Last week we all shared what we’re reading at the moment.
Marketers and publicists and literary agents and everyone else interested in sales wants to know: how did you hear about it?
Also: where did you buy/borrow/acquire/steal it from?
Nathan Bransford | Writing, Book Editing, Publishing
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Nathan Bransford
Helping authors achieve their dreams
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Reading The Strain. Heard about it from Colleen Lindsay on Twitter.
Just finished Trouble with Demons. Won it from a blog promoting the release.
I used to do a lot of library browsing, but now I have a friend who is a MG/YA sales rep for Penguin Canada and she gives me about 35-40 ARCs every few months. My library use now is pretty much requests based on what I read about on blogs or personal recommendations from friends.
My parents. They have good taste. They're out of the country on an assignment, and I got to raid Mom's bookshelves to "store" some of her books while they're gone.
I'm reading Michener's The Source from that box right now.
Up next will likely be my good friend Janette Rallison's My Fair Godmother.
I am reading "Whisper in the Dark" by Robert Gregory Browne from the public library.
I heard about him since following him on twitter.com @RGregoryBrowne
Great storyteller.
P.S. I love your blog the best of all of blogs I've seen! So much great and useful information for me…Thank you
Just read The Noticer which is marketed everywhere, but I got it free from Thomas Nelson's blogger review program. Now I'm reading Surrender All, which another marketer sent me for free to review on my blog. Loving some free books in exchange for my opinion…(which I'd happily give for free!)
I just got Paris Pan Takes the Dare by Cynthea Liu (UPS this morning). I ordered it earlier this week after reading her post on Twitter 🙂
~2
P.S. I have been ordering/reading a lot of Twitter suggestions.
Reading Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson. Found her via her blog, Faster Than Kudzu, which some other blogger linked to. Her blog is hysterical and her writing is beautiful.
Reading Silver Phoenix.
Heard about it via a blog post.
Heh, I blogged about this topic this morning. Here's a fiscal year's worth of "where I heard about the books I bought".
I am reading The Monsters of Templeton, which I picked up while browsing my local bookstore, Powell's in Portland, Ore.
I peruse "Good Reads" comments and I also look at recommendations Amazon makes for me based on what I have purchased in the past. I read almost everything on Kindle now, which has been limiting some of the YA I can purchase.
Reading CUTTING FOR STONE by Verghese, which I had heard about when it launched via media sources but also was endorsed heartily by Ann Kingman of Books on the Nightstand podcast/blog; also reading FIVE FINGER FICTION by Brooks Sigler, whom I met on Twitter. Most of the books I've read this year have come from Twitter chatter (incl TINKERS, EPICURE'S LAMENT, A RELIABLE WIFE, MISTER PIP, SAG HARBOR, etc.)
Lastest books I've read I've heard about through blogs.
Before I started blogging I found books by browsing at B&N, seeing the movie first (hooked me on Harry Potter and Twilight), or a recommendation from Amazon.
The book I just finihsed and the book I am reading now came directly out of my Twitter connections. The former was being promoted heavily via tweets by the author and other fans, and the latter was the result of winning a contest by a Twittering publisher.
That being said, I usually hear about books through blogs or word of mouth from friends and family.
Reading The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, a recommendation from my aunt.
Still reading Night Work: The Sawchuck Poems, which I found on the Canadian Fiction book table when I was visiting Toronto.
Word verification/good name for a land in a fantasy novel: Eurnrook.
I’ve just started reading Emily Ate the Wind by Peter Conners (Marick Press). I picked it up, full price/new, a few weeks back at a literary festival/book fair.
Gorgeous cover. It’s an odd read, but I mean that in a good way. Complex. Textured. Intermixing sketch stories that present Conners as a very visual writer.
I just finished The Time Travelers Wife. I heard about it through several blogs and personal recommendations. I bought if from (shh….) Amazon. (I had a deal for free shipping, and I have three children, which makes store buying tricky.)
I'm reading "The People of Sparks", the second book in the Ember series by Jeanne DuPrau. I picked up "The City of Ember" after I saw Tim Robbins on the Daily Show promoting the movie. I never got around to seeing the movie, but the books are fabulous and I'm so glad I heard about them.
I'm reading a historical romance (moderately trashy, but it could be much worse). It was recommended to me on Amazon based on another book I enjoyed, and I bought it for Kindle for iPhone.
It was a total impulse buy (one click shopping from the iPhone after reading the first chapter for free — dangerous!) and after reading this article, I'm not sure I'll buy many other Kindle books, although I'm a total ebook addict.
Walked past it on the shelf in the library 2 days ago. Now reading Scarpetta, by Patricia Cornwell.
Reading Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper. I've meant to pick up a Picoult novel for a while now and with all the hype about the movie around I was reminded to do it.
Bought it at Chapters (Canadian version of Barnes & Noble).
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society – BTW, I just started this book and have fallen in love with it which only happens to me a few times a year. I heard about it from my friend who chose it as our book club pick of the month (we take turns picking which book everyone else will read). I later heard about it again from my mom who is in a book club in Florida and she said everyone loved it.
Mostly, I hear about books from the women in my book club (I think I read a lot, but some of the women in it put me to shame. They read 10-20 books a month, so they're always giving me suggestions about what they think I'll like.) Also, I've read several books based on the lovely folks who comment on this blog.
Overall, word of mouth is the way I find my books. I don't pick based on those Amazon suggestions that say "People who bought this book also liked…" That just ticks me off because they don't know me. Hope that helps.
Reading Sex as a Second Language by Kwitney… and it was recommended to me by a fellow romance writer, as we're attempting to read our genre more.
Good point, Lori May. In addition to my comment above, I should add that what initially made me pick up The Monsters of Templeton was it fantastic cover, which was facing out from its position on the bookshelves.
My decision to purchase the book was cemented when I read the intriguing jacket copy.
Glass Bead Game came from my Amazon Wish List. I searched Amazon for Hesse because Siddhartha was good, then added it to my list. My Amazon Wish List is linked on my Facebook page and most presents I get come from it, because my family/friends are awesome.
Q: What are "book trailers" worth? Why does Galleycat constantly post about book trailers? I buy tons of books (strictly by dead people, though) & never would even think to look at something presented as a "book trailer." I am interested in books only when they're not obviously being sold to me. Am I alone? Should I as an author w/ first book in the pipeline be thinking of such a crazy thing as a trailer?
Reading "How to Write Science Fiction" by Orson Scott Card. I first saw it on the syllabus of a Writer's Digest workshop.
Story Circle Network Book Reviews site http://www.storycirclebookreviews.com and also my library's e-letters. Beyond that, author blogs, blog book tours, and Twitter. There are way too many good books out there, and not nearly enough time. LOL.
Dani
http://twitter.com/blogbooktours
Reading two books at the moment:
A Princess of Roumania by Paul Parks. This was sent to me as part of a gift bag of books from a World Fantasy Convention I registered for but was unable to attend. Sat on my shelf for a long time, but kept hearing good reviews of it, so I finally decided to try it.
Jewels: A Secrey History by Victoria Finlay. Reading this one because I'm fascinated by gems and because I read and loved another of her books, Color: A Natural History of the Palette. That one I discovered because someone mentioned it on a blog.
So in both cases, I'm reading my current books because of some form of word of mouth.
I puruse the books at Walmart. I saw Fablehaven (book 1) and liked the look and the blurb and made my husband buy it for me. When I found out there was a book 2, we went to Walmart and picked it up too. Most of the books I read I see while purusing the shelves in Walmart or Borders.
Twilight I heard about on the radio though. The DJ said his wife read it and went crazy for it. I had to find out what the hype was about.
I'm reading Stray by Rachel Vincent now, but I get most of my book recommendations from various blogs. The last two successes for me were from the Deadline Dames blog, specifically. I'm more likely to trust a recommendation given by someone that I respect, and I love the Deadline Dames blog enough to take what they say seriously.
…you know, even if the author is one of the bloggers and thus has a vested interest. *winks*
I will also sometimes traverse the "Customers who bought this also bought" list on Amazon, but I'm finding it less enjoyable to surf their site lately, so I only do that when my deep well of books on reserve at the library goes bone dry.
I will almost always borrow a book from Inter Library Loan first. If it's good enough to read again, I'll buy it, typically in paperback. If it's REALLY good, I'll go ahead and buy all of the books in the series without waiting for the library method.
I await with tender anticipation the date when ebooks become financially viable. I can skip the library altogether if I can afford an electronic copy of the book, and still buy hard copies of the "keepers".
Moby Dick – high school English class. Fables TPBs – given to me by my brother. Brass Verdict – given to me by a friend.
Reading RIVER SECRETS, by Shannon Hale (from library).
Learned of Hale through word-of-mouth from fantasy author Elizabeth C. Bunce.
Oh, and I did read "Olive Kitteridge" after the Pulitzer reviews came out. It was very good. I don't usually seek out the bestseller lists though.
Dani
Reading The Planets by Dava Sobel. Didn't so much "hear about" as looked for once I finished Galileo's Daughter.
Also reading Blue Boy, which I purchased after hearing about it here.
SEA OF POPPIES by Amitav Ghosh. Borrowed from library, but like it so much will buy a copy. Found it because it was repped by my agent.
I find books lots of ways.
Friends and family recommend books. We exchange books often.
Sometimes I'll browse Amazon and look at reviews, or recommendations. That's fun. I can spend hours doing that.
Occasionally I'll wander the aisles at Barnes and Noble or Borders and see what's around. Those are fun days, where I'll take a big pile back to a comfy chair and look through them.
Lately, I've been checking out agent sidebars. I'm here, let's take a look. If I like the agent, maybe I'd like the books they represent, too.
I would have heard about books through advertisements on T.V., or in newspapers, magazines or billboards. Oh yeah. Except there aren't any.
Reading The General's Daughter by DeMille.
I heard about it when it was assigned in my book club. (Really don't like it – not my writing style at all.)
Bought it at Borders. I always try to buy at the bookstore. I know that helps authors out.
I like to go to my area bookstores (Borders, Barnes & Noble, Daedalus Books) and just explore the sections for new books. That's the most exciting thing for me. (Because mostly, I go to the bookstores with a book already in my head that I want). If I already know I want it, it's from a friend who has read it, a recommendation from an author I already love, or a review from PW.
The Eyre Affair. I heard it from a friend first and then from lots of buzz online – many people on twitter or in blog posts saying they had just read or were planning to read it.
I'm in the middle of several books, but today I've been making progress on two: Framley Parsonage by Anthony Trollope, which was a birthday present, and Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin, which I found out about on the LibraryThing website and ordered from Amazon.
