Do you ever read a few pages first to see if you want to buy the book?
cleas@earthlink.net
Browsing in bookstores is a major form of entertainment for me, and a few pages often leads me to buy!
jens125@cox.net
Well, I attended a lecture by the Kellermans here in Santa Barbara a few years back, and they were asked about how they get readers interested in their books...and Jonathan said that an author should grab the reader in the first paragraph or at least the first two. I have found that guideline to be very helpful. If I have to read a few pages and still am not "snatched" by the author to read further, I won't read the book.
sharhaas@charter.net
Doesn't everyone? LOL I have read the first few paragraphs of a couple of books, then put the book down BUT, what I had read stuck in my head and forced me to go back, sometimes weeks later, and get the book. Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson, City of Golden Shadow by Tad Williams and Outlander by Diana Gabaldon are all good examples of this. I have since gone on to read EVERYTHING by these authors so I guess reading the first page paid off for the author, the book stores and for me!
rmaxie8@juno.com
COVER ART OR A CLEVER TITLE WILL FIRST CATCH MY EYE. THEN TO THE CHAPTER HEADINGS IF ANY AND FINALLY I WILL READ THE VERY FIRST PAGE. THAT IS IF I'M BROWSING WHICH I CAN DO FOR HOURS.
CatnaHat@aol.com
Unless the book is by an author I am familiar with, I will open a book someplace in the middle and read a page or two before making a decision as to whether or not to purchase it. I find that a lot of times, a book sounds good in the first few pages, then lets me down. Since I've begun searching the middle, I have rarely gone wrong.
NancyKWilson@aol.com
Yes, many times do I read several pages before purchasing a book. If those first pages do not catch my interest... No buy.
CoffeeDrinker856@aol.com
I always read the first page of every new book to make sure I like the author's writing style before I purchase it.
bluhrig@inct.net
I always read a few pages of a book before buying it (or taking it out of the library). That way, I'm less likely to be disappointed with my selection. When choosing used paperback anthologies, I always read a bit to make sure I don't already have the book as they are sometimes reprinted with different names and cover art. I check to see that I haven't read all the stories in their original publications.
DCCJ1@aol.com
Never.
Cipsi2@aol.com
I'm sure glad you didn't ask for a yes or no answer to "Do you ever...."
First I read the BandN reviews. Once I get the book in my hand from the library (or at BandN) I read the cover notes. If I'm still interested, I take the book at that point. If I'm not sure I want it, that is when I read the first few pages. About half the time the first few pages cause me to buy or check out the book. Of the times I go ahead and get it, I make the right decision about half of the time. The other half are the times I get into the book and decide it is not for me after all. I didn't follow my own guidelines on Moon Unit Zappa's book, checking it out anyway because of her name/family -- and I ended up turning it back into the library totally unread. I think I am just too old to enjoy it!
Nana1248@aol.com
Absolutely
NCBengt@aol.com
Unless it's Jean Auel, absolutely.
lisa07110@yahoo.com
I can't recall a time I didn't read the first few pages of a book before purchasing it. By reading the first page or two, I'm definitely getting a feel for the book, but I also have to admit, I also do it in part because I just can't wait to start reading!
ChuckMilland@aol.com
If I'm familiar with the author and like him/her (Nelson DeMille, Tom Clancy, Patricia Cornwell, Jean Auel, Robert Daley) I'll get the book in a heartbeat. If the book looks intriguing, I'll read the jacket/cover notes and the first page or two or three.
TheLiteraryDog@aol.com
No, I read the dust jacket, or cover of the book. With audio books, I read the box or package the tapes or CD's are in. I like to see who has written the blurbs on all three, it aids with the decison making process if I know the reviewer or publication the blurbs are quoted from.
Fearof50@aol.com
I usually read the last 2-3 pages to see if the ending will picque my interest enough to buy the book!
Kellmor2@aol.com
Yes I do. After all, we should not judge the book by it's cover.
JEarh13191@aol.com
Yes
awntee@msn.com
No
jennysnell@netspeed.com.au
I generally read at least the first page before buying as it gives me a general feel of the book.
brehm1989@attbi.com
no
Cbullyrc@aol.com
No, I don't read a few pages first.
Mscynm@aol.com
If it's an author I know, I buy the book. If it's a new author (for me), and it's an author who hasn't been recommended by a friend, I'll read the first page or so, and then flip further and read a little more (in case it's the type of author that doesn't grab me right away -- for example -- I love Anne Rice, but don't always get drawn into the story immediately) and then decide if I want to buy it.
elinornux@attbi.com
I have written many book reviews and I start by reading the front and back cover. I read the verso for publisher and date. I read the book jacket for quotes, author and artist info. I scan acknowledgements to see what others think about the book. Look through chapter titles in Table of Contents. Turning pages I look for pictures or photos, and any style additions such as pull quotes. I like non-fiction or reference books. I look at bibliography, glossary and other back-of-the book stuff.
