This week’s question is 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?
Reviews play a part in what I want to read... especially if it's an author I'm unfamiliar with. Of course, it depends on the reviewer as well, just like taking recommendations from friends. I have one friend whose tastes are so far removed from mine that when she tells me, "I loved this book," I know not to get it because the odds are I will hate it. (No, blogging buddies, it's no one from online). That said, there are a lot of reviews I've read on LASR Review Site that have made me go.. hmmm... I need to check that on out. On the other hand, there have been some, even though the review has been good and the reviewer loved in, I can tell I probably wouldn't.
I enjoy reading reviews, but I wouldn't let a bad review keep me from reading a book I wanted to. I've had too many cases where I know someone absolutely hated a book and I enjoyed it immensely. Reviews are subjective, after all, and what one person hates (or loves), others differ. That's important to keep in mind.
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Go check out the free short story that Marianne is sharing with us today.
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| Your Vibe Is Secretly Sexy |
 Sexy isn't exactly a word you'd use to describe yourself But you have a quite allure that certain men feel appealing You don't need to flaunt your stuff to be sexier A little more confidence in yourself, and you'll really light up a room! |
Okay... :-)
Hi Judy! Those are exactly my thoughts. ;) I love reading reviews and am curious what other readers have to say, but ultimately the decision still lies on us.
ReplyDeleteHappy BTT!
Ha! Good answer! I know people like that too. It is so personal and timing can play a factor too. Maybe someone is too young for the book and doesn't understand it. Or too old. Many things play a part.
ReplyDeleteOne bad review isn't going to keep me from reading either. I'm going to have to take that test ;)
ReplyDeleteFor authors who have signed with mid-sized or small publishers, reviews play another role in that they make portions of the reading public aware that the book exists. Of course, it's always great to get good reviews, but even lukewarm ones can help to create interest. From what I know of it, the Harry Potter phenomenon began with reviews.
ReplyDeleteI added books to my TBR pile from bad reviews because the reviewers taste was so different from mine, that if they hated it I knew I would love it.
ReplyDeleteHi Judy... just letting you know that I'm lurking around and reading you blog with much interest.
ReplyDeleteGreat answer Judy! You're so right, reviews, like most everything else, can be so very subjective. I loved your analogy of a friend who recommends books, and you usually are the polar opposite. I have a neighbor that is completely like that. If she recommends a book to me, I usually go running in the opposite direction :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great day, and Happy Reading!!!
I like reading reviews, but I don't soley go by what is written.
ReplyDeleteI share your thoughts too, Judy. And I got the same results for the quiz. :)
ReplyDeleteA good review can increase my interest in a certain book. It makes me want to buy the book right away. A bad review doesn't really stop me from buying a book that I want. In fact, it makes me curious.
ReplyDelete