Do you personally like getting suggestions for books?

M-Allmon · Post by **M-Allmon** » 02 Mar 2014, 18:43

Eh, sometimes. I tend to be a people pleaser, so when someone recommends a book I feel like I have to read it and like it. Now if I like the book it's not a problem, but if I don't like it, I feel awkward telling them I didn't like it.

KLyons1 · Post by **KLyons1** » 03 Mar 2014, 21:08

Yes, because at least I'm talking to a fellow reader. I don't like it if someone pushes beyond the "check this one out" stage, and is overly insistent that I *must* read a particular book - there's no faster way to turn me off!

Debra · Post by **Debra** » 03 Mar 2014, 22:28

That's a really good question. I'd never thought about it, but I guess I don't usually like it but I do it all the time... something to think about!

michael_smith · Post by **michael_smith** » 04 Mar 2014, 14:24

I generally like the suggestions that I get through Amazon when I buy a book through them. I have discovered some really good books this way. Sometimes on my Kindle there are recommendations when I get through reading a book, and occasionally I'll find something good and new that way. If I can really get in with an author, sometimes I'll just go ahead and read everything they've written.

jechamer · Post by **jechamer** » 05 Mar 2014, 01:56

Yes - I always like to hear what other people like.

prarich · Post by **prarich** » 05 Mar 2014, 09:28

Yes I do. Helps me know about books I may not have heard of.

SoftCoyote · Post by **SoftCoyote** » 05 Mar 2014, 10:31

I prefer to do the suggesting. Most books people recommend to me are too low level.
And I hate it when people buy the book for me that they suggest without my input because then I feel obligated to read it... Even if it's not in a genre I like. Gift cards or I'm there when they buy.
So don't hate it, I'm just not fond of suggestions.

RILENTLISS · Post by **RILENTLISS** » 17 Mar 2014, 22:09

I do. It opens me up to genres I mightn't of tried otherwise.

sybil1reader · Post by **sybil1reader** » 18 Mar 2014, 14:35

I don't mind getting suggestios from people. I discovered some very good books from Greg Isles, Ben Coes, James Grippando, and Margaret Truman from a suggestion. I was sitting outside the court house reading when a gentleman took the time to enlighten me. I am forever grateful!

L_Therese · Post by **L_Therese** » 18 Mar 2014, 19:52

I like having books recommended for me. It allows me to read new authors and explore new genres that I know someone else enjoyed before me. That said, it gives recommendations a lot more credibility if they come from someone I know (or at least someone whose past interactions with me might lend insight into what I might like to read). While it is nice when someone can say that "Book X" is really excellent of "Author Y" is worth reading, it means more when someone can tell me that I in particular might enjoy such-and-so-forth book/author because yada-yada-yada.

H0LD0Nthere · Post by **H0LD0Nthere** » 18 Mar 2014, 20:46

Ha ha, I am usually the one doing the suggesting! "Oh, you made a passing mention of topic X, do you know author Y discusses it in his book Z?" I can imagine it would be irritating.

I experience the world through books so much, it's hard not to talk about them to other people.

But, I hate to put a burden on people. I sometimes feel kinda burdened if someone recommends a book and I don't feel particular interest, but then I feel I must remember the title and go look for it.

draganas · Post by **draganas** » 19 Mar 2014, 05:05

I like getting suggestions, especially from people I have similar book taste to. Although it sometimes messes my expectations up, like if someone is really amazed by a book, I expect more from it than I would without the person's recommendation and I end up a bit disappointed.

jjwinter · Post by **jjwinter** » 19 Mar 2014, 05:37

My wife is a librarian, and we like the same kinds of books, so I feel like I get the best recommendations possible.

castor · Post by **castor** » 19 Mar 2014, 06:08

i do. it's good because then you can discuss the book.

H0LD0Nthere · Post by **H0LD0Nthere** » 19 Mar 2014, 21:23

draganas wrote:I like getting suggestions, especially from people I have similar book taste to. Although it sometimes messes my expectations up, like if someone is really amazed by a book, I expect more from it than I would without the person's recommendation and I end up a bit disappointed.

Ha ha, this reminds me of the Anne Lamott quote: "I have had people lend me books that they promise are fascinating, and then I wake up with a start, holding the book."