I'm picky–not too highbrow, not too lowbrow, so I have to go to the bookstore and look at the book and read the back cover copy and a bit inside. I guess my books are "preselected"–the ones that end up on the new trade paper table in B&N. I circle the table until I find something that intrigues me–I have to say these days it's usually narrative nonfiction. One of the best books I found this way recently was The Red Leather Diary: Reclaiming a Life through the Pages of a Lost Diary by Lily Koppel. I reject books that sound too depressing or intellectual, too chick lit-ish, ie Southern debutante lit(though I do love some chick lit), or is another novel about a horrific death in the family that has lasting ramifications blah blah.
Nathan – I thought of one other thing that might be helpful which is how people find their book club picks. Several women belong to some of those reading circle websites and get free books for registering with them. On several occasions, they loved these free books enough to pick it for book club. The last two I picked for book club were The Alchemist and The Life of Pi, but they had just been on my "to read" list for so long that I knew I'd get to them if I was hosting the book.
My last book was a present for Christmas from my niece across the Channel with the following handwritten note:
"It is what everyone is reading in England… But I am sure you can do better than this…" "It" is a huge best seller and and movie office breaker- still haven't read it.
PS I can scan you the note if you don't believe me.
I'm about to start ANNA KARENINA. Couldn't tell you where I first heard of it, but I swiped it from my mom. 🙂
I am finally reading The Graveyard Book. I read so many great reviews on others' blogs about it!
Oh whoops.
Typo in my last post. I left out a character. I posted:
"I would have heard about books through advertisements on T.V., or in newspapers, magazines or billboards. Oh yeah. Except there aren't any."
I forgot something important. The exclamation points, as in: there aren't any!!!!!!!!
The Scent of Shadows by Vicki Pettersson
Heard about it from a blog and Janet Reid
Right now I'm reading "The Secret Life of Bees" and "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman. The first one was passed on to me by a critique partner. I picked up the second while scoping out B&N and bought it due to a combination of name recognition and an interesting blurb.
Reading The Girl She Used to Be by David Cristofano
Won it on an agency blog contest
(Really good so far, btw.)
Heard about mine from the various book review blogs I read; that's generally how I find what to read next. I also find a lot of interesting books by being on Goodreads.
Also, another aspect comes from browsing bookstore shelves and making notes about titles of interest. Then I go home and search for reviews on it to see if it'll make my ever-growing to-read list.
When I decide what to read, I get it from the library first, unless it's an author I love or a book that I'm really waiting to read.
Of course I may have to start spending a lot more time in the bookstore especially if our state goes ahead with their planned library cuts, which will make acquititions low and will close many library branches. But I'm hoping that it doesn't come to that–I don't know what I'd do without my local library branch–I'm there at least twice a week.
Currently reading In Ashes Lie by Marie Brennan; I knew the release date because I read her blog, but I knew about the book because I read the first in the series Midnight Never Come [recommended by a friend]. Also reading Ratio by Michael Ruhlman, which I heard about on a cooking blog.
I'm reading "Blood Rites" by Jim Butcher (recommended by a friend), On the Road by Jack Kerouac (recommended by Visual Bookshelf application on Facebook).
Most of my recommendations these days come through the Visual Bookshelf application itself, or from seeing what my friends are reading when they post reviews on that application.
Oh, and being the poor graduate student that I am, I almost never purchase books unless they are reference material. I go through the library for everything else.
I learned about the novel, 'To Have and to Have Not' when visiting Key West, Florida and touring the Hemingway House. At the time, I was researching the period of his life when he was living and writing in Florida. My intrigue started from reading a current release at that time – 'A Moveable Feast' – a story of Hemingway's early Paris years.
Much of the writing information that I found online afterwards, was from the Hemingway House website.
The Mary Higgins Clark book I'm also reading I heard about from a couple of mystery websites that I visit.
Blogs and author websites are great resources where I learn about books of interest.
Great post idea. There will be a broad spectrum of responses to this type of question.
The next question could be 'what made you decide to buy it, borrow it, etc? Was it the cover, the story blurb, or reviews you've read?'
Stay healthy.
I heard about ON WRITING from a writer's section on a fansite I belong to AND here, of course! I purchased it from Amazon.com. 🙂
Hollywood Crows by Joseph Wambugh. Heard about the book at the Fraternal Order of Police bar in Washington DC. Bought audiobook at Barnes & Noble, Tysons Corner Mall.
I just finished reading Evermore by Alyson Noel. I actually first heard of it and picked it up because of her Publisher's Marketplace page and all the fabulous blurbs she has on there.
That was a first for me. I normally buy books because of word of mouth in the online YA community.
I'm currently reading "Don't Judge a Girl By Her Cover." My little sister recommended the series a few years ago. Most of the books I read come from recommendations from friends or family members, but I have found a few on blogs lately.
I'm reading Freudian Slip by blog world pal Erica Orloff and I heard about it on her blog.
Obviously, I'm reading other things than what I was reading last week.
Voyageurs by Margaret Elphinstone. I bought this in Scotland a couple of years ago and forgot I had it. It's now available in the US, but it wasn't when I first got it. I remembered I had it after I got the Edinburgh International Book Festival catalogue last week and found that Elphinstone is releasing and new book, which, of course, isn't available in the US yet. That's why I found the one of hers I had.
I "discovered" Elphinstone back in 2002 or 03 when I heard her do a reading for Hy Brasil (fabulous book!). I've purchased most of her stuff (either in Scotland or through amazon.co.uk) ever since. I can't wait to get the new one.
Sorry this is long.
I heard about Outlander from a blog post. I learned there were sequels from goodreads.com. Probably 50% of the books on my to-read list are just from perusing goodreads and blogs. Another 25% is direct recommendations from people I know. And the other 25% is well-known, word of mouth books that I've been meaning to check out just to see what all the fuss is about. For example, the Da Vinci code. No, I still haven't read it.
Linked from someone's blog.
Last couple of books: borrowed from sister, was fan of author before her debut, bought at yard sale.
The current book I am reading is Skin Trade #17 in a series by Laurel K Hamilton, the Anita Blake series. By now I feel like I know Anita almost as well as I know myself.ha I like to think she is who I would be if vampires were legal and werewolves were my next door neighbors.
I heard about the series from a friend who was addicted and it only took reading the first one to hook me. Word of mouth is how I hear about a lot of good reads. Quite a few of my friends read and we like the same kind of books, anything that takes us completely away from our own reality.
For the books I mentioned last week: Ari Juels' Tetraktys was an ARC I received from the author (an acquaintance through my day job); I bought Carol Emshwiller's Carmen Dog from a warehouse sale held by the publisher, Small Beer Press. I know I like the books SBP puts out, so I just went crazy on the warehouse sale and bought indiscriminately. I heard about Tania Hershman's White Road and Other Stories through the network of blogs I read–her publisher, Salt Publishing, had been getting some publicity because the press was in dire straits. I decided to try one of their titles, and most of the blogs mentioning Salt had linked to Hershman's blog, so I bought her book. I bought it online from Powell's. The Harry Potter books my husband was reading are from our home library. They were all bought on opening day from various bookstores, depending on where we were living at the time. For bonus points, I'm now reading the Traveller RPG core rulebook, put out by Mongoose, which I bought from a local SF/fantasy indie bookstore. I picked up a preview for it last year at free RPG day, and that finally filtered through my brain and turned into a purchase.
I am reading;
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards- heard about from a friend
Second Chance by Jane Green via Twitter
True At First Light by Hemingway-via I am not certain. Had it for awhile
In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan via a friend in the food industry
The cover leapt out at me from the bookstore shelf. As most often is the case.
I vaguely remember reading about The London Eye Mystery on a couple of blogs about a year ago. When I saw it for sale in paperback at Barnes and Noble, I snapped up a copy.
I forgot to mention I bought it online, Barnes and Noble. Free shipping and 20% off sale. You can't beat that with a stick.
I just read through 50 or so comments and found I seem to be the only person who's reading a book because she met the author. Wow. I actually have read at least 25 books because of meeting authors BEFORE I'D HEARD OF THEIR BOOKS. This author list would include Neil Gaiman, Ian Rankin, Stephenie Meyer (yeah, I've actually read them — and I have issues with them), Margaret Elphinstone, Doris Lessing (yes, really — but I can't stand her stuff), Aprilynne Pike, Debi Gliori, and Stuart Hill. I LOVE going to readings and book festivals.
However, I often get my reads off of sites that recommend YA fiction, such as Bookshelves of Doom.
I just finished The Forest of Hands and Teeth which I heard about on another blog — don't remember which. I love zombies ^_^
I'm finishing The Witch of Portobello by Paulo Coelho which was recommended to me by a friend and the cover is odd which engaged me.
Halfway through Ender's Game. Um…I can't remember exactly where I heard about it. But I found it in the library. 🙂
I'm reading JANE EYRE, which I heard of, well, everywhere, but I'm reading it right now because I wanted to have a classic to read alongside Jack Murnighan's BEOWFUL ON THE BEACH. I heard about that one at Books on the Nightstand.
I'm reading Wings by Aprilynne Pike. I read about it on several blogs, which is where I find most recommendations these days.
I got it from the library, I'm trying to cut back on my book buying.
The Fantasy Debut book review blog.
fantasydebut.blogspot.com
I also review, so I emailed the author and she promptly sent me the book.
I almost always end up reading books (new and old) that I've heard about online. Not necessarily reviews, although I do read a lot of those if someone links to them. But more often I hear about a book because blogs and Twitter allow me to listen in on people's musings and conversations about the books they like. I can also say with certainty that I've turned other people on to my favorite books by blabbing about them online.
I've also got a book on my TBR list because it's written by my former college workshop instructor, but I wouldn't have spent my money on it if I hadn't seen positive comments about it online (Amazon, Goodreads, etc).
I'm reading Madame Bovary by Gustaf Flaubert and The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. I heard about The Name of the Wind via Tor's blog and kept popping up as a title to read after that.
Just finished 'The Last Book of Salem' by Katherine Howe. Due out 25th June. At the moment I'm fortunate in getting review copies of books (as long as I keep reviewing, it should hopefully continue for a while). It's great to see what's on the market, and read them fresh off the press.
Although the more I follow book review blogs, the more I'm making note of what sounds good and adding them to my TBR list.
I noticed a bag of paperbacks in my mom's garage…it was the bag to take to the used book store. She was trading in her recent reads, so I dug through and grabbed 3 or 4 with the most interesting covers. She remarked that the Kate Atkinson one was the best of the bunch and so I started that one first.
I got my last year's faves that way too – hand me downs/intersting covers.
Dead Until Dark
A sale of $1 books at University of Nebraska at Lincoln bookstore/student center.
I'm reading "The Indifferent Stars Above," about the Donner Party. I saw it in the Book of the Month Club flyer.
