindle. When I have NO clue what book to read, I let my husband do it for me. Yep, I just give him my Kindle and tell him to choose the book I will read next. He basically chooses based on the cover and the title. It works! He has no preconceptions about the books so it’s more random. And it’s interesting to see what he picks.
I’m reading Ink and Bone at the moment and didn’t pick up on that pitch but YES! It’s totally spot on. I think the author is a big draw card for me, genre, and of course, covers. Because we do judge a book for a cover. And most importantly, Recommendations definitely!
hey, Cait, this doesn’t have much to do with the subject of your post, but the cursive-ish font you use for your list headings? That’s REALLY. HARD. to read and most of the time I just skip it and read your next paragraph to try and figure out what it’s suppose to say. Just thought I’d let you know, cuz it’s a wee bit frustrating sometimes.
<3 Dylan O'Brien. That is all I have to say because it is all that currently clouds my mind.
I swear, choosing my next read is the hardest decision in my life. I finished a book like, 3 days ago and I still haven’t decided which book to read next. I’m thinking either Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix or City of Heavenly Fire – HELP ME.
Because I’m a mood reader I’ll choose a book that’s in a genre that I want to read, like I’m on a fantasy kick at the moment. I think. Or by recommendations. Or by ARC date. But if that fails I go by cover because I’m a total sucker for a pretty cover and GOSH THAT MADE ME SOUND LIKE THE MOST SHALLOW PERSON EVER.
Firstly Cait I absolutely love, love, love your posts, you constantly have me in stitches…I mean selling your sister in the black market for books LOL I thought I was the only one that contemplated that once or twice…LOL JKS.
Secondly so not liking the heading font as I couldn’t read what it said for awhile but love the icons below it feathers/arrow = dreamcatcher so umm that made up for it.
Thirdly, to answer your question. I’ve got MUST BUY IT Authors, as you are with Maggie Stiefvater (actually I’m like that too with Maggie) I just buy WHATEVER that Author writes, I mean no blurbs, no cover checking no nothing…”by Maggie Stiefvater” checkout via Paypal please.
However, for all the other normal times when we’re not doing Author stalking I’d have to say like you it’s the premise, I like to know the general storyline so I know whether it’s for me or not. I’m not huge on the blurb because as you say it doesn’t really give us much and more often than not it’s not that accurate either 🙁 I do love covers though, like seriously, I do check out books on Goodreads if i saw it at the store with gorgeous cover.
So it seems we are both quite human and generally pick books the same way as maybe the rest of the world…or maybe not, we’ll soon see in the comments section.
For me it’s mostly excitement about a book. If the people are raving, I am all over that book