Picking a book

[daisyluvbug]

When you're at the library or bookstore, how do you pick your books? Cover art? Title? Word of mouth?

I do a combination of things. Sometimes the cover art catches my eye. Sometimes it's the title. I will also refer to suggestions from others.

[TheBryTree]

how the cover looks in general - not just the art but also the layout. I'm turned off by books where the author's name is bigger than the title of the story (although I'll still read those) and I'll pick up really really ugly ones too because the bad look will pique my interest.
Also, title. A really good title will always make me pick it up. Or a ridiculous one. Or a confusing one... and so forth.

ultimately, the description of the story is what will get me to bring it home. If the description is boring to read, then I assume the story will be too. It would take a recommendation for me to bring it home if the description sucks. I especially hate when there isn't one. If there isn't one, I am less likely to consider reading it.

I like to be seduced by the cover.

[ImNoOliveOyl]

I go by the synopsis usually... it's gotta be something that interests me.

[erickson007]

for me its usually word of mouth and suggestions from other people

[I'm Boom]

It depends on my mood. If I'm at the library usually I'm looking for something specific or I have an author in mind. At the book store I browse by subject first, then the title/cover may catch my eye. I also try to look on the high and low shelves because I have a theory that they don't get as much love as the middle shelved books.

[Chelsea.]

I either hear about it from others, the internet, or I read what it's about and if it sounds good, I'll get it.

[littlebird]

Synopsis, reviews, word of mouth.

[Daydreamer]

I usually go on amazon and search the books. I will find something I have read and loved and then view their suggestions and go from there.

[daisyluvbug]

Originally Posted by TheBryTree how the cover looks in general - not just the art but also the layout. I'm turned off by books where the author's name is bigger than the title of the story (although I'll still read those) and I'll pick up really really ugly ones too because the bad look will pique my interest. Also, title. A really good title will always make me pick it up. Or a ridiculous one. Or a confusing one... and so forth. ultimately, the description of the story is what will get me to bring it home. If the description is boring to read, then I assume the story will be too. It would take a recommendation for me to bring it home if the description sucks. I especially hate when there isn't one. If there isn't one, I am less likely to consider reading it. I like to be seduced by the cover.

Yes! I like to have some description before I start to read it because the title alone doesn't give away what the book is about.

[daisyluvbug]

Originally Posted by ImNoOliveOyl I go by the synopsis usually... it's gotta be something that interests me.

I know what you mean. Usually the title will catch my eye first, but it's the blurb that hooks me. I want it to be worth my time reading it.