Are most of the books you read in the same category or do you read throughout the library? I find it interesting that some of my friends only read 3-4 authors and when they are caught up on those books they just wait it out until a new one is published. I would go nuts waiting!! I read a little of everything with favorites of course. I go on tangents of reading one author for a few books then switching out to something new...I love to read thrillers when I am traveling or have some time off at home...What limits if any do you have for reading guidelines? One author...all authors...one subject ...any subject...and finally...are you a gender specific author seeker? Do you like books that are written by one gender better than the other? Recently I was told by a woman that she doesn't like women authors and that without looking at the name she can read a bit of the book and know it's written by a woman...What are your parameters?
[question posted by rx4life]
responses and comments:
I have my favorite writers, like Barbara Taylor Bradford. But I will read most anyone if it is not too goory or to scary. [teapotmommommerced]
I like Dan Brown because I like thriller story with some conspiracy in it. Well I like him since I read "Angels and Demons". Or I will try to read what other people recommend it to me.. [ikinta]
Once I like an author I tend to read a lot of their books in a row and then I eventually find a new one and continue that same pattern over again with that author But I try to branch out with reading [Lauraleigh99]
That is pretty much the way I tend to do things, too. I have my favorites (Koontz, Patterson, Auel, to name a few) that I usually look for first. If I don't see anything that I haven't already read, then I browse. Usually I find a new author to add to my 'regulars' list! [wickedstepma]
I'm like you. I have favorite authors, but I don't try to read everything they write. And I like to read authors that I haven't read before. I like to read anthologies of different writers. I switch categories frequently. I like thrillers, police procedurals, science fiction, courtroom dramas, historical novels, non-fiction. I recently read a western, which I hadn't done for ages. It was "The Man of the Forest" by Zane Gray and I really enjoyed it. I read mostly books by men authors, but I also have some women authors among my favorites. [charles63]
Zane Gray..now there's an author I haven't read in years!!! I have similiar reading likes as you..I am just starting a medical thriller...it has been in my "to read" pile for awhile and it's time to begin a new category!! It's Robin Cook..so I am wondering if it will be the good Robin or the semi boring and predictable Robin...It's called Crisis.. and I'm off to read it now!! [rx4life]
Well I have my favorite authors that I will usually try and read from but I will read others as well. If someone recommends a book or if I pick up something that looks interesting I'll read it. I just go by what looks good. Even with my favorite authors if the book doesn't look interesting I won't bother. It has to grab my attention and if it does great. Uusually though once I find a book and the author is new if I like it I will try some of their others to see how they are as well. [emeraldisle]
Same here, lol. Past chapter 5, if its boring its 4 the bin. I do read a range of books though but I can't stand classics. =) [baldudexx]
Most of the books I read are in the same category, but I do read other things in between as I raad a lot of magazines and keep up to date with these but I do not go to the library these days I have a subscription to my normal place where I buy my books from. I mainly like to read friction and romance, they are all different authors though. No I do not worry who writes the book just as long as I can get something out of the book for myself. [kathy77]
Kathy I don't know how you have time to read and post such great information!!!! LOL.. I knew you were a reader just from your informative posts!!! [rx4life]
I'll read anything that's handed to me. I have authors whom I've enjoyed and will read more of their work when I have the chance. I also have authors whose books I will never read again. But, as long as I've been given a recommendation for a book, I'll read it. [laowai]
I'm not sure I have 'banned' any author from my reading lists..but most assuredly have been soured by a few..a good book is such a great adventure!!! [rx4life]
I will read my way through a library with a few exceptions lol. No politics, no sci fi and no history. Anything else goes. I love reading, I have 2 bookcases full of books. Some of them belong to my partner but the rest are mine. One of my favorite subjects is spiritualism. I have a bookshelf devoted to books on the subject, and my Oracle cards reside there too. There is so much to explore about Spiritualism and the books are full of things to do with "The Other Side", Spirit Guides, Guardian Angels and everything. They're fascinating, and they're the one subject that keeps me enthralled for hours! I read both male and female authors. I see no reason to discriminate. Both are just as good and present many differing opinions on many different subjects. [retardedrugrat]