ELLERBAKER@aol.com
Yes, if I am not familiar with the author
Toad0212@aol.com
You bet! I also do this with favorite authors to be sure I haven't already read the book.
Necegiggles@aol.com
No, I usually read jacket cover-flaps, then if still not sure, I randomly open the book and read where ever my eye falls if the "cadence" of the writing goes well and grabs attention. I'm sold!
DaveRudy@aol.com
I often read the back or flyleaf about the book. Sometimes I skim a few pages, but I know that the pages don't give me a feal for the book. The back or flyleaf sometimes does.
ARomano895@aol.com
If its a author I know I only read the JACKET (cover) if its someone I have not read I will sit and read the first chapter before purchase -- B and N stores are a ideal setting to do this.
Cairo1953@aol.com
Almost always. If the story or writer's style captures my attention from the very beginning, it's usually a signal for me to purchase the book.
Kufungee@aol.com
No.
dbelk105@adelphia.net
Most of the time I read a few pages to decide if I want to buy the book or borrow it from the library, especially if I never head of it before.
hamidacan@aol.com
If it is new author and I do not know about the author, generally, I read few pages from the begining and at the ending of the book. Also, I want to read about the author if there is any info.
BLewis8239@aol.com
Yes, all the time
RoniKrinsky28@aol.com
Yes, I do read the first few pages to choose a book.
Padredon@aol.com
I browse bookstores and libraries and almost always read dust jacket blurbs, contents, opening pages and random page or two. I am amazed at how many books disqualify themselves in that process.
EZREADER1265@aol.com
Always read the first couple of pages. It either grabs my attention or stays on the shelf.
Grandmareadme@aol.com
No. I read the back of the book jacket. ( I rarely buy hardback). How I choice my books is usually because I have read others by that author or a great review. Wait a minute. My mind just woke up. I do read a few pages of a book but it is a library book and if it is one I want I won't read anymore and then want until the paper back version comes out. this way I can take my time reading in and enjoying all that goes with reading.
BLM221@aol.com
Yes, all the time.
ZoieEmilyFur@aol.com
I like to get a glimpse of the story line and content before buying a book so I always want to read as much as possible not only a few pages from the book but what other readers thought about it.
JMath2244@aol.com
I read the jacket cover first. If there is none, then the first page.
KLeonowicz@aol.com
Yes. I often read the first few pages or chapters to see if the book appeals to me.
CShank1246@aol.com
I don't usually read the first few pages of a book cause I like to give a book I am going to read at least fifty pages before I decide whether to continue or not, sometimes it takes more, but I will go the first fifty anyway and that takes too long standing in a bookstore.
Jcopek@aol.com
I do! I do! I like to read a little of the first chapter and then dip into the middle for a short read. This may be unfair to the author, but it's a good way to determine if the writing appeals to me. Also read the blurbs on the back and the inside cover. Those, along with either knowledge of the author or a published review, help me decide whether to buy.
PamMacHig@aol.com
This Week's Question
Yes - alot of the time I do....especially a fiction book.
Carmarhar@aol.com
Yes
Minnie1217@aol.com
I almost always read the first few pages of a book to get the flavor of it before I purchase it. The blurbs on the jacket are understandably biased, so I prefer to make up my own mind and give books a "test read" first. Of late I've been forced to do a lot of my shopping online and have been pleased to find that many books come with an online excerpt. I can't think of a single book that I've bought in this manner that has gone on to disappoint me, although I must confess that there have been a few books that I totally hated in the beginning and have had a complete change of heart after reading on further.
MOMACALADA@aol.com
Yes... I often try afew pages if it's an author that's new to me.
SWeeaks@aol.com
Yes, I frequently read the excerpts available thru BookReporter to see if I want to buy or borrow the book.
Designer50@aol.com
I do do that but also to see if I read the book - sometimes a book will be reissued with a new cover so a person would think it's a new book. This is so frustrating when it happens and it's one of your favorite authors. Also book covers and blurbs inside and back attract me to read a book.
bjs@spyral.net
A few pages, YES
LDragonreader@aol.com
Do I sometimes read a few pages and then put the book down? Yes, I do. I used to torture myself and read a book I hated all the way through, no more. I don't waste the time, now.
hawki75@juno.com
Absolutely. While this is usually a good strategy, I've been burned a few times by a good beginning that inexplicably turns into mind numbing sludge.
YankeeNana@aol.com
In most cases read the panels on the book cover also, I read the back of the book cover. If I do read a page its usuall the first and the first paragraph. 9 times out of 10 I purchase a book by reviews, comments from other readers and how they have been praised by other authors.
DarJo23@aol.com
Of course I read a few pages to see if I want to buy the book! I would be more surpised at the people who don't, even though I have a friend who picks up a book and says to me, "Buy this one. It has a cute cover." Arrrgh! What does that have to do with how the author writes, the flow of the words, whether you have to spend ten pages of description to get to any dialogue. Unless it's an author who I've read before. Then, even though I've been burned a few times, I buy the book without checking it out.
