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Musing Mondays (Nov.21)

November 21, 2011

 This week’s musing asks…

How do you decide to read a book by an author you haven’t read before? What sort of recommendations count most highly in making that decision?

A lot of times, I go by recommendations or reviews from fellow book-bloggers, but occasionally I’ll choose one by just reading the blurb about the book on either the back cover, or on a site like Amazon.

It’s not so much about the author, as it is about the story for me. If the genre is something I’m interested in (there aren’t many genres I won’t read!), and if it sounds like something I’d enjoy, I’ll definitely put it on my list of books to try. But, if the story doesn’t appeal to me, you aren’t going to convince me to try that author. I don’t have time to waste on books I know I’m not going to like.

For example, if the book is in the erotica genre, there’s no amount of convincing you can do to get me to try an author from there. I just will not read anything in that genre. It goes against my beliefs, and that’s all there is to it.

Also, if the book falls into the “Westerns” genre, I probably won’t try it, either, just because I’ve tried several in the past, and not one of them appealed to me at all. It’s just not my cup of tea.

Maybe the authors are great writers… maybe they really appeal to you, for whatever reason. But, that’s what makes reading such a great hobby… everyone has different tastes, and there’s an author or genre for all. ;)

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Musing Mondays post, or share your answer in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks! :D

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From → 2011, books and reading, MusingMondays, weekly event

45 Comments
  1. Gigi Ann permalink

    I agree with you, I especially don’t read erotica either. I also stay away from ghosts, wizards, witches, werewolves, anything involving spiritism, they also go against my beliefs, so I never read them.

    For my answer go here: http://annsreadingcorner.blogspot.com

    Reply
  2. Vicki permalink

    I’m another reader who doesn’t read erotica!
    http://ratb2.blogspot.com/2011/11/monday-memes_20.html

    Reply
  3. Kristen@Seeing Night permalink

    I agree, there are just some genres that I really just can’t read of be convinced on but once in a while Im surprised :)

    Here is my Musing Monday post: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-monday-2-recommending-new.html

    Reply
  4. Aeicha @ Word Spelunking permalink

    There really isn’t a genre I won’t try at least once. As long as a specific book has a lot of great reviews then I’ll probably give it a chance.

    Here’s my MUSING

    Reply
  5. Monaliz permalink

    Agree with Aeicha, there isn’t many genres I wouldn’t try, at least once. Though I’m pretty sure western wouldn’t be my kind of thing!
    Here’s my musings

    Reply
  6. Mercedes permalink

    I’m definitely not a western fan (unless you count tv). Tried reading some of my grandpa’s Louis L’Amour and they didn’t hold much appeal.

    Here’s mine:
    http://wornpagesanddustyshelves.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/musing-monday/

    Reply
  7. jaynesbooks permalink

    I won’t read erotica either and won’t really read Westerns, although I read True Grit, but that was more in the literary genre than the western genre.

    Here is my Musing Mondays for this week.

    Reply
  8. Lady Kell of Kincavel permalink

    Here’s my Musing Mondays post. :)

    Reply
  9. bookshistoryandtravel permalink

    Here’s mine: http://bookshistoryandtravel.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-mondays-november-21.html

    Reply
  10. Victoria Teoh (@vicflame2712) permalink

    I would try most genres at least once, but like eroticas, I tried it several times and I just can’t like it and so, I don’t think I’ll read it again. Most of the time, I don’t mind reading books with paranormal aspects as long as I know I can separate reality from fantasy. But books talking about religion, I don’t really feel comfortable with reading. For example, when I read some of Dan Brown’s books I feel a little uncomfortable as I’m a Christian and some of his books go against my beliefs. But other than that, there really isn’t any genre I won’t try!

    Here’s my MM: http://alwaysabooklover.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-mondays-2.html

    Reply
  11. wutheringwillow permalink

    Hello! Happy Monday everyone! Here’s my MM,

    http://apaperbacklife.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/musing-mondays-nov-21/

    Reply
  12. yvonne473 permalink

    It’s about the story for me too. My answer is here

    Reply
  13. Mona permalink

    Here’s mine!
    http://monasplace.net/?p=1399

    Reply
  14. Palm Trees & Bare Feet permalink

    Nice Question!

    Here is my MM: http://palmtreesbarefeet.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/musing-monday-reading-new-authors/

    Reply
  15. stacey@Havoc&Mayhem permalink

    I’m pretty open to most genres, including erotica, but I’m really picky about it, much more so than with other genres. There is so much bad erotica out there; it’s a search to find well written stuff. I’ve tried & tried to like steampunk; it seems like the perfect genre for a history & scifi fan. But so far I have not found a novel worth finishing.

    I get my books from kindle or the library, so I have the option to sample several chapters of new books before buying or taking them home. I do read Amazon reviews to decide if it is worth sampling.