No politics and no history...yahooo...I am not an avid reader of either of those subjects..I just came from a visit with long time friend of mine in California and she is a teacher in the realm of spiritualism..fascinating conversations well into the night and all day long..She is actually writing a book right now which is awesome..she also has a book of "poems" ( really spiritual teachings) that I am trying to help her finance to publish...they are wonderful. I'll have to let you know when she is done!! You would love to hear her speak on this subject..she has been teaching ( free) for years. [rx4life]
when I read a book its mostly because the papers have rated it well.Besides that I enjoyed Dan Browns' novels and I like to go to my local libraries and get out books on subjects I'm interested in like movie stars,music etc and it makes no difference to me who the author is as long as I enjoy it. [keepingfit]
Nothing wrong with reading from the best seller list..sometimes I agree with the newspapers and sometimes I think they are way off..but that is what makes us an interesting group..differences!!! [rx4life]
I like to try and read as many books by as many authors as I can, although I must admit the last few books have been by Dan Brown and I'm now becoming a fan of his, ordering two more of his books off Ebay (cheapest way to buy them unless you can find them in charity shops!) I started off with his Da Vinci Code and thought that was excellent and I've just finished Angels and Demons. I like all types of categorys such as 'chick' books, thrillers, horrors and the more factual stuff! I was so bored last night as I'm waiting for my new books to arrive that I even read my Camera guide lol! [Bizziebod]
I think that is the only way to get me to read the guides to phones, cameras,computers...take away my ability to read a real book and I might venture over to the shelf of manuals!LOL [rx4life]
I have my favorite authors of course, but I like to browse through the library and often I will find books that are very good. I have found many new favorite authors in this manner. I also like a variety of books, I will read just about anything. It doesn't matter to me whether the author is male or female as long as their books are well written and can hold my interest. I have favorites from both genders. [dlkuku]
I'm so happy to hear you are fond of libraries - a librarian said (lol)! [kiiizu]
i choose books by the authors that i like. for example, if i'm in the mood for some mystery thriller novel, i would be very confident that Sidney Sheldon books would be worth the time. i really like his writing style and have grown really familiar with it. the elements of chase and mystery and how he puts it together. i also dig John Grisham books and his style is also different from the rest. a lot of times i've tried out different authors too but they'd seem too bland or way too spectacular or unreal. [diannebcrs]
Recently I was hooked on some quick reads of James Patterson..now there's a guy that can suck me in quickly to his plot and they are usually well written and play out well. Grisham is one I haven't read in awhile as I sort of burned out on him. I went through a period of time when I read all of his books, same with Koontz. [rx4life]
My reading patterns go with the subject matter I need to learn about. I rarely have time to read for fun, but when I do I love mysteries. I like to solve the problems. If I can write the end of the story myself, I don't read the author again 'cause they're too predictable. Agatha Christie has to be the best of all time. [reluctantexan]
Agatha gets my vote! I know what you mean about writing the end yourself, it can be such a let down. I absolutely love it when the end is such a twist that I never saw it coming! Those are rare but so much fun to read. I applaud you for reading to learn..I have to read so much for pharmacy ( law and procedure) and then all the contracts for insurance and their wordy spew..that I only read for pleasure when at home or on vacation...I'm selfish that way :) [rx4life]
I do the same thing you do with trends... I went on a binge with black female authors late last year, for instance, and worked my way all through Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Walker, Toni Morrison and a couple others. Another time, it was Florida authors (I live in Florida). I'll also find authors and decide I'm going to read their entire catalogue. I guess my only limitation is that I generally won't read crap. Not interested in Jackie Collins or Danielle Steele. I don't pick authors by gender. That seems a little silly to me. I'm a pretty omnivorous reader, and jump into many different genres. [MsRetro]
The wide spectrum of available books is like a huge buffet to me..I want to gobble it up quickly yet want to savor the flavor at the same time..I have to pace myself sometimes and remind myself that those books aren't going to "spoil" waiting for me :) [rx4life]
