Do you read book reviews before choosing a book?

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 09 May 2025, 12:49

Do you read book reviews before choosing a book to read? If yes, why? If no, why not?

margherita mantovani · Post by **margherita mantovani** » 19 May 2025, 09:53

no, i don't want to be influenced. i read them after finishing the book

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 19 May 2025, 10:48

margherita mantovani wrote: ↑19 May 2025, 09:53 no, i don't want to be influenced. i read them after finishing the book

Interesting! Is that because you are going to review the book you read? If so, this makes perfect sense. If you are reading a book for your own pleasure, would you be inclined to read the book reviews? Thank you for your feedback. I appreciate it.

margherita mantovani · Post by **margherita mantovani** » 20 May 2025, 02:02

in both cases, whether i read a book for my own interest or because i have to review it, i prefer to read the reviews of others after i have finished the book and formed my own opinion about it. i do not want to be influenced by the opinions of others, i prefer to read with a free mind

Gemima2010 · Post by **Gemima2010** » 17 Jun 2025, 12:02

I would prefer reading a book because it's a way to escape my reality. Stories help me relax. It's like taking a mini-vacation for the mind.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 17 Jun 2025, 15:25

Gemima2010 wrote: ↑17 Jun 2025, 12:02 I would prefer reading a book because it's a way to escape my reality. Stories help me relax. It's like taking a mini-vacation for the mind.

I agree with you that reading books are like taking a mini-vacation for the mind. Well said!

Post by **Alys Sterk** » 18 Jun 2025, 12:46

Great topic! I might look at reviews because I want to get an idea of what to expect. If many people mention poor editing, I might not read the book. It's a great way to make sure the book is a good match for you.

On the other hand, it's possible that a person may remember part of a review they read, and it becomes subconsciously part of their own review. And there you are. So.....

18 Jun 2025, 16:17

It depends. When I am chosing a book to review, I only read the blurb, I don't want to get influenced by toher reviews/opinions. If I am trying to find a new book to read or buy just because I want to read something, I go to Goodreads and the newest reviews here. But I usually only read part of it, as sometimes the book seems interesting but the reviewer dislikes something and gives it a low rating (and I disagree with them).

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 18 Jun 2025, 20:14

Alys Sterk wrote: ↑18 Jun 2025, 12:46 Great topic! I might look at reviews because I want to get an idea of what to expect. If many people mention poor editing, I might not read the book. It's a great way to make sure the book is a good match for you.

On the other hand, it's possible that a person may remember part of a review they read, and it becomes subconsciously part of their own review. And there you are. So.....

Hi, Alys. Thank you for your feedback. You made some good points.
I will place a book in my bookshelves to read if I have read several reviews that give it a good rating. However, if I choose a book to read and review, I will not read any reviews of the book because I do not want to be influenced by any of these reviews when I write a review.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 18 Jun 2025, 20:19

Gabriela Contreras Gonzalez wrote: ↑18 Jun 2025, 16:17 It depends. When I am chosing a book to review, I only read the blurb, I don't want to get influenced by toher reviews/opinions. If I am trying to find a new book to read or buy just because I want to read something, I go to Goodreads and the newest reviews here. But I usually only read part of it, as sometimes the book seems interesting but the reviewer dislikes something and gives it a low rating (and I disagree with them).

Hi, Gabriela. I agree that one should not read book reviews before writing their own review of the same book. And, I do find it helpful to read some reviews of a book before choosing it for my own reading pleasure. Thank you for your feedback.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 18 Jun 2025, 20:21

margherita mantovani wrote: ↑19 May 2025, 09:53 no, i don't want to be influenced. i read them after finishing the book

Hi, margherita. Thank you for your feedback. It is appreciated.

Mohamed Allam 96 · Post by **Mohamed Allam 96** » 27 Jun 2025, 00:16

because I want to get an idea of what to expect. If many people mention poor editing, I might not read the book. It's a great way to make sure the book is a good match for you.

On the other hand, it's possible that a person may remember part of a review they read, and it becomes subconsciously part of their own review. And there you are. So.....

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 27 Jun 2025, 09:25

Mohamed Allam 96 wrote: ↑27 Jun 2025, 00:16 because I want to get an idea of what to expect. If many people mention poor editing, I might not read the book. It's a great way to make sure the book is a good match for you.

On the other hand, it's possible that a person may remember part of a review they read, and it becomes subconsciously part of their own review. And there you are. So.....

Hi, Mohamed. You brought up good points. I would tell people to read reviews if they are going to read the book for their pleasure and are not reading to do a review. Thank you for your feedback.