Monday, July 3, 2017

How Do You Pick Which Book To Read



Over on Vox, Alexander Bisley was interviewing the Books editor at the New York Times about all sorts of things, including how she selects books to read. It got me to thinking about how I select books to read. 

First, it has to be a subject matter that I am interested in at that time - and it changes all the time. I like mysteries, of course, and historical mainstream fiction if I like the time period. I will read science fiction and fantasy. I like strong, engaging characters and I usually need someone to root for as a protagonist, but sometimes you don't know in advance. I will pick up a book on friend's recommendation. I will read an excerpt or at least the first page to make sure I like the writing style. 

In general, I skip books where children are in danger or murdered, serial killers, acts of terrorism or where torture is described.There are exceptions, especially for authors whose books I've read before and enjoyed. 

At any given time, I have a huge To Be Read Pile, and I seem to make more headway during the summer and over Christmas that at any other time of the year. 

How do you pick which books to read? 




1 comment:

  1. I choose books based on friend's recommendations and authors I know and love. Also books with great titles and/or covers.

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