I'm still working on Highway 99: A Literary Journey through California's Great Central Valley. It's a collection of essays, stories, and poems on my home region. As I've lived far away from there for almost ten years, nostalgia increases and I read (and write) more about the San Joaquin Valley. I found and bought this book by searching on Amazon, though I've also visited the publisher's website, Great Valley/Heyday Books. I own a number of their titles and love supporting a small publisher that specializes in "my home."
I find out about most books through 50bookchallenge on LiveJournal or agent and author blogs. This one is an exception.
I'm reading Peter and the Starcatchers, and I have Peter and the Sword Thieves for when I'm finished. (I write and read MG). The blue foil stars caught my eye of all things, when I was at the book store. I ran to the library and put them on hold.
On my list: NEXT, by Michael Crichton. I was familiar with it because I read the jacket copy at a bookstore, but this particular copy came into my possession by wining a critique contest on a friend's blog (Thanks PC!).
Last Read: THE STORY OF EDGAR SAWTELLE, by David Wroblewski. A friend loaned it to me.
My wife is reading: THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY, Karleen Koen. A relative loaned it to her.
My wife last read: The entire TWILIGHT series by…I forget, does anyone happen to know? She bought them all, first heard about it from a co-worker. I know at least one person that bought and read the entire series based on my wife's recommendation. (I read TWILIGHT but not the others).
Just finished an ARC of SHIVER by Maggie Stiefvater. Stellar, amazing YA. I found her when I reviewed LAMENT for YABC.
http://yabookscentral.blogspot.com/
I receive a lot of ARC's to review, and so far the true test is whether I ask for more by specific authors. I'll beg for the sequels to both of these books.
Night Train to Lisbon – Pascal Mercier. Our Book Club fiction reading list, designated for this month, I believe picked by the group after browsing online Book Club reading lists and recommendations.
Liberation: The Bitter Road to Freedom, Europe 1944-1945 – William I. Hitchcock – first in my amazon recommended list based on what else I purchased, then followed up with reading reviews in major UK newspapers before decided to purchase.
Both bought new in 2009, but amazon purchases (I'm afraid to say).
On Facebook. A year ago I never would have imagined I'd be reading something I noticed on facebook, but there you are.
I bought it from allromanceebooks.com…something else I never thought I'd be doing.
Heard about it on a blog & requested my local library purchase it. My library is great like that. If you don't mind waiting, book purchases are not required. I borrow 95% of the books I read from there.
I heard about the Children of the Promise series from my daughter-in-law. I borrowed it from her grandmother.
I have since reread The Outsiders. I heard about that from a school teacher.I have had my copy so long that I have no recollection of how I got it.
word verification: ablycali – The abililty to conviningly fake being a native Californian.
Currently I'm reading Eragon. I don't remember how I first heard about it, but I likely bought it at Barnes and Noble. The last book I read, A Countess Below Stairs, by Eva Ibbotson was a face-out in the teen fiction section at B&N which is how I came upon it.
A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick, read the review in the New York Times, bought it at Amazon.
I discovered WALKER EVANS (a biography of the photographer written by James R. Mellow) shelved at Taylor Books in Charleston, West Virginia, which is one of my all time favorite book stores. We make a point of stopping in to browse there whenever we are in the area. I bought the book as a gift for my husband, knowing I would get to read it when he was finished with it.
Getting ready to start Comfort Food, which I'm reading because I just finished the author's Friday Night Knitting Club. I nearly picked up FNKC numerous times at Target, but eventually borrowed it from the library only after a friend told me it was good.
I like browsing bookstores but live smack in the middle of nowhere and there isn't one. When I get the chance, though, I'm completely sucked in by product placement: endcaps, tables in the aisle. Peruse the back covers, read the first page, and pull the trigger if I'm intrigued.
I also do a lot of "Customers who bought this item also bought…" on Amazon.
Reading Stephanie Meyer's Twilight Saga. Where didn't I hear about it is a better question.
Just finished Get Known Before the Book Deal by Christina Katz who advertised it in her e-zine that I read every month. Got it at the library.
Also, Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass due to a review I read in the Writer Magazine; also a library find.
I'm now reading Between the Lines by Jessica Morrell after reading a review in The Writer magazine. Bought it at a book store.
I'm working on Parched by Heather King which comes before Redeemed by the same author. I sought it out from a tweet recommend by literary agent Rachelle Gardner. A library find.
Most recent reads were discovered through a favorite podcast, and a favorite blog.
The American Library Association's Best Books lists have helped me find some great YA novels.
Found "The Club" by Sharon Page when she (the author) was a guest blogger on Silk & Shadows.
My recent trail of books:
"feed" because I read the first line in a bookstore and wanted it.
"Skin Hunger" because I was attracted to it in a bookstore and then devoured it.
"Graceling" from a blog review.
"The Hunger Games" from my daughter.
"Wake" an agent at a conference.
"Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian" borrowed from critique partner.
Recommendation from my best friend.
I'm reading Yasmine Galenorn's Embracing the Moon: A Witch's Guide to Ritual Spellcraft and Shadow Work. I actually started reading her blog and following her on Twitter before I started reading her books. I started reading her books specifically because she's so personable on the internet. I'm flat broke, so I order the books through the library and encourage our local library to carry them. If I particularly like one (as I am this one) I'll put it on my list of books to buy when I do have money.
I've dug down deep in the TBR pile for the book I'm currently reading: Winter Rose by Patricia A. McKillip which I bought years ago. I believe I bought it because I'd heard a lot of interesting stuff in Locus and elsewhere about McKillip, and because I was drawn to the beautiful cover art of Kinoku Y. Craft. I bought it at the local Barnes and Noble. Also purchased there recently: The Whispering Room by Amanda Stevens because the blurb made it sound interesting and the writing on the first page held up; Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs because I'm a diehard fan. I was originally drawn to that series, I believe, though it's been a while through another combination of blurb, sample reading, and cover art. Also because the main character has the last name of Thompson–which isn't too helpful for marketing purposes. :-/ Also, The Physick Book of Deliverence Dane by Katherine Howe. Attracted by the mysterious cover, then by the blurb, then by the writing. I'm pretty boring that way, marketing-wise. Sometimes Locus gets me to buy things, or people I trust blogging/reviewing books, sometimes even Amazon reviews.
I'm reading HOUSE OF DANCE, by Beth Kephart. I first read about the author on the wonderful litblog Chasing Ray (chasingray.com) and filed her name away on my mental to-read list.
Most YA novels I find out about through the various kidlit blogs and forums, usually months before they come out. So when a given book finally DOES hit the shelf, I've probably read several reviews of it, interviews with the author, etc., and have a pretty good idea of whether I want to read it or not.
Most adult fantasy and SF books I find because of my husband and his brother.
New lit fic books I find out about either through litblogs, the NYT Book Review, or my mom.
I am reading the Harry Potter series. I am alive, so I have heard of it. I bought the first two books at a yard sale. I got books 3 and 4 at a half price book store. Haven't bought the last 3 yet.
I'm reading THE YEARS OF RICE AND SALT. Discovered it while link-hopping in Amazon. ("Customers who bought X also enjoyed Y!")
I'm reading THE WOLF HUNT by Gillian Bradshaw. I first saw it in my "favorite genres" on Paperbackswap.com — I read the reviews, then visited the author's website. Everything I read was very appealing to me so I requested the book.
Oh, I do want to add one thing. I make a point of buying new books every month. I'm lucky enough to have room in my budget, and I want to support my fellow authors.
Figure it's good karma, too.
Leif Enger's "So Brave, Young and Handsome" — in a blog review of Enger's "Peace Like a River."
Word of mouth is still the most efficient marketing-it doesn't cost a thing and boy it works! I always read what's recommended by someone I share similar tastes with.
In light of yesterday's discussion, I have to admit that I am currently "reading" one book, and "listening" to another.
I am "reading" THE LAST OLYMPIAN by Rick Riordan. I heard Riordan speak last fall about the first four books in his series. I read the first four books, and liked them. So when this book came out I went to Barns and Noble and bought it. I heard about Riordan's reading from my mother, who read about it in the paper.
I am also "listening" to PERSUATION by Jane Austin. I checked this audio book out of the public library. I didn't hear about it from anyone in particular, I just saw it on the library shelf and realized the last time I listened to it I was 12, so hearing it again might not be a bad idea.
I finished Dean Koontz's Relentless. I first heard about the novel from the author's site, when it was forthcoming.
I'm currently reading two books.
The first is ANY KNOWN BLOOD by Lawrence Hill, which I picked up at Costco after reading and loving another of the author's novels (which in turn had been recommended to me by a friend's book club).
The second is NO ANGEL by Jay Dobyns and Nils Johnson-Shelton. I was sent a reader's copy by the publisher with the understanding I'll review it on my blog, which is in a related field (law enforcement).
Marketing source: email teaser from Amazon
Acquisition: I hit the buy button on my Kindle and it magically appeared.
I'm reading SWOON by Nina Malkin. I like to got to http://www.yalit.com and see what's coming out, and when I find something interesting I either buy from B & N or reserve at my local library.
The second Charlaine Harris (sp?) vampire book. I read about the series in an email I got from Borders, and then looked at reviews on Amazon.com
My fiance sweetly bought it for me.
I am also reading In The Wood…my fiance's random pick from Borders.
I read my boyfriend's copy of Never Let Me Go. It had been sitting on our shelf for at least a year. The cover is so intriguing, but I just hadn't had time until then to actually read it.
Return of the King – Tolkien
Normally – I browse the new fiction releases at Borders or on Amazon. I've also been known to stroll aisle by aisle and grab books with neat looking covers. I also read books given to me by friends.
So, even in the electronic age, my Kindle always close at hand, I still browse the book stores.
S
I had read Another of Francine Rivers novels last year and the Amazon results for the one I purchased were great. A friend of mine gave me the original book and begged me to read it up until that point I read neither Christian fiction nor romances turned out the author was just too engaging to put down. A VOICE IN THE WIND is the first in the Mark of the Lion trilogy.
BTW, using the Kindle app for my ipod touch and am totally addicted.
It's hard for me to pinpoint where I first heard of something because I'm always browsing through book stores, listening to books podcasts, and reading newsletters and the like, but I do know how I got them. The Gods Themselves–found a cheap paperback in a used bookstore. Feeding the Monster–it was in the bargain books section at Borders. Unaccustomed Earth–convinced my dad to buy it for my mom for Christmas and am reading it while I'm home for the summer.
Boy, that really makes me sound cheap. I buy books at full price. Really, I do. It just so happens that I didn't pay full price for any of the books I'm reading right now.
Heard about The Strain through a terrific interview with Guillermo Del Toro on CBC Radio's Q.
The book was okay…socks are still on. The director is a very compelling guy. I especially like his Man Cave which he said was made up of 7 libraries.
He said he was not a
writer for procedurals, which, after reading the book, you have to wonder if his co-writer Chuck Hogan wrote 96% of it and Guillermo provided the story board and publicity. Hm.