GDurisin@aol.com
Yes, I'll often read a few pages in the library or in a bookstore, or even online, when a book I'm interested in is excerpted at www.bookbrowse.com. Reviews are helpful, and if I've read several good reviews, I may still go ahead and read a book when the opening pages have failed to grab my full attention. But in general, there are too many great books crying for my attention for me to waste time on one that just doesn't click with me.
Nana1248@aol.com
Absolutely
LFinger52@aol.com
Yes -- I like reading the first chapter of a book to see if it is something I would like to buy and finish.
Kreckmd1@aol.com
An emphatic 'yes'. Even the first line should be a "hook." "It was the best of times..." That's a hook.
FifiOToole@aol.com
Do you ever read a few pages first to see if you want to buy the book? Yes, especially if I am not familiar with the author. Some authors could keep me interested in a book about how to pave my driveway, while others could write on the most fascinating subject in the universe and put me to sleep in less than a page. There's one other reason I often read a few pages before purchasing a book: I am an avid reader with a terrible memory for titles, so sometimes I'm checking to see if I've already read it!
DCCJ1@aol.com
No. I buy based on the authors' past successes and reviews.
RLink6000@aol.com
Hi: Yes, I always try to read a chapter of a book I am thinking of purchasing. If I have read a review that intrigues me, I will go to Bordrs or BandN to suss out the book. Then I read at least a chapter to get a sense of its literary merits. If it is well written and keeps my interest, then I am inclined to buy. Sometimes, I just browse the selves and look into books whose title. jackeyt or card(a store employee's recommendation) catch my eye. If I plan to get it frm the library, I generally rely on reviews. If I find I don't like it, nothing is lost.
MAXX01@peoplepc.com
Yes, I have done that on many occasions where I do not know the author and have not read any of his or her books.I am a great mystery fan so I know it will be a mystery but I can pretty much tell by the first two or three pages as well as the write up on the cover flap if I will enjoy it. I am usually not far from wrong but, I have been known to make a mistake or two. Ha! It never hurts to try a different author now and then. I had found some that I have stuck with and must have all their books for my library. Others it was fun reading but not what I enjoyed enough to continue pursuing their books.I feel you get something from everything you read. sometimes great fun other times a relaxing escape for a while. Thanks for the chance to give my point of view.
Marmorri@aol.com
Yes
Surfin953@aol.com
ALWAYS! The book has to pull me in right from the beginning. I may concede to that self imposed rule if the book is recommended to me with a comment such as: "it's a little tough getting started ....".
mi3son@bellsouth.net
Sometimes I will read the first few pages before I buy a book. If it is very interesting and grabs my attention, I will definitely buy it.
NoelWillis@aol.com
I often read the first few pages, both in the bookstore, and in our Library.
Beezer1873@aol.com
I always read the first few pages before buying a book. It has never failed me, I can always tell by page 3 if I'm going to like what the writers is sharing. Anytime I have not done this I end up hating the book. Big reason I hate buying books online. I need to touch them!
FREEME771@aol.com
Yes, I read a few pages and also a few lines from the middle of the book.
Jersygrl21@aol.com
I usually do read a couple of pages to see if is interesting. If the book isnt interesting why even buy it. I have gone to books stores and read a couple of chapters because i couldnt put the book down!!
tseelngr@msn.com
I always read the first few pages of a book before I buy it; I like to get the feel of the writer's voice, how the dialogue is handled, how the beginning scene is set up, to get a hint how well the author is acquainted with her main characters.
Sblokzyl@aol.com
I always read a few pages, before buying a book, unless it is a favorite authors book that I have been waiting for.
Cbullyrc@aol.com
No
JAKE416@aol.com
I would choose to read "The Good Earth" or any of Pearl S. Buck's books.
LLSP419@aol.com
Yes! I do read a few lines before I buy! its fun!
Shedand67@aol.com
I search through a couple of pages in a book prior to purchasing the book. Several things are examined:
1. Is the script one that is conducive to comfortable viewing or are the letters super tiny and aggravating!
2. Are there any juicy excerpts that would indicate how "lively" the book is?
3. Is it grammatically structured so that it makes for easy reading? Or are there too many technical or slang terms in the book and the story loses meaning?
4. Do I get caught up in such a good opening line, that I've read an entire chapter before I realize it?
Annlasa@aol.com
To your posed question...........No, I do not read the first few pages before I buy a book. I think it takes a concentrated intentional reading to get into a book.........but I do read the front and back covers......and read any reviews I see about a book. I believe that if I did read the first few pages of a book before I bought it........I probably would not ever buy a book. There have been many a book that I started out to read and thought it may not be very good.........and I was "hooked" by the 2nd or 3rd chapter and thoroughly enjoyed it. I think every author has a certain writing style and it would not be fair to judge a book by only reading the first few pages