I don't really stick to a certain authors I have only one author that I really look up for coming books which is a local writer here in the PHilippines. Like you I read little of everything I even read preference books. I guess I don't like myself get bored with just a certain author that have the same type of writing. I have a wide range of books. [lossforredwords]
I have a couple of favorites also but really like to surprise myself in finding new authors that have the WOW factor. It's always a pleasant treat to read into a great book and get lost in the story. [rx4life]
I have a couple of authors that I keep up with (ie. Alexander McCall Smith) but other than that, I read all sorts - not of any era,genre or author in particular. If I run out of books that someone's given me or I specifically bought, then I just raid bookshelves and read something at complete random. Like you, I couldn't bear to wait for a new book from the favourite authors though! [barneyboo]
True, but at least reading what you wouldn't otherwise lets you discover some surprise gems :) [barneyboo]
I find that a variety of topics can capture my interests. I enjoy reading scienc fiction, religious literature, true crime, mysteries, comedies, historical books (both factual accounts and fictional), books on hobbies, etc. I don't limit myself, but I do have my favorite topics and my favorite authors. I will actively seek out new material on those topics and from those authors more than others, but I am perfectly willing to give something new a try if it looks appealing enough. I find that variety is stimulating and keeps one from getting bored, but there are still the topics that I feel most passionate about that I want to read more about. That being said, there are things that hold no interest at all for me and I rarely look at anything on those topics. There are also authors who have a writing style that I just can't force myself to endure. I'm all for freedom of expression and for those who enjoy that kind of expression I would not deprive them of that. I don't limit what I read by the gender of the author. I actively seek out books by my favorite authors (both men and women). It isn't about gender, it is about capturing the interest of the reader and holding that interest with well developed characters, stories, researched information, etc. A book by an author who doesn't have a clue what he / she is talking about is offensive to me. [Centregeek]
Variety is the spice of life or so they say. I have to agree, although as I posted above I am not big on the politcal realm for reading and dry history holds no spark for me! It is truly all about capturing the readers attention. The gender of an author would never be part of the criteria for choosing a book for myself either. You are winning the best response to this topic as you have really nailed the main reason a book is good for me..and that is researched information. I have read many books that could otherwise be awesome..but then you run into the misleading or misinformation that just lets you down and makes you feel cheated. No author should write without researching their facts!:) [rx4life]
I love to read just about anything, unless it's incredibly boring. Although I do have a tendency to stick with one author until I read all of his or her work. I have multiple authors to choose from at the same time. Once I'm done their collection, I randomly select a new author and start there. However, if I happen to find a new books by my favorite authors, they go on top of my to-read list. Recently, I've been branching out towards different genres more. Although I admit, there are a few genres I enjoy more than others. [Luciea]
It is nice to try different genres.. I really get excited when I find something totally new that captures my attention.:) [rx4life]
When I was in elementary school and had access to a library, I would read any book on the shelf. Then in High School, I read "Dandelion Wine" by Ray Bradbury. I love it so much that I started reading every book I could find by Ray Bradbury. Now, I tend to read every book by an author, and then when I am done with that author, I look for a new author to read. I've got so many authors that I have read in the past that I'm starting to have problems keeping up with the new releases. LOL But when I hear of a new author that I think might interest me, I try them out. I don't just stick to my favorite authors, I am interested in other authors too. I tend to read mysteries and thrillers. It doesn't matter to me if they are male or female authors. [1983tyler]
ANy good thriller/mystery usually catches my attention and I give it a try..Ray Bradbury is a definite good read!!:0 [rx4life]
I have my favorites Authors 5 of them and that is all I will read I will not buy any Book by another Author If a Friend lends me one by a different Author I will attempt to read it but if I can't enjoy a Book by the second Chapter I will not read any further [gabs8513]