I found what i'm currently reading by searching for some sort of fantasy book on iTunes. I don't even remember what I typed in, something about dragons or something, and the series I'm reading came up. How I find most my books actually.
I got my books, and all of my books from Audible.com. No stealing here! I swear!
I just finished reading Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book. My husband heard him on NPR and told me about it back in March. I finally found it at the library and loved it!
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea – From childhood.
Just finished a short story by Stephen Millhauser. That book was loaned to me by a friend who recommended it. I have several other recommendations piled up.
Audiobooking The Graveyard Book, which I found myself just prowling around for Gaiman's latest. (He has the best reading voice, and I think I actually prefer to hear him read his own work vs. reading it in book form.)
I heard about the current book I'm reading from the author, who is a friend.
Most books I find through friends or reading about new releases.
Sorry, that's Steven Millhauser, with a "v." I even looked it up but forgot to change it before posting!
I read about Gillian Flynn in an issue of O (which I read at the library). I can't remember where I heard about In the Woods. Somehow its existence as a must-read became part of my understanding. I guess advertising works!
I just finished rereading Sandman. I first read a set lent to me by a friend who (rightly) insisted I'd love it, and later bought my own set. Which is really one of my biggest issues with ebooks, because when I finish a great book the first thing I want to do is loan it to my friends!
Reading The Smile by Donna Jo Napoli. I trust this author's work to be good and actively seek out new releases.
I read twitter, book blogs, and agent blogs and make note of people's recommendations. I am currently reading Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins. I borrowed it from my local library.
Found Lady Killer by Lisa Scottoline on Amazon.com. Used the "search inside this book" feature, and it hooked me in the first couple pages. I actually ended up buying it at Borders, because I didn't want anyone at work to hear me giving the credit card number…you know, to give away that I wasn't working like I was supposed to be doing.
Fred
Just finished Lahiri's UNACCUSTOMED EARTH. Heard about it from anon. editor Moonrat a while back…then heard lots more critical acclaim.
About to read Diamond's COLLAPSE, also based on trusted friends' recommendations.
Most of my buys are based on trusted friend recommendations or blog relationships. I'll admit, though, that pretty/eyecatching covers and flap copy help push me over the edge.
Reading "On Writing" my Stephen King. Excellent book. Don't remember where I first heard about it!
Right now I'm reading the Mitford books (I know I'm way behind the times!)
The thing that convinced me to read them was a glowing recommendation from a writer friend through a comment on my blog. My daughter then recommended them, too.
I've checked them out from our church library as well as the public library.
I'm reading "Death in Holy Orders" by P.D. James; was led to it by the BBC/Mystery movie based on that novel.
Don't know if I'll post about it, but I did post on "the Wire over at my Red Room site. Finished watching that a couple weeks ago.
Nathan, as you know, I have my Over Coffee Blog where I feature 2 authors aweek. The current book I'm reading is Lucky Charm, Carly Phillips, I saw it on Facebook. I also do research on each blog guest author, I run across lots of books on their websites or author blogs, I haven't read and want to.
I find quite a few on other blogs, twitter, Goodreads, many on Facebook. I also belong to Crimespace so I find many there too.
I'm a bit different, I think, because I keep an eye out for interesting books and if I like them, I will invite the author Over Coffee, or I watch PW and see what's being released and when, plus I'm sent ARC copies from several publicist to read.
Before I started my blog, I found good books through my large writing group, from other friends, from newsletters, and family.
Hope that helps. 🙂
I bought my current read at Borders, after meeting the author at a Science Fiction convention and finding him a witty and engaging panelist. The book is absolutely excellent.
In-N-Out Burger – A behind the Scenes Look at the Fast-food Chain That Breaks All the rules by Stacy Perman.
A vegetarian friend who knows of my obsession sent it to me. It'll have to tide me over until I'm down south again…
Three Cups of Tea — Saw it on the NYT list. Got it from the library.
Currently reading OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon which many friends have recommended. Have a few books in my TBR pile that I've heard great things about on blogs. I must say blogs are one of the biggest ways I learn about books!
I attended a workshop at a conference that the author taught about writing. The next book I'm reading is from a friend's recommendation.
A Reliable Wife. Heard about it from Indie Bound, Apple App. I'd heard bits about it here, there as well. Bought it at B&N, I think.
Reading Anathem, heard about it either on Amazon or on a blog, I'm not entirely sure. Got it from the library, as I do with most fiction unless from a favorite author. It's actually overdue and unrenewable right now, so I will be paying towards some of the purchase price. The library should give extra time for books over 500 pages long!!
Of the books I read, 99 percent of them I pick up from thrift stores. Right now I'm reading "The Wolfling," by Sterling North. Never heard of the book before, but thoroughly enjoyed North's "Rascal" as a kid, so I'm reading it due to familiarity with the author.
I'm reading The Change Series. Found it on an endcap at Borders.
God that's so boring of me.
I hear about a lot of books from BookCrossing.com and from reader-friends I have made there.
I also read the occasional magazine, like Bookmarks, will peruse Amazon suggestions, and browse bookstores with no real goal in mind. (I also keep a list of books that sound interesting.)
One friend comments that I just pick the most impossible-to-pronounce author names and that I've not read any "dead white guy" books since grad school, but that's an exaggeration. It has to be an impossible-to-pronounce author name with a good story!
I've just returned from the library, where I picked up Sebastian Faulks' Engleby, The Monsters of Templeton, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, and several others.
(I normally tend to buy and hoard books, but I'm trying to show some restraint at the moment!)
Poison Study by Maria Snyder, I found out about it from GoodReads…my favorite way of finding new books. I like how they catogorize them together so I can read books similar to ones that I like.
When I am done reading a great book, I tell all my friends about it, and I post about them on my blog if they are really really good.
These are the books I'm reading:
Evolve Your Brain, by Joe Dispenza, D.C. -> I liked the author's ideas on the movie "What the bleep do we know?", but it was my sister that actually bought the book and enticed me to read it. So, this one is borrowed.
The Color of Magic, by the fabulous and hilarious Terry Pratchett. -> I bought it. If someone doesn't know why, should read it. It's just amazing! (Yes, I know everybody knows Terry Pratchett, at least fantasy books readers. Anyway, this one is not just for fun, but for study purposes.)
I just bought $70.00 worth of books from the YA section of Barnes and Noble Booksellers after hearing about them from comments on your recent blog post.
I bought $100.00 previous to that, from Amazon.com -also titles gleamed from the comments of an earlier blog post here.
Recommendations *here* seem to carry the most weight for me currently.
(I also buy books for my 20-something year old daughter and borrow them from her too.)
Lessee…reading "The Slaughter Pavilion" which is a mystery by a British journalist set in modern Beijing. I found it because I found her blog and this is a particular interest of mine. I've also got "Prisoner of the State" – Zhao Ziyang's autobiography – and I can't even remember where I read about that first. Probably a blog or a news article in one of the big papers (it was a pretty newsworthy event as this was smuggled out of China and written by the former Premier who was purged after Tiananmen). I bought one of these online (it was only published in the UK) and the other in a bricks-and-mortar store.
So for me, blogs and online sources definitely work for certain types of books.
Oh, and I have "The Taking of Pelham 123" on my "to read" shelf…
The book I'm reading right now is one that I bought for my daughter in a book buying spree at Target (not my standard place for buying books, but I do look through the book section sometimes when I'm in the store). We had gone in for something else, and I wanted to stop by the books and see what they had. We ended up walking out with about 8 books. I hadn't heard about this particular book anywhere, but I'd read tons of other books by her and felt pretty confident that I would like it. So far so good.
Typically, I buy at the local Barnes and Noble, but I often buy books from Amazon when I can't find what I want in the store. It's weird, but I don't generally like to order from the store. I don't know why exactly.
For those marketers and publicists, etc. interested in sales, I always include a "why I bought it" section in the weekly book reviews on my blog (on Wednesdays). That's something that fascinates me so I think others might like it.
Library browsing.
I was at a party (garden) the other day, and my friend handed me the book as she told me about it. THE MADONNAS OF LENINGRAD. She had written a fan email to the author and recieved a response back.
Leningrad, which has resumed being called Saint Petersburg.
I'm reading I Drink For a Reason by David Cross. Obtained an advanced copy from my fiancee. She works at a bookstore 🙂 Reason I'm reading it… David Cross is funny as hell.
Heh, oh yeah, and to actually answer the post, I didn't hear about it, the woman just brought it home.
Forgot to say that I get most of my books from the library lately! Unless I'm at a reading or book signing, or it's a tried and true favorite author, the library does the trick!
My latest book came across my screen when I was at Amazon. I clicked the pic, read about it, read the comments. Bought it. A large portion of my reading material comes that way.
Just finished CLARA CALLAN, which I got from a free book exchange in my apartment building's laundry room. I picked it up because it won both the Governor General Award and the Giller Prize (Canada's two biggest literary prizes) and I was curious to see why.
I also have two non-fiction books on the go, both gifts based on my interests rather than a wish list.
In general, I get fodder for my wish list from John Scalzi's Big Idea posts, my online writer's community, and the lists of SF/F award winners (Hugo and Nebula). Between these sources, I have no need for "cold" browsing anymore, which is kind of too bad, but there you are.
Reading 'The Blue Girl' by Charles de Lint. Found it in the YA section of my local library.
Reading Vision in White.
Borrowed it from the library.
Heard about it through the author's newsletter that comes to my inbox. 🙂
Plan to buy Dodd's new series next. Heard about it through her newsletter and will spend the money because I LOVE her stuff. 🙂
My routine varies.
I just bought Prada & Prejudice by Mandy Hubbard
at B & N
I heard about it on Verla Kay's website.
I recently discovered a secret about my new Kindle. There are many books by great authors available for free on the Kindle! I realize it's a marketing ploy to get me to buy more books and it worked. I got Robin Hobb's "Assassin's Aprrentice" for free and then bought 4 more of her books. I'm currently on "Ship of Magic."
I've also downloaded 3 more free books waiting for me to read. Whoo hoo. Free books!
Secret History of Paris–by browsing the shelves at my wonderful independent bookstore. That's how I get most of my books.
I am probably going to hell for this, but I found one of the three books I listed last week (I won't say which one) on the Drastically Discounted Because It Didn't Sell table. I found another because Tamora Pierce mentioned it in her Livejournal. And I found the third one because the series had intrigued me for years on the regular bookstore shelf, and I finally found it at the library because I couldn't justify buying it without knowing it would bring satisfaction.
Pierce's recommendation was also a library book, but I tend to try to borrow the book and try it before I buy it.
As for the poor neglected book from the Didn't Sell At Full Price table, I should mention that I've had a lot of wonderful finds here, and it has almost always led me to buying the entire series or more works by the author, all because I got a discount on the first one or the latest one.
