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?
Good reviews can make me more enthusiastic to read a book if I'm already interested in reading it. Bad reviews don't really affect my reading choices at all. Mostly, I listen to what other friends, family, and bloggers are saying about books rather than reviews in newspapers and places like that. In my experience, reviews are very hit or miss with me. For instance, Terry Pratchett's Disc World series has gotten excellent reviews over the years. I, however, didn't really care too much for the first one. Water for Elephants had glowing reviews as well. I was reluctant to read it because it sounded weird but I listened to recommendations from other people, read it, and loved it. Then there have been books that had only gotten mediocre reviews that I really enjoyed. Bottom line: I decide for myself what I'm going to like, dislike, read, or ignore.
Reviews are so subjective they don't sway me much, especially when it comes to favorite authors, but blog reviews by people I've read for a while whose tastes are similar will influence me.
ReplyDeletePersonal taste I feel, is what reviews mostly reflect. So they don't usually change my mind about what I already want (or don't want) to read, but reviews do introduce me to many books I never would have found otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. I can't remember how many times I have read a book, thought eh, then read rave reviews on it. Then I read something I love and reviews are mixed. People have to think and enjoy books for themselves.
ReplyDeleteI like your last sentence. I agree.
ReplyDeleteI too agree. I do not get swayed by reviews.
ReplyDeleteI said something similar. Reviews only sway me if I was on the fence anyway. However, I usually only pay attention to blogger reviews.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty much the same way. I take more stock in hearing opinions from friends and fellow bloggers because I've gotten to "know" them and what their reading tastes are like. Makes sense.
ReplyDeleteExactly! Very well put, Trisha.
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone for stopping by and leaving a comment.
ReplyDelete