Very interesting. do your authors put out new books pretty regularly..or do you find yourself waiting for a book from one of your favorites?:) [rx4life]
This is one of my favorite subjects! I am a voracious reader and will read just about anything. Sure, I have favorite authors, but that doesn't stop me trying a new one. I know of writers from both gender who are equally adept at their craft. My favorite genres are mystery, fantasy romance, horror, and historical romance. That's not all I read though. I was told by a favorite teacher when I started high school, "It doesn't matter what you read as long as you read." I have always followed that guideline. [worldwise1]
Your teacher was a wise person..Just read...it's a great motto...and there are so many subjects and authors to devour...it can take you through lifetimes of experiences without leaving your hometown!!") [rx4life]
I prefer to read varieties.Of different authors.But i tend to be loyal to some of my favourite authors.While i wait for their next releases i'll try few other unfamiliar authors. Yeay, i too can sense if the book is authored by man or woman author except for the Lt.Sidney Sheldon.He was weird.His name always sounded woman and his were lot of 'water-work' contents either. Women authors tend to be more descriptive about characters, features, attires, personalities,etc.In other words they can really describe beauty at its best.Lately i happened to read one Sarah Dunants'('the birth of Venus' author) 'Trangressions' wherein the readers(including me) were actually hired by her to search for her misplaced Van Morrison CD through her whole books' pages.lol. Men authors on the other hand tend to be witty and theirs have lot of humourous contents. [rekhum]
Are you sure I don't know you?LOL..my friend says almost the exact things about the male/female authors...but the difference..she won't read a female author!!! I think that really limits a person!:) [rx4life]
My reading habits is widely dispersed amongst several authors. I do have my favourites of course but if am in the mood to read and i can't lay my hands on what i want then i make do with what is readily avaialble. [hestee]
WE can learn so much in such a short time by reading. I always encourage young children to read..I give books as gifts hoping it will light those fires...:) [rx4life]
I read lots of different books and have many favorite authors, but if I read a book by a new author I will start to look for more of their work. I read so much that I must look for new authors. [sumofalltears]
I go into a bookstore and can spend hours browsing their shelves..it's like a kid in a candy store!:) [rx4life]
Once I begin to like one author I generally try to stick with him/her for a while and read some of his/her older works. [dale2006]
I definitely explore the other works by an author when I find a new one..and sometimes am pleasantly surprised to find their early works to be as good or better. [rx4life]
I now work at a bookstore 2 weeks now. I am VERY exposed to books again (WHICH I REALLY LOVE YEAH!!!!!) But I have some authors I'd read most of their books if I could. I love books by Nicholas Sparks (though usually sad), John Grisham (lots of great movies from him!) and my favorite christian non-fiction author is Max Lucado. Meg Cabolt has some good writings going besides teen books she does adult too if you didnt know! I tend towards fiction, writing books, some christian books, and memoires (cause I am working on one of my own!). However I do read on occasion teen books and books in health, non-fiction and other types. I vary with what I read too. I have read best sellers JUST CAUSE they were. I am open to all and now with my new books all around me I am gonna start reading more soon as I get some time ;) [monkeywriter]
Working in a bookstore should be exciting..you will have such good access and information to the latest releases as well as learining so much about the authors and really being able to expand your horizons. What a great job to have..I'll have to tap into your knowledge base for recommendations!!! [rx4life]
I amprfectly fixed up in this egard.I amvery very broad in my othr aspects of life.However when it comes to the case of reading books I am very very limited in my approach.I read only the romanic boookts that have some good love like scenes well decibed hat really impacts my brain with very high intensity of relaxation. [viplav15]
Good to relax and enjoy your reading no matter what the subject . [rx4life]
I have a few favourites but I do read all sorts. It depends on what the book is about. I love thrillers, regardless of whether a man or women wrote it. If the summary on the inside flap or back of the book captures my attention, then I take it home to read (either buy it or borrow it from the local library). [maddysmommy]
Thrillers are really the hook that catches me...the inside flap has to also jump out at me, especially if I am trying a new author. [rx4life]
