How do you find books?

AgentBEATS · 12-11-2009, 04:47 PM

I wouldn't be surprised if this thread has been made before, but a preliminary search did not turn up anything, sorry if this has been done.

Anyways, I was just wondering how do you find the books you read? There are many, many different ways to find a book, glancing over a titles at a store, reading a review, word of mouth etc. But finding a book is different than finding a book you will read. With so many books out there, and in reality, not enough time to read them all, what prompts you to read one book over another? I have hundreds of books that I want to read, all of which interest me as much as the other, but in the end, I know I will ignore some and read others. So how do you find books?

For me I am a member of librarything almost primarily for there recommendations. Not that they are any better then other sites that recommend books based on titles you have read, just that out of the systems I have tried it has warranted the most success. Even then, a lot of the recommendations are based more so on similar subject matter than anything else and that doesn't always mean you will like it.

Latinandgreek · 12-11-2009, 05:07 PM

This is such a good question (and one dear to my heart) that I will answer it tomorrow (I'm sorry but I am really sleepy!), because it deserves a thorough answer. I would write an essay on the topic, if I had the time, and I am always on the prowl for new ways on choosing my next read.

WT Sharpe · 12-11-2009, 05:46 PM

Many, perhaps most, of the books I end up buying have been referenced in other books I've read. In addition, sometimes websites I frequent will mention books of interest. My interest in some of the books I've read recently was generated by other MobileRead Forum members.

Elfwreck · 12-11-2009, 06:09 PM

I read a lot of fanfic, and that's got a much better rec system than most ebooks. I know how to find good fanfic even in a fandom completely new to me; finding good ebooks is harder.

I start with any book that catches my eye--interesting title & blurb, or whatever--and google for recs of the book or the author. Sometimes I look for recs of the publisher, because small indie ebook-publishers tend to publish content of similar quality levels, even if not all of it is to my tastes.

Stitchawl · 12-11-2009, 06:22 PM

I take a look at every book and author (in the genres I prefer) that gets mentioned here in MobileRead. Added to my own personal favorite authors, that keeps me pretty well stocked.

Stitchawl

omk3 · 12-11-2009, 06:25 PM

If it's not an author I already know and trust, I like to randomly browse stores (physical and digital). I admit that I am influenced by the cover, irrelevant as it may be, and then by the title. If these two seem interesting enough I look at the synopsis and maybe the author's bio. I may even read the first paragraph or a random sentence to make up my mind (in a brick and mortar bookstore that is, otherwise I download a sample if there is one). I have tried to use recommendation sites but I found they don't work so well for me. And of course I take recommendations from friends, people on the internet I have come to sort of trust, and even books themselves, if they reference other works. Sometimes even something completely irrelevant I look up, say, on wikipedia, can lead me to a book. Apart from my favourite authors, it's quite a random process.

DixieGal · 12-11-2009, 06:29 PM

I'm a slow reader, so I've become very choosy about what I download. At first, I got overwhelmed with my "to be read" list until I stopped grabbing everything that was available. And although it was not planned, I've developed a habit of regularly stopping everything and limiting MR time until I clear out my TBR list every few months. And if I start a book and it doesn't grab me pretty quickly, then it's outta here. There are too many good reads out there to waste time on something that is not enjoyable.

Mrgauth · 12-11-2009, 07:22 PM

Go to the book store and look at paper books until I make up my mind which I want, then I go home and search for it in ebook. I like the quickness and atmosphere of real bookstores more than anything. Plus, covers have alot to do with grabbing my attention.

At the end of the day I buy which ever is cheaper. I am not a slave to either format nor will I pay more for one format over another. All that matters to me is reading the book. Used book stores, and their 50% off cover price, has done more to keep me reading paper than anything else.

The other thing I do is peruse Amazon by genre and check out the highest rated ones. Helps a little.

omk3 · 12-12-2009, 05:40 AM

Umm, here's two points I forgot to mention before.
I have a strong preference for debut novels. For one, I like supporting new authors, and I generally find that debut novels have something fresh and daring that others don't. Why bookstores don't have a debuts section is beyond me.
Another factor in my book choices is country: I like reading books by authors from all over the world. The differences in style of writing and way of thinking are intriguing. I have found countries that I tend to like the general style of their authors, and buy from them again and again. But I am always more than willing to try any author from a country I never read about before.

