What convinces you to add a book as Want to Read?
- A fetching cover
- A friend's review
- A tantalizing description
- Strong ratings
- Editorial buzz
Am I the only reader who can't answer this? I don't normally take these Goodreads polls, anyway, unless they happen to be about books I really dig or a genre I love, but this one...this one looks like it was created by someone who doesn't understand readers and their book-choosing habits at all!
To be honest, I use a variety of criteria when choosing books to add to my To-Read List. This list is lacking buttons for a lot of those criteria. I mean, it is lacking some serious buttons.
The most important button missing from this poll is "all of the above." Although an "all of the above" button still doesn't cut it for me because there are reasons other than these five that determine my book reading habits. At least the top four suggestions are taken under consideration when I look for books to read. Rarely do I get into "editorial buzz," though perhaps I ought to, I just don't see the need.
If a friend has said "Yeah, you'll like this" and reading the description/blurb has piqued my interest, then there's a good chance I'll read that book sooner or later. I've read books that have been recommended by friends on Goodreads.
'A tantalizing description' will often reel me in, more than the hype (editorial and/or pop culture buzz) or ratings. Mostly, it's word of mouth, though. Friends tell me through social media (other than Goodreads) or face to face with a simple "Hey, have you read this book? I bet you'd really like it." And I know if it comes from a friend who really knows me and what kind of books I dig, it's a book worth checking out.
How do you find the books you read?