I belong to a writing site, and a couple of my favourite fellow writers had 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood as a favourite book.
I got it from a book-swapping site, so it cost me just the postage of the book I sent in return.
Just finished The Island.
Hadn't heard about it anywhere. Just bought it from the Pound shop for holiday reading and to leave at the hotel for their library. Couldn't leave it! Enjoyed it too much!
By Hook or by Crook, by Betty Hechtman. It's the third novel in her crotchet murder mystery series. Betty is a RWA chapter mate and we had a book signing earlier this month.
The book I was about to read last week is now read. I heard about it in book blogs and I bought it from a book club.
Reading Shock Doctrine, which I heard about from everyone, practically. Also reading Storm Thief, which was given to me by an editor, and City of Bones, which I've heard about online, though I only started it because a friend tacked it on to a big stack of books she was lending me.
If someone I know mentions a title they liked, I'll generally read it. I also look at my recommendations on Amazon and browse the library whenever I have a chance. If I go to a used bookstore, or if I have some idea of the type of book I'm looking for and am in Borders, I become an impulse buyer. This makes covers, pull quotes, and titles excessively important.
Black Man as it's called in Canada and the UK or Thirteen as it's called in the US, by Richard Morgan.
I heard about it on a discussion board of Morgan's, which I follow now and then and on Asimovs.com's discussion forum.
Heard about Morgan first through Gardner Dozois' Year's Best Science Fiction when Altered Carbon first came out. Have read every book he's written since.
Other people's bookshelves are my usual source of information. I found Out of the Silent Planet by searching on itunes for CS Lewis audio books. I found Tom White's book, Missiles Over Cuba at my job. He is the director of the US branch of Voice of the Martyrs.
I almost never look at bookstores…..sorry sales guys!
Like every book I read, my current book was passed along by one of my girlfriends.
I always judge a book by its cover. I have better luck with that shallow approach than by recommendations.
Some of the books I buy are because of Reader's Digest. Either from a condensed story, or a quote by someone sparks my interest so I do a little research to locate more from an author. Then…sometimes an author makes a reference to another and I buy if I like it.
Where: Amazon, discout stores, and B&N when I do manage to get out that way.
ciao
IN THE SANCTUARY OF OUTCASTS, a memoir by Neil White, is my next purchase. I received an email with a link to the book's website. The excerpts are wonderful, and I noticed that the author has a book signing scheduled in Birmingham tomorrow night. I called my son at UAB and strongly hinted this would make a great birthday present.
I hear about great books on writer's blogs or on Twitter. Then I buy them at Barnes and Noble or Borders. I gotta do my part to keep bookstores in business!
The Noticer by Andy Andrews. Bought it from amazon.com. I read a review online.
I just finished The Somnambuist by Jonathan Barnes. It was recommended by a friend and the same friend lent me the book.
I heard about And the Band Played on ages ago, not long after it was published in 1987. I was an avid SF Chronicle reader even way back then, and had no idea Randy Shilts was one of the few reporters nationwide to investigate the AIDS epidemic.
I use to own a copy, but so many moves have seen that and several other beloved books fall by the wayside. This new version was a Mother's Day gift, and I'm nearly finished, up to February of 1984, right after the virus was discovered.
I realize that wasn't one of your queries, but just thought I'd throw it out there. A bonus query answered, if you will.
Reading David McCullough's The Great Bridge. Found it wandering aimlessly through Borders while my fiance scoured wedding periodicals and books. Who knew?
The Hubby is a YA librarian at the city library. I asked him to bring me what his young patrons are reading – he brought me Paper Towns – which I an thoroughly enjoying.
Most of the books I am reading are for uni, so that's a bust. But I'm reading Pride and Prejudice and Zombie which I first heard about on Good News Week, which is a fantabulous current affairs comedy TV show here in Australia (who said that TV doesn't sell books??). I bought it from Angus and Robertson.
I used to work near a big-chain bookstore and would sometimes walk over there after I finished my shift. At one point they were having a "buy two books, get the third one free" sale, and this book was one of the options.
However, that is the exception for me. I live by Vroman's Bookstore (recently voted one of the best independent bookstores in the country), and I love their employee recommendations section. And their author events – I cannot tell you how many of those events I've gone to over the years knowing nothing about an author and leaving with a book or two in hand.
Reading Fool which I saw in a bookstore, but borrowed from a friend.
Recently read an ARC of Sleeping Naked is Green, given to me by a girlfriend who's a publisher.
Generally take advice from 3-4 friends who have steered me right in the past.
I didn't. They found me browsing at the local 2nd hand store, so at a quarter each, I said "Fine! Let's go." So we went home.
Good Omens (GOOD BOOK) and Wicked (the true story of the Wicked Witch of the West). Both were great reading. I just finished them.
I have an extensive library – books on many subjects – lots on natural history – that I promised myself in my old age I would read.
Next one is non-fiction on bears.
I'm cracking it open tonight.
I have a review site Alvah's Books and in my last post I listed the books that I recently requested to review. How do I hear about these books various sources, I look at the upcoming books that paublishers list on their websites, I get a lot of leads via Twitter, also via Publisher's Weekly, The New York Times book reviews, and other bloggers.
Currently I'm reading The Shadow of the Wind so I can follow it up with The Angel's Game both by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (and I heard about them via a Twitter conversation).
A friend gave me "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle" and I think I liked it better than she did.
Reading two books now:
1. Netherland, read a review on a writers' blog online – independent bookstore
2. Places of Safety, found it while doing WWII research for my novel – library
Usual places, in order:
1. Recommendations from friends
2. SF Chronicle book reviews
3. Browsing display tables at bookstores
Usually purchase from an independent bookstore
I'm reading Dead Until Dark, by Charlaine Harris. I was hearing all the hype over the premier of the 2nd season of True Blood, so I watched the whole first season online and loved it and then ordered the whole series of books.
I was reading something online. I don't remember what, but it referred to a little known massacre of Jews in the Ukraine during WWII. The story was of a ravine and Jews being killed and thrown in it by Germans and locals. I googled the Ukraine and followed the trail to the story of Babi Yar and The Harvest of Despair.
I heard about it on a podcast and ordered it through B&N.
Recently finished THE GIVEN DAY by Dennis Lehane and ROAD DOGS by Elmore Leonard. Read reviews of each in Sunday NYT book supplement. Borrowed both from our public library.
I'm reading The Amber Spyglass by Phillip Pullman, which I borrowed from a friend at work after seeing the trilogy pop up everywhere on the internet.
I'm reading 1984. Who hasn't heard of it?
And I bought it at my favorite store: Barnes and Noble.
The Amnesiac by Sam Taylor. It was on sale at B&N for $2.97 as it's been rather roughly treated. And I bought it because the blurb was interesting. The title was catchy too. Had never heard of the author, nor of the book.
Magic Street by Orson Scott Card. A friend recommended it based on what I was describing in my writing process. It was free. As I pretty much grabbed it out of her hands and pored over it. She'd tried to sell him to me before but I'd never latched on as it wasn't "my" genre.
I peruse in B&N a lot and used book store shelves. Titles and covers of new books. I browse less often in the genre-specific shelves. Regardless of the genre.
I'll pick up a book and read the blurb, skim it, and if I can't put it down, just CAN'T, then I'll buy it. Otherwise I look for reviews online before deciding to buy it used (or not to buy at all).
I'm reading "Money" by Terry Pratchett and got it from the library yesterday. I've heard about it plenty of other places because I'm a massive Pratchett fan anyway.
I'm a short-story lover so I find many authors via the Best American Short Story annuals. Just finished reading THE DEWBREAKER by Edwidge Danticat and "DRINKING COFFEE ELSEWHERE" by ZZ Packer. Both had stories featured in the 2003 edition.
I get everything from the local library.
I just finished reading Lost City of Z, and I read about it where I read all of my book reviews, the Onion AV Club. I also just finished Shutter Island, which I only read because the movie trailer just came out and I like Lehane.
I'm reading a graphic novel called Preacher that my boyfriend lent to me.
I just downloaded a sample of a book called "Uncubicled" for my Kindle. I'll see if I like it. I found that through a Facebook ad.
I just read Water for Elephants, which was referenced in my novel-writing class, then mentioned in a blog I read about 3 weeks later.
Next up is The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. I just heard about it in Sociology class.
Most of the stuff I read is from dead people, and I reread a lot. Hopefully, the kindle will be able to help with that and I'll be able to afford more books. Fortunately, my boyfriend is also a librarian! 😀
I'm reading Pride and Prejudice for the first time. I don't remember when I first heard about it, but I was inspired to finally buy it after seeing the movie Becoming Jane a while back. Ordered it at Amazon.
It would be interesting to take this same poll in a sample of people who are just readers, and not in the writing community as well. I've learned about the majority of the books I read and want to read through networking with other writers.
Reading Columbine.
Heard about it here when you blogged about the cover art.
Bought it on Amazon.
I write a pop culture column for a mid-size paper and luckily publicists like to send me free books and press releases. I also read lots of magazines like EW, People (yes, People) and anything else I can get my hands on. I also read blogs – author Ann Leary led me to Lauren Lipton whose new book, "The Mating Rituals of the North American WASP" was very fun.
I'm reading 'The Alphabet of Light and Dark' by Danielle Wood. She won the Australian/Vogel Literary award a few years back and I am steadily making my way through their winners list. I am also reading 'Breath' by Tim Winton. I happen to love this Aussie author, but her just won the Miles Franklin literary award and if you want a great book by an Aussie this is it! Bought this copy at local bookstore, but follow book reviews in local paper and winners of Australian comps. Also buying plenty of books by authors that are promoted on their blogs.
how did you hear about it?
I realised I'd seen it several times on people's must-read lists.
where did you buy/borrow/acquire/steal it from?
Bought online, since the local brick & mortar bookshop would have had to order it in anyway.
I grabbed a copy of Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers off a book shelf while I was vacationing in Rockport.
Loved it. Went to the bookstore and bought five more by Ms. Rivers. I love when I discover authors that blow me away. I make a point to start collecting everything they ever wrote. My favorite authors get their own bookshelf in my personal library.
I meant to say, I got Relentless from my local library. The next book on my list, Picoult's Handle with Care, I purchased from my local indie bookstore. That one I originally heard about from the author's site too.
Candace,
Read this quote: I write a pop culture column for a mid-size paper and luckily publicists like to send me free books and press releases.
I know who you are! Ha! Ha! Ha!
I'm loving "Land of Marvels" by Barry Unsworth. I read about this book on the blog http://nocupcakesforyou.blogspot.com/
I also just got in the mail "New Found Land" by Rebecca Ray. I read a review of it in The Good Book Guide and it sounded great.
I found Graceling in a Young Adult section at Target. It was the only fantasy book other than Twilight. I thought it sounded interesting and was pulled in by the fact it was a debut novel.
