How do You Choose Your Books to Read?

[GeekyTanta]

I'm asking this question because I've just finished a book I borrowed from the library, the only reason I borrowed this book was because of the title - which must be the strangest, if not longest one I've ever seen.

It is an autobiography by Australian author Paul Carter and it's called *drum roll please*
'Don't Tell Mum I Work on the Rigs She Thinks I'm a Piano Player in a Whorehouse'.

How could you not read that?!

So is there a certain way you choose your books? Does a fancy title or flashy cover catch your eye? Or do you stick to the tried and true measure of reading books recommended by a friend or reading known and loved authors/series?  

[penandpaper67]

I think for me, it is a combination of all those things. If someone recommends it to me, then the title will automatically stand out at me while browsing. And if the title is catchy, then it makes me interested to see what the book is about. If the cover is pleasing to the eye, it makes it even better. Finally, if the back cover blurb makes the plot sound unique and interesting enough, I'll pick it up. The only thing that is unneccesary for me is the recommendation, but it really helps, so that I know that it actually is a good book. Although, if I get a recommendation, I might pick up the book even if it doesn't fit my other qualifications...  

[XGamerRichy]

I usually look for any catchy titles, then the front covers, then the blurbs and then the front page.

That's the order I usually go in, but, if I know what book I want then I go straight for it.

If I get a recommendation though, I usually see whether it will do good for me.

mrgreen  

[Sh3LbZ]

Well I tend to look at the tittle and the front cover before moving forward. I think that it may simply be because the front is ussualy the first thing you see anyway, plus the front cover can give you a good understanding of a book. The way i look at the cover is if the picture has lots of bright colors and the picture seems nice and relaxing then i asume the book itself would be a nice relaxing book to read, but if the front cover has dark colors and it gives off this intense feeling than i would asume it would be an intense book that would be hard to put down.

But the way i choose if i want to read the nice relaxing book or the intense one, would be up to what mood i am in.  

[shadow_contractor]

I usually look at the cover first. If it has a good looking cover and a cool title, I usually read the summary of it to get an idea of the plot. Although recently, all the books I have been reading were recommendations by friends.  

[Hime_ookami]

I'll just go searching around the library/bookstore until i find something that looks interesting. most of the time I just look at the picture on the cover and the title. Sometimes I'll just search for a certain subject in the computer catalogue if i'm at the library.  

[Hlessirah]

I got hooked on David Sedaris books after hearing his work on NPR radio programs.

But otherwise, I just find a genre I like at the library, usually the essayists, and look around for one that looks interesting. The essayists are always entertaining, and the nonfiction books are usually fun.  

[lakita_phoenix]

Usually a friend will just hand me a book and tell me to read it (they seem to know what I like in books the best rolleyes ). However, in the event that I am without a book and am not writing currently (which is becoming more rare by the times) I look through libraries and read what ever seems like it would be of some interest and if by the third chapter I do not find it in my particular interest, I set it back and look for another one. cool  

[Dragonfanatic24]

if the story plot doesn't interest me
I don't read it.  

[miszlhaine30]

I usually look for catchy titles that makes me think why the author give that title to the book. then, xd xp try to read the summary of it at the back.. biggrin  

[Amethyst Heaven]

If the summary is interesting I'll probably read it, but the reason I pick it up to read the summary is usually the title or because somebody recommended it.  

[Lostt Eviie]

Usually, I search for authors I've read before and have enjoyed. Then, I just randomly go to shelves and see what titles appeal to me. If the summary is interesting, then I might open the book and read a page just to see.  

[Malakoi]

It goes:
Recommendation
Evocative Title
"Classic"
Author I know/like  

[dstnyisurs]

It's hard to say... usually I take what I think looks good, or has been recommended to me.. or if I like the sound of the title. It's a variety of different things, and sometimes I do randomly pick off the shelves, because how else would my taste expand?  

[Volatile Rainbow]

Shelfari has helped me add to my TBR list immensely. heart