When I find a subject interesting,I will read almost anything I can find on it.I enjoy True Crime stories or Survival ones and will gobble up what I can find at the bookstore or online.I am not worried about whose view it is from(I like reading from different viewpoints)but look more towards how they are able to get the idea across. [lonewolfnan]
Oh the survival stories..they are intriguing and keep me on the edge of my seat...I have read some great ones..and true crime can be really captivating. [rx4life]
no parameters I used to like Biology , Botany mostly Botany of Desire is a fun one I mostly go to the branch, then pick out whatever interests me, then I read 10% of them, whatever interests me most Autobiographys are fun Kiersty Allie had a fun one, its like reading about being an actress with a big butt takes me away from my probs, totally different ones. [kurtbiewald]
Nice to escape into a book..I didn't know Kirsty Allie had a book out..I would be interested in it. I also love autobiographies..there are so many great ones and you get a whole new perspective on the person. [rx4life]
I read a variety of authors and a variety of style books. I worked in a bookstore for years and it amazed me to see people who were hooked on a series of books by one author and they called every day to find out when the next book would be out. I do have several authors that I enjoy a lot and usually read their books as they come out. I like to change up the stle of books so I can be well informed. Stephen has been my favorite author since he was richard bach with Jonathan Livingston Seagull, so I always read anything he writes. I also like other authors with his style but I enjoy some detective, true crime, non fiction, and fiction by all sorts of authors. [wmg2006]
I'll bet we readers can be a real pain in the neck to the book stores..I remember when my daughter was reading a series and she would hound the poor people to death awaiting the release of the next book! [rx4life]
I just go with whatever catches my interest. Except for Dan Brown, I have never read more than 3 from any author. I have different mood swings and will read whatever I feel like reading at the time. Sometimes I also go by class. Like one summer I went all out with funny chic lits. I also went to a phase of memoirs, suspense and crime stories. When I read Memoirs of a Geisha, the culture part of it caught my interest so I immediately bought Gardens of Kyoto and Banana Yashimoto's Goodbye Tsugumi and Kitchen. [uiwwitch]
Memoirs of a Geisha was a favorite of mine and I, too, was very interested in the culture after reading it..Dan Brown is certainly making his mark in the literary world..seems everyone has read him now. [rx4life]
well, yeah, i read books with specific authors, like vampire chronicles of Anne Rice, science fictions of Michael Crichton, i like Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code and Angels&Demons and i also read Homer's Iliad & Odyssey. I have books on different literatures like Ivanhoe, Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo. Im starting to collect love story novels of Nicholas Sparks and also Harry Potter books and Lord of the Rings. [shadowcat_018]
I really like Nicholas Sparks too...I have yet to read Harry Potter but plan for that to be my summer reading!! The Lord of the Rings is a favorite for sure!!:) [rx4life]
I read books typically from the fantasy/scifi genre. If I read a book that I quite like, I will remember the author and seek out of the rest of the books. I sometimes read other genres too when the story catches my eye. ;-) [lordwarwizard]
Should it shock me that lordwarwizard reads scifi/fantasy?...I think not!!!:) [rx4life]
I tend to read books from the authors that i like. but sometimes, i do try to read books written by different authors on the subjects that i'm interested in. [jinggay46]
My favorite genres are history, biographies incl. autobiographies, politics, travel diaries, mostly non-fiction. Actually I'm reading almost everything, with only few exceptions - I was never very fond of science fiction and very bloody mysteries, and I have to admit that some very naive romances are also impossible to read. As for authors of mysteries: I like Ellis Peter's mysteries very much, especially her Brother Cadfael stories, also Agatha Christie belongs to my favorites, Rex Stout and D. Francis are good, almost always. I have read almost everything by Gerald Durrell and Thor Heyerdahl, they are both great in my opinion. And so on. Sometimes it happens that I enjoy very much a book by an author and then I read another one, and I don't like it at all. It was so with I. Banks. I loved "The Business", I laughed at loud reading it, it was so witty and so serious at the same time. Then I tried to read "The Wasp Factory", and I couldn't finish it... I loved "Under The Net" by Iris Murdoch, and couldn't manage more than 30 pages of her "Black Prince"... It seems, I have quite a coctail here. At least one is sure - I'm never sorting by gender! [kiiizu]
It is the same for me...one book by one author will be fantastic..the next one is a trial to wade through and I don't finish it..The world of books is so fascinating:) [rx4life]
