This week's BTT question (suggested by Puss Reboots):
How much do reviews (good and bad) affect your choice of reading? If you see a bad review of a book you wanted to read, do you still read it? If you see a good review of a book you’re sure you won’t like, do you change your mind and give the book a try?
Well, that depends. If I read a bad review of a book by one of my favorite authors, or a good one for an author I don't really like, I wouldn't take much notice of the review. But when it comes to newer authors, then reviews generally do influence my choice.
Usually, though, it's the other way round with me and reviews. I read reviews on blogs after I've finished reading the book so I can see how other people felt about the book. That way, there's no risk of coming across spoilers and I won't have unreasonably high (or low, in case it got bad reviews) expectations of the book. :-)
15 comments:
I like this week's topic because it's interesting to hear everyone's opinions. For me, I try to have an open mind when it comes to reviews because each person reading preferences varies. But if the blurb really catches my eyes I will pick it up.
Happy BTT!
It is always interesting to see what other reader think.
Just like Melody, I do have an open mind to reading all genres. But blurb do not help me to choose my book though, sorry Melody hehehe
Your comment about new writers is interesting. Thinking back over last year's reading that is where reviews have been most useful as far as my choices have been concerned. I certainly choose writers I hadn't read before on the basis of reviews I'd read either on blogs or in the weekend press.
I honestly don't read reviews. Most of the time when I do it's accidental. Chances are, when I read one, it really won't sway my opinion. :) Happy BTT! :D
I agree, it really depends, and it doesn't usually affect my reading of favorite authors.
I do read some reviews beforehand -- I don't necessarily go looking for them but come across them on favorite blogs. But I like to read them afterward to see if my thoughts were similar to others'. Sometimes another reader will bring out something I hadn't thought of.
That's a good way to avoid spoilers, waiting to read the reviews afterwards. I am most influenced by reviews that introduce me to new writers, as well.
As a reviewer, I think it is SO important not to reveal spoilers when you are writing a review. There is never a need for it, imho.
That said, I tend to pay more attention to positive reviews. Negative ones I always remember that people have different tastes and what you might hate, I could love.
I like to read reviews although I have picked up plenty of books and enjoyed them and found out later that reviews were very mixed.
I've read negative reviews of books I love so I don't really go by that either.
I am put off by rave reviews and much hyped books...
I completely agree with you on reading reviews after reading the book. Happy BTT!
Yeah that's true for me too when i think of it, most of the time I read reviews on blogs of books I already know, just to see if we have the same point of view, or what was different from our perspectives. And I find that really interesting. I am in a book club of french bloggers, and last month was my first time, and I found it amazing to see all these different opinions on the same book. well people like or don't like, but what's really interesting it's they always have different reasons from one another to like or dislike the book. That's great;o)
I do enjoy reading reviews of books I've already read, and often gain some new insight on the book as well.
Blurbs and promotional quotes don't entice me much.
I like reading reviews after Ive read the book too.
I ignore reviews by authors I already have a "relationship" with. I also read reviews after I've read a book, usually when I'm getting ready to write my own review so I can see where my reactions fall compared to other readers.
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