How Do You Choose Your Novels?

[aquablue]

By author, by storyline, etc?

[Digger]

Usually by how I'm feeling after the last one I finished. For example, after finising the gargantuan Quicksilver I shall be looking for something relatively short and sweet.

But then I was eyeing my Primo Levi's which aren't either of those I suspect...

Or I shall spend a blisfull hour or so in Borders agonising on not being able to take the entire shop away with me.

Or, I wake up in the morning needing a new book, and it'll be whichever appeals for that day's commute.

Nope, no method at all! :roll:

[Stewart]

The author. I have authors I like and will read. That's not to say I'll always read them. I used to read King, Herbert, Laymon almost religiously as a teen but I can't really read them now. So I move on, always keeping up to date (if they are still alive) with my favourite authors.
Peer reviews. I trust friends and online recommendations over those of Amazon reviewers. But I don't mean just someone saying something in passing, it's got to be a considered review; knowledgeable and enthusiastic.
Browsing. I like nothing better than to spend an hour or so just wandering from A to Z in Waterstones, Borders, etc. I'll pick up new names, read a bit, and decide.
eBay. I scroll through the Literary Fiction section of eBay looking for book. Sometimes, if it's in good condition, I'll buy something I've never heard of. It has surprising results.
Penguins. I have a bit of a fetish of Penguin Modern Classics and Penguin Classics. Seeing a black or silver cover has me wanting the book before even reading the blurb. I trust Penguin.
Wikipedia. I'll sometimes pick a country and head to Wikipedia. It usually has a section of writers from that country. I'll look into them and if any of their works are available, I'll maybe buy it.
Subject Matter. Appliable only to non-fiction. But if there's a topic I'm interested in reading about, this usually swings it.
Hype. Let's face it, we do it.

[Lizzy Siddal]

I make lists, lists and more lists.

Pile the books up on the floor and see which one takes my fancy ....

Or I just read JS's latest review, dig the book out of the pile and get on with it.

Actually, I'm going to break this last habit .... I don't know if JS is getting uncomfortable but I'm beginning to feel like a literary stalker ......

[John Self]

I don't know if JS is getting uncomfortable but I'm beginning to feel like a literary stalker ......

Sorry Lizzy, I'm afraid jim holds that official post until the expiry of his certificate on 31 January 2008. After that, you can apply for the role under the usual competitive tender process.

My own methods would be a subset of Stewart's: author, peer reviews, browsing, hype, not necessarily in that order. Where he has listed Penguins I would just put Publishers: as well as Penguin (Modern Classics really more than Black Classics), there are other publishers where I'll take a chance on a book that I wouldn't have considered otherwise because I trust them, eg Pushkin Press, NYRB Classics.

[kirsty]

My own methods would be a subset of Stewart's: author, peer reviews, browsing, hype, not necessarily in that order. Where he has listed Penguins I would just put Publishers: as well as Penguin (Modern Classics really more than Black Classics), there are other publishers where I'll take a chance on a book that I wouldn't have considered otherwise because I trust them, eg Pushkin Press, NYRB Classics.

Much the same for me. And I'm a sucker for a pretty cover.

[jim]

Sorry Lizzy, I'm afraid jim holds that official post.

True, so back off Lizzy! Although The Poisonwood Bible which I'm currently reading is not a JS recommendation (although you've no doubt read it) so I feel like I'm in unchartered literary territory.

[John Self]

The Poisonwood Bible which I'm currently reading is not a JS recommendation

Yes jim, the Committee will be contacting you shortly with a date and time for your disciplinary hearing. You may bring a colleague.

(although you've no doubt read it)

Me or Lizzy? I haven't.

[Colyngbourne]

If it's books to read from my shelves at home, it will be a choice down to mood and energy levels, and sometimes (quite often best) just a random pick from the shelves of stuff as yet unread.

But if it's choosing new books, I would say definitely
a) the author, like Stewart. I will faithfully stick to certain authors and accrue others on the way as the years pass. Sometimes a favourite will be only because of a single book, but I will head for their pitch on the shop shelves anyway. Some authors I've grown out of. But this is my primary way of picking.

b) Reviews - either Palimp-reviews or reviews in the newspaper by trusty reviewers. A lot of my Good Reads these last few years have mostly come by Palimpsest reviews and other online discussions.

c) Titles and book covers: I'll usually pick something up which has the word "blood" in it to check for unusual vampire stuff; or ""God" if it's non-fiction. But catchy titles are the only other method of sifting through the shelves of bookstores. Though if I've heard the author name just mentioned here, it is stuck in my head enough to snag as my eyes whip past that shelf, and make me go back and have a proper blurb read.

I can think of a few titles I possess where I have succumbed to hype and regretted it usually, but I steer clear of big book displays if I can.

[Beth]

I confess to being susceptible to Svengali-like influences. Only now I'm in good hands of the Palimp 8). I could never be accused of an orderly approach to reading, except once for the Willa Cather catalog. I used to hit the library and just start with the 813s and stand with neck crooked sideways until something good jumped out. This made the TBR stack top heavy with A,B, and C authors and left me dizzy.

[Lizzy Siddal]

True, so back off Lizzy!

The title's all yours, Jim! (She says, stroking his arm, soothingly .....)


(although you've no doubt read it)

Yes, indeed. Twice - it's a ***** tremendous novel. I found it even better second time through. Waters a little less uncharted now?

[ions]

I can't add much beyond what's been said except that my reading goals influence the next book I read. For example in 2007 I wanted to read all of Pynchon's books so nearly December and I've started Gravity's Rainbow. I tend to have roughly the next two or three planned but that can change on a whim.

[Paradox]

System. That would be a good idea.
I do tend to stick to favored authors first off, but I suppose recommendations, and mood dictate my "next" read. 'Course that can change at the drop of a hat.

System.

Going to have to think about that.
I really dislike organization. Random is so much more fun.
Garden paths and all that. :lol:

[Beth]

'Course that can change at the drop of a hat.



Welcome again, Paradox, if I haven't already expressed it. Sounds like you might enjoy the group reads here. Very systematic, organized, and methodical they are, after a fashion. Have you read The Power and the Glory?

[Paradox]

Hi and thanks Beth.
No, I have not read The Power and the Glory, nor any of GG actually. Just have not been drawn in that direction.

The list for the next 6 months looks interesting though, especially I Am Mary Dunne and Anil's Ghost...I've just ordered both on Amazon Marketplace so hopefully I'll be able to participate in those discussions at least.

[aquablue]

Authors mainly. But reviews are vital in my selection of a book(s).

[John Self]

The list for the next 6 months looks interesting though, especially I Am Mary Dunne and Anil's Ghost...I've just ordered both on Amazon Marketplace so hopefully I'll be able to participate in those discussions at least.

Terrific news, Paradox, we look forward to you joining us for them!