DixieGal · 12-12-2009, 10:08 AM

[quote=omk3;692892]Umm, here's two points I forgot to mention before.
I have a strong preference for debut novels. For one, I like supporting new authors, and I generally find that debut novels have something fresh and daring that others don't. Why bookstores don't have a debuts section is beyond me.
quote]

Oh Boy, have I got a great site for you! Try www.bookviewcafe.com It has both newer and experienced writers. I've found lots of great new authors there.

lilac_jive · 12-12-2009, 10:13 AM

Well, I have a couple of things:
-There's authors that I love and will read all of their books (I read a lot of mystery, romance, and fantasy).
-For ebooks, I often check out the freebies and if it looks remotely interesting, I'll download it and then usually read more from that author.
-I'm a member of goodreads, and I often get good recommendations from there.
-I read blogs, the goodreads newsletter, and also enjoy browsing what is new on the main page of the Sony site. I also just recently bought Edward Rutherfurd's "New York" in ebook form after clicking an ad for it on GoodReads.
-And, of course, I get lots of recommendations on here

I read anywhere from 15 to 25 books a month, so I need lots of recommendations

omk3 · 12-12-2009, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DixieGal

Oh Boy, have I got a great site for you! Try www.bookviewcafe.com It has both newer and experienced writers. I've found lots of great new authors there.

Thank you DixieGal! It seems the emphasis is more on the fantasy and science fiction genres - not my favourites, but then I never say no to a good book. It's bookmarked now, and I will definitely consult it when I'm looking for my next book.

Brainphart · 12-12-2009, 11:06 AM

Many books that I've enjoyed came from this thread https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10108 If you have a particular author you like check out Literature-Map http://www.literature-map.com/ "What Should I Read Next" http://www.whatshouldireadnext.com/search may also help.

yvanleterrible · 12-12-2009, 05:33 PM

I listen to a cultural radio station while driving to and from work. Some programmation is reserved to readings, invited authors and critics.

Mobile Mason · 12-12-2009, 05:57 PM

Generally look at my favourite genres and then continue on from there :X

12-11-2009, 04:47 PM	#1
AgentBEATS Connoisseur Posts: 72 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Canada Device: Sony PRS-505, Nintendo DS, HTC Desire	How do you find books? I wouldn't be surprised if this thread has been made before, but a preliminary search did not turn up anything, sorry if this has been done. Anyways, I was just wondering how do you find the books you read? There are many, many different ways to find a book, glancing over a titles at a store, reading a review, word of mouth etc. But finding a book is different than finding a book you will read. With so many books out there, and in reality, not enough time to read them all, what prompts you to read one book over another? I have hundreds of books that I want to read, all of which interest me as much as the other, but in the end, I know I will ignore some and read others. So how do you find books? For me I am a member of librarything almost primarily for there recommendations. Not that they are any better then other sites that recommend books based on titles you have read, just that out of the systems I have tried it has warranted the most success. Even then, a lot of the recommendations are based more so on similar subject matter than anything else and that doesn't always mean you will like it.

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12-11-2009, 05:07 PM	#2
Latinandgreek Warrior Princess Posts: 5,038 Karma: 9724231 Join Date: Sep 2009 Device: PRS-505; PRS-350, PRS-T1, iPad, Aura HD	This is such a good question (and one dear to my heart) that I will answer it tomorrow (I'm sorry but I am really sleepy!), because it deserves a thorough answer. I would write an essay on the topic, if I had the time, and I am always on the prowl for new ways on choosing my next read.

12-11-2009, 05:46 PM	#3
WT Sharpe Bah, humbug! Posts: 39,072 Karma: 157049943 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Chesapeake, VA, USA Device: Kindle Oasis, iPad Pro, & a Samsung Galaxy S9.	Many, perhaps most, of the books I end up buying have been referenced in other books I've read. In addition, sometimes websites I frequent will mention books of interest. My interest in some of the books I've read recently was generated by other MobileRead Forum members.

12-11-2009, 06:09 PM	#4
Elfwreck Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,187 Karma: 25133758 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area, California, USA Device: Pocketbook Touch HD3 (Past: Kobo Mini, PEZ, PRS-505, Clié)	I read a lot of fanfic, and that's got a much better rec system than most ebooks. I know how to find good fanfic even in a fandom completely new to me; finding good ebooks is harder. I start with any book that catches my eye--interesting title & blurb, or whatever--and google for recs of the book or the author. Sometimes I look for recs of the publisher, because small indie ebook-publishers tend to publish content of similar quality levels, even if not all of it is to my tastes.

