Every Sunday, I’ll be posting one quote about books or reading that I really like and share how this relates to me. If you would like to join me, please post a quote in your blog and share with us why you chose it or how it personally affects you. You can leave a link in the comment section below and I’ll update this blog post with your link.
I usually choose books to read based on reviews from the Internet. I think it’s one of the advantages of the modern reader – to see the general census from those who have read the book before you. When I was younger, I just went to the library, read what the book is about and decide right then and there if I’d take it home or not. I miss discovering the wonders of a book without having to listen to other people’s opinions about it. I know it’s my fault. If I’d have wanted to read a book, I can just go ahead and do so without checking out Goodreads or other websites. I can’t help myself sometimes though. Will this be worth my money? Will this book be worth my time? Those questions often plague me and when I feel a little uncertain about a book, I check out what other people have to say. There were times last year that I read a book’s unfavorable reviews and ended up liking it. There were also instances when after reading rave reviews of a certain book, I was left unsatisfied and disappointed.
This year though, I want to change all of that. I want to read books that interest me, no matter what other people say or how many stars it gets. I want to hear myself say, “this book sounds interesting, perhaps I should read it”. I also want to go back to the books that were written earlier (not so much on the new releases, unless they really interest me) and books written by authors from around the world (last year, I read books mostly from American and Japanese authors). I really hope I can read more books from female authors and nonfiction books this year too. Any recommendations?
While I believe that the majority wins when it comes to books, I also believe in underdogs. I hope to read books this year that appeal to my tastes and preferences rather than succumbing to the opinions of others, not that they are bad or anything.
I’m also starting on a personal, perpetual challenge to read award-winning books from major literary awards such as the Pulitzer Prize, Man Booker Prize, National Book Awards and National Book Critics Circle Award, etc. I do NOT plan to read all of them though. Only those that interest me. I plan to read one book per year per literary award. That will keep me busy.
How do you choose books to read?
The Five-Eyed Bookworm 