The most random place in the world considering I'm a Barnes and Noble junkie.
Amazon recommendation; bought it there, too.
Is it just me, or does it take Amazon an incredibly long time to ship out books now that they're pushing Kindle?
Reading Magic in the Blood by Devon Monk. Borrowed it from a friend who had borrowed the first in the series from me.
verification: hypead – a lost epic adventure of ancient Greece which everyone shortly realized was overrated.
I was reading Turn of the Screw. It was on my LOST reading list (from season 1, I believe). I'm working my way through all the books on LOST (not necessarily in order) while I wait for the next season.
Oh, I picked it up from the library.
I'm reading Lynn Freed's Reading, Writing, and Leaving Home: Life on the Page, and heard about it (I think) on our local ABC Radio National (Australia) Books and Writing Show some time back. Bought it at my local independent bookshop.
Usually pick up news about what to read from friends, the radio book show, reviews in newspapers/journals/blogs, or recommendations and references in other books.
Just started an Ellery Queen book. Got it from my sister who got it from the second hand book store.
I have a great friend who I affectionately call "The Library" because she's always passing great books along. If I like them enough, though, I go and by my own copies.
The book I'm reading now I read about in People magazine. I actually hear about most of the books I read there. Otherwise I find them just by walking around the bookstore.
THE MORGUE AND ME.
I heard about it because my crit partner is the author. I got my copy as a gift from him! 🙂
Started "Fever" by Laurie Halse Anderson and just ordered "Winter Girls" by same. At the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators conference, Winter Girls was mentioned by Richard Peck. Reminded me I wanted to read Fever.
I heard about it (The Strain) online, The Swivet, I think, and read about it in The Globe and Mail.
I borrowed it from the library and returned in three weeks later having only managed the first three chapters. Nice idea. Not very well written.
I moderate an online booktalk for Oklahoma State University Writing Project each summer. A fellow TC mentioned The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, and soon several of us had ordered the book. I live in the woods; most of my books come from Amazon. It became our summer book title, and I've bought copies for others to read. Love the book.
Other readers are the best source of titles for my own reading list.
Reading Loretta Mason Potts by Mary Chase. I found it on Peter Siruta's blog Collecting Children's Books and I got it through inter-library loan.
A fellow writer whom I met at a workshop reviewed it on his blog. I bought it in paperback at my local B&N.
Reading Fire. Heard about it (and Graceling) on twitter. Copy came from a twitter friend who went to BEA (I also went but wasn't able to get a copy for myself).
Lately most of what I read comes from twitter buzz.
I'm a freelance journalist who writes for the literary/books page at two different Cape Cod newspapers, so my reading list is pretty full of books by local authors or authors who are doing local book events.
I also read Shelf Awareness, check out the book selection in O Magazine, and visit my local independent bookstores' websites to see what they are recommending.
One of the best ways to find a good book, is to ask an independent bookseller for a recommendation. Those folks LOVE good books and they love to share their knowledge.
The last book I read was THE REALLY INCONVENIENT TRUTH by Iain Murry. Saw it on the new books at the library. The last fiction book I read was Suzanne Collins' HUNGER GAMES, heard about it from my friend who emailed me and said it was a real page turner, and I immediately reserved it at the library. After reading it, I'm planning on buying it.
I have made it my mission these next few months to read books exclusively written by authors I find on Facebook. All different genres, styles, different kinds of publishing methods. My latest selection is ALSO KNOWN AS HARPER by Ann Haywood Leal.
I'm reading a professional book required in the class I'm taking, then a book I just picked up at the store, Savvy and I look at suggestions on Goodreads.
I wanted to read a book about branding, so I just went to a secondhand bookstore and bought a book on the shelves: "A New Brand World" by Scott Bedbury.
I'm reading "Up and Down the Scratchy Mountains," a middle grade fairy tale from Laurel Snyder. I bought it ages ago, so I'm not sure where I picked it up, but I think Davis-Kidd (awesome indy in Nashville). Heard about it because Laurel and I both participated in the Class of 2k8, a group marketing effort for children's writers with debut novels in 2008.
Just finished "Pride and Prejudice" on my Kindle. FREE. Heard about it, um…?! 🙂
GalleyCat had a post on the author.
I buy from Barnes & Nobel and I just browse until I find a book with cover art that attracts my attention then I pick it up and read the back (or inside the jacket) and decide from there.
I discovered Mercedes Lackey that way. 🙂
It also helps that for 4 years of my life I worked at a B&N and at one time Walden's Books — LOVED those jobs!
A friend suggested Stackpole to me, and I just picked up Relativity at Half Price Books. I get most of my book recommendations from one friend, who reads voraciously and passes the good stuff along.
I'm reading Widdershins by Charles de Lint. I was browsing through a used bookstore and grabbed it up.
My husband came home with "Odd Hours," and think he got it from the grocery store. We knew it was coming out soon so we kept our eyes open. Dean Koontz has been one of my very favorite authors for the last 25 years or so. Because of this I try to keep up the publishing dates of new and re-releases of his wonderful work.
I found out about "Time Bandit" from the Deadliest Catch websites I belong to. From there I found the names of retailers in my area who sell the book. Barne's & Noble is the closest so I headed to the nearest one. When I got there I was told they were out of the book. The store clerk was gracious enough to find a copy at one of it's sister stores. That's where I made my purchase.
I also purchased collections of "The Far Side" by Gary Larson. I spotted them while I was looking for "Time Bandit." There were two large volumes of his hilarious work that I had to buy.
I hope this helps the sales department. 🙂
I just finished reading Magic Lost Trouble Found and next I plan to read the Demon Lexicon. I chose both of these books from pub rants. Kristen Nelson posted the query letters that captured her interest on her blog as examples, and they captured my interest as well.
I am reading "Now, discover your strengths" by Marcus Buckingham. I searched by his name on Amazon, because I had liked his other book "First break all the rules". So I found this on Amazon, but I bought it from our neighborhood Barnes and Noble.
The Falling Woman, by Pat Murphy. My husband recommended it. He bought it at the thrift shop. I found when I opganized our bookshelves last weekend.
I am reading Storm Front, the first book in the Dresden Files. I heard about it from my friend's Twitter post!
I'm reading a Patrick O'Brian novel now; I originally discovered him browsing the shelves at my local (indy) bookstore. Prior to that I went through a stack of books which I picked up from dealers at a con — two each by Catherynne Valente, Ellen Klages and Ekaterina Sedia, and one by Benjamin Rosenbaum.
Almost all of the books I find I find via browsing at a physical bookstore.
I just finished the last of Kate Neville's books, "A Calculated Risk," after starting with her "Fire," in December. Just love her well-drawn adventurous sophisticated characters including the historical ones along with the span of 1,000 year time frame. She keeps it all going at once.
A close friend gave me a signed copy of "Fire."
Have moved on to popular European Sicilian mystery writer Andrea Camilieri. Any one of his books are humorous and unpredictable.
Lynn F. Casella
Reading Hush, Hush (coming out in oct), got it at BEA 🙂
reading columbine next, heard about it when it hit the NYT list and borrowed it from janet reid
Bone Dance. After going to a talk by Bull and Shetterly at my alma mater, I swung by a local used book shop and bought the two books by them that I didn't already own.
I'm reading Empire of Ivory, fourth in the Temeraire series by Naomi Novik. I first learned of the series while wandering aimlessly on Wikipedia. The strong presence of non-human characters interested me. A few days later, I went to Chapters and came across a (surely very expensive) promotional display for the fifth Temeraire book's release. Oh, hey, I recognized that! I figured I'd give a breakout author a shot, and I'm very glad I did.
Reading THE PHILOSOPHER AND THE WOLF (heard of it through a friend, bought it on amazon.com), and listening to PRAYERS FOR SALE (heard of it and downloaded it from audible.com).
I'm reading "Gaudy Night", and picked it up at a rummage sale at a literary convention. And I'm finally reading it because I got sick and tired of friends telling me I'd LOVE the author's work. FINE, I thought, I'll read one and hate it and then I can tell them to GO AWAY. Alas, I liked it. But it didn't actually feature the main character much. So I'm still unsure.
Hmmm…I think my current book (Rereading "Blue Bloods" by Melissa de la Cruz – already finished the ones I spoke of last week), I borrowed from the library first, sort of dreading it. At this point I was hating Twilight (Oh, wait…that hasn't stopped since), and so anything vampire was hideous. But then I read "Blue Bloods" and it made vampires all right again. Can't wait for the next installment, "The Van Alen Legacy. 🙂
I'm reading Ally Carter's Don't Judge a Girl by her Cover and I heard about it on her blog – and bought it at Barnes and Noble when she was in town signing copies. 🙂
I get my book tips from bloggers and my book club. Very occasionally now from newspapers, but usually by the time the paper reviews a book, it's already on my radar.
Book bloggers are now my main source of book information! I find that fabulous.
My list includes New Spring, The Last Lecture, The Mercy of Thin Air, The Shack, Lireal and Vanishing Act.
I buy ALL my books (and cd's and dvd's) because I support the authors and artists who have put in the time and effort to produce their works.
Mostly I see a title, turn the book around and if I like it, I buy it. Then their are a few recommendations by Oprah and the other day I searched for Stephanie Meyer on Wikipedia and discovered The Host (Guess what I'm buying next month!)
Last three books (Poison Study, Magic Bites, Kushiel's Dart) I've read are purchased from http://www.betterworldbooks.com, amazon-searched as best in latest fantasy (I've been reading up), usually chosen on "look inside" basis and sometimes on reviews. I just ordered "Magic Study" too since I liked the first book.
Before that, I bought a couple of books just because they were translated to Latvian 😀 (The House of Scorpion and Bradbury's Leviathan)
Just finished Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. A friend told me, "I just finished reading this book and don't know what to think – can you read it and tell me?" (Answer: Love P&P, love the *idea* of adding zombies, love that someone did it, was deeply disappointed that it never rose above being a mere gimmick. Except when Mary tried to strangle Mr Collins – that was good). Just starting the anthology Paper Cities (which I heard about when it won an Aurealis Award) and Greer Gilman's Cloud & Ashes (which I heard about when I got asked to do the cover 🙂
Oh, and: borrowed, bought from local Pulp Fiction bookstore, artist's copy
Victory of Eagles, Naomi Novik. I bought it (mass market paperback) new from a local independent bookstore.
I heard about VoE on the internet, probably Naomi Novik's LJ page, b/c when I finished book 4, I needed to know when book 5 was coming out.
As for the series itself, I first heard about it on the internet I think – saw several different people praise it, plus how can you beat "Napoleonic Era with Dragons"???
I'll go…
I heard about THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL through the movie, and a student recently complained to me that her father wouldn't let her read Philippa Gregory's novels because of the sex, so I guess they were on my mind when I decided to write a historical fiction novel.