    Reply
  16. Marie permalink

    Here’s mine! http://www.bostonbibliophile.com/2011/11/musing-mondays-who-influences-my.html

    Reply
  17. vampira2468 permalink

    http://dementedreading.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-mondays-nov.html

    Reply
  18. alouetteuette permalink

    Great question! Here’s my answer: http://booksbiscuitsandtea.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-mondays-7.html

    Reply
  19. Katie @ Magic Is In Words permalink

    Ooh, great question this week, I’ve never thought about that before!
    http://magicisinwords.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-monday-13.html
    -Katie @ Magic is in Words

    Reply
  20. Cheryl "Mash" permalink

    I agree with you. My MM is here

    Reply
  21. Naomi's Book Reviews permalink

    Here is mine: http://naomisbookreviews.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-mondays.html

    Thank you for hosting.

    Reply
  22. Jo Jones permalink

    Here is my musing:

    http://mixedbookbag.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-monday-november-21-2011.html

    Jo @ Mixed Book Bag

    Reply
  23. Amy permalink

    I agree. Here’s mine:

    http://amylunderman.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-mondays-and-some-ramblings.html

    Reply
  24. Clare permalink

    I agree: it’s more about the story than who’s writing it.

    http://www.faeryinkpress.com/archives/1212

    Reply
  25. Amy permalink

    My answer: http://amysbookden.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-mondays-14-monday-10.html

    Reply
  26. Patricia @ Lady with Books permalink

    I rarely get recommended an author.

    My Musing Mondays post can be found HERE

    Reply
  27. caite@a lovely shore breeze permalink

    Finally, mine is up!
    Right Here Folks!! No pushing now, you will all get a turn to read it! ;-)

    http://caitesdayatthebeach.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-mondaythanks-lot-guys.html

    Reply
  28. Debbie permalink

    Happy Monday everyone!
    http://nofiltermom.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-mondays_21.html

    Reply
  29. kristilyn permalink

    I agree … a book usually has to be in a genre that I’d actually read! The premise has to be good (though I’ve bought a few that have been a struggle to get through) and I like to have a few recommendations or see that that book has gotten great reviews.

    Here’s mine: http://readinginwinter.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/monday-musings-2/

    Reply
  30. Tina permalink

    Yeah, there’s just some genres that I won’t go near. Great question. Here’s my answer

    Happy Reading
    Tina

    Reply
  31. Tia Bach permalink

    I’m open to all genres, although I hesitate with horror. Trying to be more open to it, gradually. My MM: http://etjrmbach.blogspot.com/2011/11/trust-your-friends-for-best-books.html

    Reply
  32. Tia Bach permalink

    I like the new MM picture by the way. ;-)

    Reply
  33. Valentina permalink

    Nice on :)

    Here’s mine:
    http://carabosseslibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-mondays_21.html

    Reply
  34. Andie permalink

    Agreed. I’m more of a “how is the book?” girl, than “how is the author?” girl. Great question! http://theworldbehindashelf.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/musing-monday/

    Reply
  35. We Need Reads permalink

    I need to be more aware of unknowns. there’s a lot of books out there that deserve to be read!

    We Need Reads

    Reply
  36. Skye permalink

    I have a 4-Point Approach to every book I consider, and pretty much stick to my favored genres. I care all about “book” – very rarely about “author.”

    http://skyewriteordie.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-mondays-my-4-point-approach.html

    Reply
  37. Danica Page @ danica_page permalink

    I also don’t read erotica. Very good point. I didn’t originally think of genre swaying my decision in this post. Great point.

    Here’s my post: http://danicapage.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-monday-6.html

    Thanks and great posts guys!

    Reply
  38. abookandashortlatte1 permalink

    Here’s mine!

    http://abookandashortlatte.wordpress.com/2011/11/21/musing-mondays-19/

    Reply
  39. The Character Connection permalink

    I’d love for you to comment at:
    http://thecharacterconnection.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-monday_21.html

    Reply
  40. Karen and Gerard permalink

    I am always open to reading new authors I haven’t read before. I browse and choose books by title, cover and the inside flap. The title catches my eye first, then I read the flap and if it interests me, I’ll read the book.

    Reply
  41. Kristyn permalink

    There really aren’t any genres I won’t try at least once, either. Here’s my musing:

    http://www.romanticlovebooks.com/home/2011/11/21/monday-musings-how-do-you-choose-new-authors.html

    Reply
  42. The Plot Thickens permalink

    Please visit me at:
    http://theplotthickensbookblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-monday_21.html

    Reply
  43. City Girl Who Loves to Read permalink

    Love for you to stop by at:
    http://citygirlwholovestoread.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-monday_21.html

    Reply
  44. Caressa @Bookish permalink

    Great question!

    http://bookishlybloggers.blogspot.com/2011/11/musing-monday-11-21.html

    Reply
  45. readingwithtea permalink

    Better late than never… http://readingfuelledbytea.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/musing-mondays-something-new-and-presents/

    Reply

Please be patient if your comment doesn't show up right away... I will 'release' it as soon as I can. Thanks for your thoughts! ~MizB

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