Do you read book reviews online? In newspapers? Elsewhere? If so, do you let those reviews stop you from reading a particular book, if the book was poorly reviewed? Or, do you read the book anyway?
The blurb is the first thing that I would read, followed by the reviews. I want to know the gist of the story before deciding if I want to read the book. Reviews come in thereafter, as I am also interested to hear what other readers think of the book. I read the reviews from fellow book bloggers, book magazines and online bookstores. If I came across any negative reviews, I will try to understand them from the readers' point of views. However, they will not stop me from reading the books because I know everyone's reading preference is different. Amongst all, I rely most recommendations on fellow book blogger friends' because I feel that we know one another's preferences from the communications we share through blogging. Sometimes, I will pick up the books they recommend even though if they are not what I will read under normal circumstances but because I am interested to read what they are reading, and morever I want to form my own judgement. And the best thing of all is, I ended up liking them.
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That's precisely my take too, Melody. :)
Love reading the back of those covers. :)
I always say to people, don't judge the book until you read it. Even when you read bad reviews. What one person dislike does not mean the other would too.
I agree! Often times I'll read a book and find it great for me even if a negative review was given. Our reviews ARE our OPINIONS anyhow and just give others an idea of what they might expect should they decide to pick up the book.
Farrah from The Book Faery Reviews (www.tbfreviews.wordpress.com)
Nowadays, I often come across books via reviews before I ever lays on a book and so I do read reviews often. Mostly, I read the reviews of other bloggers or take recommendations from friends. I can't say a review has ever stopped me from reading a book--at least not outright. If it did, it was probably because I was leaning against reading the book in the first place. If I really want to read a book, I will, regardless of the review.
Bluestocking - Thanks for visiting. :)
Alice - Glad we share the same thoughts. ;)
J Kaye - Me too! Blurbs are great teasers, but sometimes I find some stories do not sound as great as them.
Julia - I'm with you here. ;)
Farrah - I enjoy reading other readers' reviews because each one has his opinion and reasons and I'm always interested to read them. :)
Wendy - I share your thoughts. If a book doesn't interest me in the first place, I won't pick it up despite it has received good reviews.
I love reading book reviews too but I definitely rely more on my book buddies nowadays.
And, like you, even if a book has gotten negative reviews if it's still something I think I would like then I'll give it a go. We all have different tastes so you just never know when you'll find that special book!
Iliana - Me too! I find myself trusting fellow book buddies' reviews more than the others. :)