I borrowed them from the library– I get a lot of my books there and discover a lot of new authors there as well! (And while I feel slightly guilty for borrowing rather than paying for books, I would say that discovering an author that I love at the library makes me much more likely to buy books by that author later.)
Anne Rice's The Witching Hour sent to me from a friend (when she put it in the Fed Ex box with my new iPhone).
Whilst having a sort of personal 'Shirley Valentine' type experience on Kefalonia I met a really interesting family… we got talking and by the end of their stay we were swapping holiday reads… I was given Cecilia Ahern's If You Could See Me Now and I gave them The Book Thief by Mrkus Zusak.
The Fairlawn Series I'm reading by Angela Hunt I noticed while searching books to read on Amazon.
I do alot of trading books on paperbackswap too.
Kristin Hannah's book, "True Colors" I noticed at Barnes & Noble in the store.
P.S. I also find what I want to read sometimes on people's reading list from goodreads where they give reviews on books they've read.
Just finished Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen – bought it at Joseph Beth Booksellers, Lexington, KY – This was a wonderful read recommended to me by a friend.
Also, I just read Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers that was passed to me from a friend, but I plan to buy my own copy and copies for my mom, sister-n-law, and girlfriends because I loved this book so much.
Short answer, I'm reading backlist of an author that's new to me that came to me by seeing online buzz for his books.
Long answer, I'm reading The Iron Lance by Stephen R. Lawhead (the first book in The Celtic Crusades trilogy). I don't routinely read this kind of historical fiction/fantasy, but I've read the first two books in his new King Raven series (waiting for the third to come out in paperback) after seeing tons of buzz online–book blogging websites and ads on GoodReads.com).
During my wait I'm reading his backlist (because I like him so much) and picked up a paperback copy of Taliesin book one in his Pendragan series.
Last night I finished Marco Polo. I bought it at the local thrift store because I loved the mini-series that was made off it in the early eighties. It was as good as I remembered. =o)
Word of mouth from people whose opinion and description of the book caught my attention. I hardly ever buy based on the author or the previous work. The opinions are usually something like " oh if you liked X you should read Y", folled by their synopsis. Infinite Jest is next for me. So many books so little time. And never ever on a Kindle….never.
I'm presently reading "Pride, Prejudice & Zombies" and I heard about it on a blog someplace.
I can't say I actually like this book, I've been working on it for about a month in dribs and drabs. I just read it because I heard it was a best seller and I wanted to know what all the fuss was about. I suspected I wouldn't care for it much, and I was right.
Oh, and I bought PP&Z via Amazon, because I live in rural Maine and there isn't a bookstore in less than 60 miles.
Of the books I'm reading, all but two were found on the bookshelves of a bookstore.
The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis I found at my college bookstore and bought them there.
The Hobbit my mother read to me when I was a child and my copy is the one from home.
Ireland: Harbinger of the Middle Ages I found through my college/grad school's library.
The Birth of Britain I found on the shelves of Barnes and Noble and decided to buy it.
Well, I'm reading a different book now, but the book I was reading at the time of that post I read about on Fantasy Debut, a review blog. The book I'm reading now I just saw in a bookstore and then asked about it on my blog to see if it was something I should read.
Hulu does a fair amount of advertising; heard about "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo" from there. Also, word of mouth. Friends are in a book club and definitely recommend books to me monthly. Thanks!
I'm reading Skin Deep by E.M. Crane. I heard about it on verlakay.com, on a thread about the Delacorte contest. I took it out at the library.
I'm highly susceptible to reading books that my friends, family, and church members talk about.
That being said, twitter, blogs, and online communities seem to be fast leaking into my friends category.
If someone I already know who has built a reputation with me talks about a book, even if they say it's a bad book, I absolutely have to read it.
It seems an online presence of books is necessary to sell.
A fan of my podcast (http://podgecast.com) recommended The Atrocity Archives to me. It was okay. Had previously been recommended Lois McMaster Bujold's Miles series which I enjoyed much more.
I'm reading Bloodhound by Tamora Pierce. Sequel to Terrier which I loved. Got it from the library. I think we tried the first Tamora Pierce book after we (my husband and I) saw it on the bookstore shelf. It was the first in the Wild Magic series. After that we were hooked and read everything she's written.
I'm currently reading Little, Big – heard about it from a family friend who gave it to my fiance as a gift last year. Now it's my turn to read it…
Next up is The Strain, which I heard about from Fantasy Book Critic… and mostly because I'm interested to see Del Toro in written form. Got it from a book store.
I bought Hairstyles of the Damned by Joe Meno a few years ago because I liked the cover. This is not my usual process but it's a really good cover and I had a gift card so I took a chance.
I became a rabid fan of his writing, eating up all of his published works. My husband ordered The Great Perhaps for me (from amazon.com) when it came out. I've been struggling with it, which makes me sad.
I usually look for blurbs from other authors on books that I enjoy and go from there.
I also check out author and publishing house blogs for recommendations of upcoming books.
Life of Benvenuto Cellini by Himself
First saw it as a kid when my father pulled a paperback edition from his shelf and said it was an interesting book, then suggested I not read it. Ran across it again recently for a piece I'm working on that's set in Florence. I bought a used copy from Amazon UK.
I'm reading Warrior of God: Jan Zizka and the Hussite Revolution by Victor Verney. The publisher contacted me and asked if I would read and review the book to post on my website.
Reading Nancy Drew: Girl Sleuth, and I'd seen it at Barnes & Noble before, but bought it at a library book sale last weekend. I just finished Molokai, by Alan Brennert, and picked it up after reading his Honolulu, which I came across entirely by chance at the public library.
The book I'm currently reading was recommended by a blog. Unfortunately, I hate the book.
For the book I was reading last week, Kavalier and Clay – I heard about it on someone's blog.
For the book I'm reading this week, Diary of a Radical Mermaid, I found it on google while doing research.
I found it on my bookshelves. That's not unusual, my wife and I have somewhere between four and five thousand books, there are plenty of her old ones I've never seen.
This one, however, she claims not to have read or bought.
Maybe Pratchett is right and we're beginning to have an L-Space connection?
Mostly I re-read old books bought at the Children's Hospital used book sale.
The occassional new books I buy are usually from Wal-Mart, the result of scanning the shelf for whatever happens to look good (can't beat that discounted price on new).
I also have a list of 'to read' books to buy which came from blog and facebook friends. All of which are available only online.
I browse the "New Arrivals" at the local library. This week's pick from that display was Broken Angel, by Sigmund Brouwer; it was so good that I plan to order more of his books from Amazon. I also get tips from my sister, who's a librarian, on authors she knows I'll like.
'Cloud Atlas' by David Mitchell.
Recommended on a writing forum.
Bought in a charity shop for £3.
'Words from a Glass Bubble' by Vanessa Gebbie.
Knew the writer from a writing forum.
Was given at discount price from the writer.
Right now I'm reading America's Boy by Wade Rouse, A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg, and I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti by Giulia Melucci.
I hear about books from the New York Times book email on Fridays, my friends on Good Reads, personal recommendations and Jen Lancaster's blog. I get 90% of the books from the public library (simply place an online hold and pick them up once a week) and the other 10% through Kindle. I buy about 10 books per year, down from 100+. I don't have the storage space! I miss hardbacks, but I love the Kindle and our public library is sooo good, it's hard to buy before reading anymore.
Reading the fourth Percy Jackson series right now, but I can't remember how I learned about the original series. I think I read about it somewhere.
Before this one, I read Neil Gaiman's The Graveyard Book, mainly because it's the Newbery Medal winner.
Before that, I read The Great Ghost Rescue by Eva Ibbotson, and I found it in a bookstore when I was reading jacket flaps for query letter writing research.
Before that, I read the first in the Sisters Grimm: Fairy Tale Detectives series, which I picked up from a bookstore shelf because the name was so almost and gave me such a great idea of what the book was going to be.
Not exactly what I'm reading NOW, but as the sources of my last few books have been varied, I thought I'd write them all. I've also discovered books at writers conferences and through agents blogs. I bought and read Evermore and The Unnameables because of the KT Literary blog.
The most 'significant' thing I read that I would never have dreamed of reading was 'Twilight'!
In the UK the press about the books was almost non-existant until last summer. On 7th August I'd never heard of Stephenie Meyer – one article, linking her work to Muse, in a Newspaper supplement magazine, and one month later I'd read the lot. Bought from WH SMITHS with a buy 2 get one free deal.
We have adverts for books sponsoring popular TV drama at the moment – that is working too.
Lots on my 'to read' shelf right now were mentioned here first.
I'm reading Ten Years After by Patricia Wrede and Caroline Stevermer. It's the third book in a series I love so I grabbed it when I noticed it was available on Amazon. Most of my books I order after seeing reviews online (I especially like the review blog Fantasy Debut–fantasydebut.blogspot.com; the reviewers there seem to share a lot of my tastes).
Right now I'm reading two books. Both of them I discovered while perusing online book stores by genre.
I bought one from the Books A Million online store (And I won't be buying from their online store again because their order process is convoluted and they're overpriced… but a giftcard is a giftcard.) and the other I bought from mybookstoreandmore.com.
The thing about mybookstoreandmore.com I like the best is that they put up excerpts of all their books. For this book I thought the premise was interesting from the blurb, but as soon as I read the excerpt I was hooked and had to have the book right away!
Recently finished The Book Thief, recommended to me by my friend who teaches middle school and is always looking for great books for her students to read. It was one of the best books I've ever read. Also just finished The Hunger Games, recommended to me by a fellow writer. Loved it! And I'm reading Coop, which I found out about by following the author, Michael Perry's blog, sneezingcow.com. He's an amazing writer.
I'm reading two books borrowed from the local library: one is Hold On to Your Kids by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate. Pretty sure I heard about it from some web discussion of parenting, not sure whether on a board, a list, or a blog. The other is Unstrange Minds: Remapping the World of Autism by Roy Richard Grinker. Heard of it online, probably originally from a blog, but maybe just from Google searching; I think it was mentioned in the Washington Post?
I was sitting on a bench in an Albertson's in Santa Fe NM,nursing my wounded ankle and reading my Kindle. An older couple approached me and we began a "Kindle bonding process," trading our favorite Kindle books. They told me about Diana Galbadon's fabulous series, Outlander, starting the gorgeous Scottish hunk and that woman, what's her name. I'm now on book 5 and preparing for withdrawal when I finish 6.(Though book 7 is due in October!) Never could figure out why you don't like series, Mr. B. If you hook a reader, they'll buy the entire series.
I also told the older couple about my favorite Kindle books, Numenon and Stepping Off the Edge, which I happened to write. 10 national awards between them.
