Community Chat

[qualitygal]

I'd like to start reading again. I used to like Belva Plain books, and I want to say "simon" he used to do a lot of books and I think he passed now. I don't have any of his books to refer to. Guess I need to go into Amazon and look around and look for his name.

Anyway, any tips on helping you find and be happy with a book or just hit and miss mostly?

Thanks!!

[PhatCat]

I look at the reviews on Amazon and have downloaded a lot of books with almost perfect ratings figuring i'd like them too. I have to say, some were real snoozers.

[sfnative]

I enjoy historical fiction in a big way, so am always on the lookout for quality reads. Unfortunately, my favorite 5-6 authors have all retired and one passed away last year, so I'm sad about that. It's not easy finding new authors that fit ones individual bill.

[PolkaDotPjs]

I often go to a page in B&N or amazon.com and search for a book I've liked lots. Then I scroll down and see what's recommended to me because of that choice. I've found lots of good books that way. I also has a friend who actually reads more than I do, and she recommends some pretty good books before they receive much attention.

[best10buddy]

The storyline-- then the author--

[joannecha]

I get most of my reading material from my local library (where I work PT), but I do own a Kindle, but most purchases are under $5 for me. As far as purchases from yard sales, etc, I rarely keep a purchased paper book once I've read it (probably less than 5% of what I buy). They are donated to the library where they re-sell them. I make my "need to read" list from recommendations I read on-line, and get disappointed about 50% of the time. Even if it's an author that I'm familiar with, you just never know what's going to get you excited when you get to the first page. We change, our moods change, and authors change. I've picked up some books from the NYTimes BS list & read less than 50 pages & closed up shop. Reading for me is a life-long enjoyment. There are so many good books out there, that unless I'm drawn in in the 1st 50 pages, I don't waste my time with continuing.

[insomniac]

Qualitygal, I know you posted over a month ago, but I wanted to say that Belva Plains was a female author.

[sunala]

I get suggestions and recommendations from my reading friends, and I do a lot of research to find books that look like I will enjoy them.

I use Amazon, bookreporter.com, booktrib.com, npr.com, the Times book reviews, and the library.

SWEET and I email each other with our book lists as well as recommendations we think the other would like.

And, of course, from our Book Club right here. I've found lots of books that I've loved from all your suggestions. Keep 'em coming!

Sunny

[Mindy D]

I go to IBooks and get a free sample. I start the sample and if I like the book, I get the hard copy.

[Group 5 minus 1]

Depends: I like mysteries, but HATE romances.

Non-fiction: I like history but it must move and not jabber around. So much depends on the subject. Do not care for Danielle Steel at all or any thing like that. Really like auto and biographies.