I have my favourite authors, but if I see a book ny another author that takes my eye and read the insider cover and like what I read, then I will buy that book. The gender fo the author doesn't matter, it's the story that counts. All well-known authors have had to start somewhere, and you might just come across a treasure just waiting to become known. [abbey19]
You're on - let me know when you have finished it! [abbey19]
I love to read and read all kinds of books. One of my favorite authors is Sue Grafton whose books go alphabetically. The last 2 I read of hers were "M is for Murder" & "R is for Ricochet." I love any kind of books though, I am currently reading "Dead Run" by P.J. Tracy. [us2owls]
I have never read Sue Grafton but may give it a try once I have whittled down my "to read" pile..it is really full right now!!! [rx4life]
I used to stick to a few authors but when my children started reading more I wanted to check up that what they were reading was ok. Also to be able to talk with them about the books. So I started reading more varied authors. Now I try to get the new books at the library before anybody else and to make sure that we have not read them before. It makes a very interesting experience. Although we have found that they tend to buy in genres so we might have several ghost stories or navy theme together. Sometimes we do get a later book from a series before the first one. If I read the summary though I find out the plot before I get to read it. [magicalmerlin]
I always loved to read the books my children were reading..we used to do a thing where we would read aloud sometimes when we were following a series... [rx4life]
I am not specific to the specific authors.I read books whenever I found it interesting to read.I only choose and read those which I think very helpful and enjoyable to read upon. [romel_ece]
Reading is such a great skill..it helps in every part of our lives. Keep reading!!! [rx4life]
When looking for a book I will first look for 3 authors, Ricard Laymon, James Herbert and Stephen King. Once I found a book by one of then, I will then look for a book bay an author I haven't read yet. I try to find an author publishing their first book, they usualy seem amiturish but are outstanding. [shadowwriter]
Ah ha...a Stephen King fan...isn't his writing great? I have read some of his books two or three times.. The Stand was my favorite...he's a hard act to follow if you truly love horror...he's the king of terror and horror...sometimes I can't even read him...too scary..( It...I couldn't read that one!) [rx4life]
Yes, most of the books I read are in the same category. I love science fiction and I don't know any author when I started reading books on this genre. Eventually, I remember the author name and started reading his/her books. After awhile I read any books in this category. It doesn't matter who the author is. I also read other books on other genre,i.e. mystery, horror, fantasy, non-fiction, etc. Authors I like are Robert Ludlum, Stephen King (recently completed reading his Watchtower Series), Agatha Christie and other. It doesn't matter what is the gender of the author is, as long as he/she can write masterpiece stories I read it. [robert19ph]
My husband is a big sci fi reader...I'm more the pshycological thriller, great mysteries ( Agatha is awesome)...but reading is a passion...and I really get excited about new books and authors.. [rx4life]
I'm lucky because in my job I get to try various styles of writing and various authors, old and new. I love to try different things in literature and to be honest would have never thought I'd be a huge fan of historical fiction but realized I LOVE it! I do have my 'regulars' that I read, Koontz, King, MacComber, Evonavich, etc. but I never limit my authors to just those! How will you find new and adventurous things if you don't experiment with difference? [hockeygal4ever]
Exactly!!! NO adventuring into new authors would be boring!!! I still think you have the best job!!! :) [rx4life]
Max lucado is my all time favorite book. But i try to make it a point to read other books. I have tried reading Rick warren books and I really love it. I have been scouting to read other books and I found C. S Lewis who is also a nice author. [Zelmarq]
Change is life........reading d same set of authors become very boring!! Tht happened wid me at a particular stage........wen i read nothing but ficiton.......& now, i think twice b4 laying my hand on fictional stuff!! [sheenabhasin]
I start off with the authors that I love and almost always get all the books they do. But I do like to branch out and read books by authors I don't know. Usually I try new authors either when a friend recommends it or I like how the books sounds on the back cover. I don't care what the gender is that writes the book. As for subjects I love lots of different kinds: romance, thrillers/mystery, some bios, true-crimes, & some local history. I even got where I read a bit of sci-fi, which wasn't ever my thing before. [Penguinsangel]