"Don't Speak" x Mary Gaitskill, I read a review of in the NYTimes Book Review, then heard her speak at the LA Times Festival of Books and decided I absolutely needed to read that book. So, I bought it, read & gifted it to friend in Boston.
Likewise, Edmund White's Hotel de Luc, I read about in the New Yorker, the G&L World Wide Review and BookForum.
I met Mary-Beth Hughes and knew from hearing her read a story published in the Paris Review that I needed to read her novel, "Wavemaker II."
Likewise, Ms. Hughes suggested I read Jennifer Egan's "Look at Me" (and when I bought that, I also found Matthue Roth's "Candy in Action.")
My agent told me about Vestyl McIntyre's new novel, 'Lake Overturn,' which I plan to buy as soon as I finish Peter Carrey's 'His Illegal Self.'
Since there are about 37 books in-line, I'll stop there.
And -and! – I am also very looking forward to Michelle Huenvan's "Blame" – I read an excerpt in the Book Forum summer fiction issue.
I get a ton of my book recommendations from friends and others on GoodReads.
The Bluest Eye – Toni Morrison, borrowed copy
When March Went Mad – Seth Davis – this is a college basketball book, I heard the author on ESPN and bought the book at Borders.
Reading The Slide by Kyle Beechy, new author. Heard about it from an interview with him in Chicago's free newspaper the Redeye. Got it from the library because I'm cheap
I'm reading "Ghost Walk" by Brian Keene, which I spotted on a list of the best horror novels of this decade. I'm also reading "When You Are Engulfed In Flames" by David Sedaris, after hearing a couple of podcasts with him reading passages from the book. Funny, funny stuff.
I just finished rereading a couple Dragonriders of Pern novels. My mom first introduced me to them, and now they are one of my favorite series.
I'm reading two non-fiction and one fiction books that co-workers recommended and then let me borrow.
I was reading Tom Zoellner's 'Uranium,' which I heard about on The Daily Show and borrowed from the Chicago Public Library & Updike's 'Rabbit, Run,' which I bought at Borders.
I'm reading a book from Vampire Kisses. Heard of it from 2 dif. friends.
Just finished K.K. Rusch's Duplicate Effort, which I learned about from my wife, who bought it for me.
I'm currently reading Zoe's Tale, by Scalzi. I heard about this in the endpapers of the previous volume, but it's been kept in my mind by the author's blog.
My friend gave me her extra copy, so…word of mouth?
I just finished The Story Sisters by Alice Hoffman. I happened across the title when perusing Amazon's list of summer book recommendations. Being a fan of Hoffman I decided to go out and purchase the book from Borders (a rare occasion as I visit the library quite often) It's an emotional ride of ups and downs, but well worth the "visit".
The book I'm reading is last (at least I think) in a series of five related single-titles.
I heard about the first in the series on a reader's board I participate on. Or is that, participate in? 😉
🙂
G.
Since I've started reading lit/crit blogs, my reading list has grown exponentially.
Yates, Nabokov, and Wilfrid Sheed are topping my list now.
There are a few literary blogs whose authors' opinions I trust. I've been taking my cues from them.
What I'm reading.
Four Paulo Coelho books. The Alchemist, The Zahir, The Devil and Miss Prym, and The Witch of Portobello.
Where I heard about it.
Some lady at a garage sale pushed them on my husband. She said Paulo was her favorite author. I am reading them because they are lying around my house and taking up too much room.
Where I got them.
Garage sale. 4/$20. Great value retention for the seller. Used books usually go for $1-$2 each in this area.
What I'm reading.
Four Paulo Coelho books. The Alchemist, The Zahir, The Devil and Miss Prym, and The Witch of Portobello.
Where I heard about it.
Some lady at a garage sale pushed them on my husband. She said Paulo was her favorite author. I am reading them because they are lying around my house and taking up too much room.
Where I got them.
Garage sale. 4/$20. Great value retention for the seller. Used books usually go for $1-$2 each in this area.
Just finished Blood Knot by S.W. Hubbard. Got it on my Kindle after reading about a workshop at which Hubbard was to speak.
Now I'm onto Don't You Forget About Me by Janice Dunn, same reason, on my Kindle.
I often decide what the next book I'll read will be by looking at what the author of the last book I read has to offer (which is why I'm now reading "Choke" by Chuck Palahniuk, as well as why I've read all of Larry McMurtry, Stephanie Meyers, Dan Brown, Suzanne Collins, etc). If nothing is interesting or available on that list, I might read the picks on my local library page ("The Gone Away World" by Nick Harkaway); check out what is on the best sellers list (My Sisters Keeper); or ask around on Facebook for suggestions (Stephanie Meyers' books).
I'm reading books from trading with other readers on paperbackswap.com. I pick the books I swap for by reading the write-up presented on the page there or by looking them up on Amazon and reading about them there. Sometimes I look for authors I like, but I have also looked for book series I liked published by a house I like. Example: Harlequin NEXT books or Waterbook Publishing.
I have been reading books suggested in my reading club here http://www.barbsbookshelf.com/forum/index.php?board=1.0
And I tend to buy my books through Amazon or Borders.
I didn't hear about it, I just found it on the shelf in the bookshop, knew I'd enjoyed this author previously, realised it was in the 3 for 2 offer and picked it up.
I live in South Africa so books are really expensive (sometimes more then a days pay and I get paid a fair salary), so most of mine come from secondhand shops or sales tables.
If I love the book I will google suggestions for other similar reads.
I'm reading the graphic novel collections of Alan Moore's SWAMP THING run (which for the record is fantastic, and a must for any fan of comic books or really good spec fic in general). I had it recommended to me by a good friend, who also lent me their copies so I can read them all at a run.
I browse the library. Sometimes I'll read something based on a referral from a friend. But the book I just finished came from the library, as did the one I picked up today to replace it.
I heard of one of them from ALL over the internet (ok, the reading/recommending part of the internet) and I picked up the other two when I wandered into my local A&R. I have a thing about buying a completely new, unheard of book every fortnight just by browsing the shelves. It turns up some interesting reads.
I read blogs and get most of my book recommendations from book reviews.
I pick my books purely by instinct and then ask people on Twitter or find reviews on blogs.
I've just finished reading this http://www.thebookoflostthings.com/ and posted my comments about it to other bookworms on Twitter
"Never Say Die" by C.I. Crenshaw available at http://www.saydiemason.com
Most books I read based on the publisher or the author; for new authors, it's often something someone recommended, or the cover image.
I'm reading Donleavy's Wrong Information Is Being Given Out At Princeton, but that's because a friend got me into his Ginger Man. Found in a used bookstore in Boulder.
I just got Ajvaz's The Other City from the local hipster bookstore, Atomic Books. I trust most Dalkey Archive books, so I figured I would give it a go.
I'm also reading Gospodinov's And Other Stories. I'd already read his Natural Novel (also Dalkey Archive), so I chased this down using the internet, I think.
I was curious about the break down and did a Very informal tally. What is probably valid is not the count but the weight of each category.
Friends (including book clubs) – 78
Blogs (including author blogs) – 62
Bookstores – 45
Websites/reviews sites – 33
Library – 22
Amazon recommendation/reviews – 22
Twitter – 19
Book tours/met the author – 11
Blog promotion/contests – 5
Read other books by author – 4
Other (ezines, book fairs, TV, Radio, book reviews, podcasts, cover/jacket – 29
I'm currently on Dead Souls, by Gogol, which was referenced in The Real Life of Sebastian Knight, by Nabokov (my last read). Next is O Lost! by Thomas Wolfe- the unabridged version of Look Homeward, Angel. I picked up The Real Life at the public library and I can't remember where I heard about the Wolfe book- I might've just picked that up off a library shelf too at first. I bought it about a month ago at the local Barnes & Noble because I didn't get to finish it before.
I most recently heard about Slaughterhouse Five in my English class a few semesters ago. One of the other students did their "book report" on it. I purchased it at Barnes & Noble. I buy almost all my books from either there or Borders, and rarely buy a used book at Amazon.com.
THE SNOWBALL Warren Buffett and the Business of Life by Alice Schroeder—I read about it on the New York Times web site and purchased it at Books-A-Million.
Reading The Vagrants by Yiyun Li because she is one of my former writing professors. Bought it at B&N.
I pretty much always read books based on recommendations from:
a) Goodreads.com
b) drunkenly enthusiastic conversations with friends
c) my mom
Started reading The Pleasures Of Sin by Jessica Trapp. I've been trying to find her books for a long time and while on vacation happened upon it in Borders. I didn't hear about her from anyone, I was just looking for new authors and found her website. It is pretty great.
I live in a town with no paved roads and a population less than 100. When I'm hungry for a snack that can't be found in the house, and the family car is missing, I walk a 1/2 mile to Good's Gas Station. On some evenings, there is a certain high school student working there instead of the semi-retired. This high school student is reading A DIFFERENT NOVEL EACH AND EVERY TIME I VISIT THE STATION. So, this is how I get a list of YA novels to read and find out that "the truth about forever" is a novel and not a theological reference.
I usually find my books at the public library. Sometimes, I'll see them at the bookstore, and look for them again at the library. If I really like it, I'll buy it.
The last book I read was The Forest of Hands and Teeth which is a YA zombie novel. I heard it about through Sarah Rees Brennan's journal.
I'm reading Their Eyes Were Watching God. It was referenced in an essay by Alice Walker. In her essay, Walker stated that this book could be held up to Chopin's The Awakening as the black equivalent of a women's journey toward independence. Well, I couldn't resist that. I got the book through a broker through Amazon.
I just bought The Adventures of Kavalier and Clay from Pegasus Books in Berkeley.
Reading: Your Heart Belongs to Me, by Dean Koontz, where did I hear about it? Ummm…. I dunno, I read all his books. Got it as soon as it came out.
Also reading: Odd Hours, by Dean Koontz, same reason as above.
Also reading: The Devil's Code, by John Sandford. A friend of mine was moving and getting rid of a LOT of paperbacks, I went to her house, read the dust jackets and took like 30 books. This was one of them.
I am a little late on the uptake of getting my word out there. What am I reading…? I read a lot of books at once, but as of today I pulled out a good chunk of PRIDE, PREJUDICE, and ZOMBIES. It truly is a quirk classic! Surprisingly I did not hear of it other than by word of mouth during my advanced Latin Class.
I am a murder mystery-romance book reader. Did a Yahoo search, looking for, "murder mystery romance suspense book".
Became intrigued with one of the website descriptions in top ten. It stated:
Murder • Mystery • Romance • Suspense • Thriller Book Warning
Just wanted to know what the "Warning Notice" was about.
Ended up reading a blogger's book review I found on author's home page.
Watched author, Gale Laure, reading chapter one from her book, Evolution of a Sad Woman.
It is a good, no, a great book to read. Had a hard time putting the darn novel down.
The clues through out the story leads you in one direction. The author presents you with a surprise ending to the story!