12-11-2009, 06:22 PM	#5
Stitchawl Opsimath Posts: 12,344 Karma: 187123287 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand Device: Sony PRS-650, iPhone 5, Kobo Glo, Sony PRS-350, iPad, Samsung Galaxy	I take a look at every book and author (in the genres I prefer) that gets mentioned here in MobileRead. Added to my own personal favorite authors, that keeps me pretty well stocked. Stitchawl

12-11-2009, 06:25 PM	#6
omk3 Wizard Posts: 1,454 Karma: 37243 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Europe Device: pocketbook 360, kindle 4	If it's not an author I already know and trust, I like to randomly browse stores (physical and digital). I admit that I am influenced by the cover, irrelevant as it may be, and then by the title. If these two seem interesting enough I look at the synopsis and maybe the author's bio. I may even read the first paragraph or a random sentence to make up my mind (in a brick and mortar bookstore that is, otherwise I download a sample if there is one). I have tried to use recommendation sites but I found they don't work so well for me. And of course I take recommendations from friends, people on the internet I have come to sort of trust, and even books themselves, if they reference other works. Sometimes even something completely irrelevant I look up, say, on wikipedia, can lead me to a book. Apart from my favourite authors, it's quite a random process.

12-11-2009, 06:29 PM	#7
DixieGal Hi There! Posts: 7,473 Karma: 2930523 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ft Lauderdale Device: iPad	I'm a slow reader, so I've become very choosy about what I download. At first, I got overwhelmed with my "to be read" list until I stopped grabbing everything that was available. And although it was not planned, I've developed a habit of regularly stopping everything and limiting MR time until I clear out my TBR list every few months. And if I start a book and it doesn't grab me pretty quickly, then it's outta here. There are too many good reads out there to waste time on something that is not enjoyable.

12-11-2009, 07:22 PM	#8
Mrgauth Addict Posts: 206 Karma: 310 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tulsa OK Device: K3	Go to the book store and look at paper books until I make up my mind which I want, then I go home and search for it in ebook. I like the quickness and atmosphere of real bookstores more than anything. Plus, covers have alot to do with grabbing my attention. At the end of the day I buy which ever is cheaper. I am not a slave to either format nor will I pay more for one format over another. All that matters to me is reading the book. Used book stores, and their 50% off cover price, has done more to keep me reading paper than anything else. The other thing I do is peruse Amazon by genre and check out the highest rated ones. Helps a little.

12-12-2009, 05:40 AM	#9
omk3 Wizard Posts: 1,454 Karma: 37243 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Europe Device: pocketbook 360, kindle 4	Umm, here's two points I forgot to mention before. I have a strong preference for debut novels. For one, I like supporting new authors, and I generally find that debut novels have something fresh and daring that others don't. Why bookstores don't have a debuts section is beyond me. Another factor in my book choices is country: I like reading books by authors from all over the world. The differences in style of writing and way of thinking are intriguing. I have found countries that I tend to like the general style of their authors, and buy from them again and again. But I am always more than willing to try any author from a country I never read about before.

12-12-2009, 10:08 AM	#10
DixieGal Hi There! Posts: 7,473 Karma: 2930523 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ft Lauderdale Device: iPad	[quote=omk3;692892]Umm, here's two points I forgot to mention before. I have a strong preference for debut novels. For one, I like supporting new authors, and I generally find that debut novels have something fresh and daring that others don't. Why bookstores don't have a debuts section is beyond me. quote] Oh Boy, have I got a great site for you! Try www.bookviewcafe.com It has both newer and experienced writers. I've found lots of great new authors there.

12-12-2009, 10:13 AM	#11
lilac_jive Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,870 Karma: 27376 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pennsylvania Device: PRS-505	Well, I have a couple of things: -There's authors that I love and will read all of their books (I read a lot of mystery, romance, and fantasy). -For ebooks, I often check out the freebies and if it looks remotely interesting, I'll download it and then usually read more from that author. -I'm a member of goodreads, and I often get good recommendations from there. -I read blogs, the goodreads newsletter, and also enjoy browsing what is new on the main page of the Sony site. I also just recently bought Edward Rutherfurd's "New York" in ebook form after clicking an ad for it on GoodReads. -And, of course, I get lots of recommendations on here I read anywhere from 15 to 25 books a month, so I need lots of recommendations

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12-12-2009, 11:06 AM	#13
Brainphart Compost Power Posts: 79 Karma: 62238 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee Device: Nook ST-1 Sony Reader PRS500(retired but still kicking)	Many books that I've enjoyed came from this thread https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10108 If you have a particular author you like check out Literature-Map http://www.literature-map.com/ "What Should I Read Next" http://www.whatshouldireadnext.com/search may also help.

12-12-2009, 05:33 PM	#14
yvanleterrible Reborn Paper User Posts: 8,616 Karma: 15446734 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Que Nada Device: iPhone8, iPad Air	I listen to a cultural radio station while driving to and from work. Some programmation is reserved to readings, invited authors and critics.

12-12-2009, 05:57 PM	#15
Mobile Mason Resident Anglophile Posts: 76 Karma: 460 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ohio, United States Device: Kindle 2	Generally look at my favourite genres and then continue on from there :X