Did you ever read a book without reading a summary first?

[Valerie Allen] · Post by **[Valerie Allen]** » 31 Mar 2018, 22:04

No. Not really. I cannot say that I actually read a book without reading the summary first. Huh? Isn't that something?

DATo · Post by **DATo** » 02 Apr 2018, 19:26

I tend to research the book and author AFTER I have read the book, especially if the book was written in an earlier time. In fact, I do this for every book I read. As long as I know the book has been well-received by the public I am willing to forego learning about it because I want to experience it as it unfolds without preambles and expectations.

beth-childs447 · Post by **beth-childs447** » 02 Apr 2018, 20:20

While I do read the summaries on the back of the books,when I don't, reading a book feels like entering a new world with no idea what I'm getting myself into. So in a way its fun!

Artmac · Post by **Artmac** » 02 Apr 2018, 21:15

Yes. There was one time when I read a book that did not have a summary to begin with. It turned out it the end that it was really an interesting book. It only goes to show that we should not judge a book by its summary.

Helga_ · Post by **Helga_** » 07 Apr 2018, 03:15

Oh, many many times. No summary, no preconceived notion. It's almost always limited to fiction, though.
I feel, as I get older, I've become more and more picky. At the same time, I'm aware that this can prevent me from trying different kinds of stories. So, I make conscious efforts not to check summaries or introductions too often. But when it comes down to non-fiction, it's a totally different story.

Jesscar6 · Post by **Jesscar6** » 07 Apr 2018, 09:35

I don't think I ever have so far. If the cover is good and has drawn me in I'll still always check out the description. That's what does the deal for me. I need to know what the rough plot will be and whether it's my sort of thing.

Eryn Bradshaw · Post by **Eryn Bradshaw** » 07 Apr 2018, 15:23

My usual steps are look at the cover or the title and read the summary. I've read a handful of books that I definitely wish some things were in the summary because then I wouldn't have picked it up. I remember picking up a thriller novel that had a summary that really piqued my interest, but it ended up being extremely grotesque and I couldn't finish it. It would have been nice for a little sentence saying something along the lines that it was part of the book. Enough to know without spoilers.

I do think all the books I read for school I didn't read a summary for, including the books I read for my university classes. I actually didn't enjoy many of my school books so when I picked one up that I did enjoy, it was a pleasant surprise.

Post by **Eileen R** » 11 Apr 2018, 07:16

The one time I picked a book without reading a summary I regretted it. I gave up halfway through the book since it was so boring. Since then, I never read a book without first reading the summary to know what it's about

See_B00kReaDs · Post by **See_B00kReaDs** » 13 Apr 2018, 08:07

I usually read the summary first, that's how I can determine if I want to read the book or not.

Post by **Shrabastee Chakraborty** » 05 May 2018, 01:38

I tend to check the plot summary first. But if a known bookaholic highly recommends a book, or more than one person recommend the same book and also give a general idea about the theme, I often pick it up without going through the plot summary first. In some cases reading the actual story provides far more interest than reading the plot summary first. Actually if I start the book first and read the plot summary later, I often find it to be inadequate (never vice-versa, though)!

Snowhite189 · Post by **Snowhite189** » 05 May 2018, 10:12

I get to read the summary first so I would know if it is good or should I say if this book really make sense and worth reading for so as not to waste my time and money. but there are times the summary is good but when i go over with the detail of the book its kinda frustrating so I think we should know the author of the book.

nikkyteewhy · Post by **nikkyteewhy** » 06 May 2018, 07:27

I can't help it. As long as the summary for the book is available I read it first.

Tbunde5 · Post by **Tbunde5** » 08 May 2018, 07:16

I only read the summary for two reasons: I can’t remember if I’ve already read it, or I’ve read a few chapters and can’t figure out what’s going on.

Candymudzo · Post by **Candymudzo** » 08 May 2018, 07:47

To be sincere i hardly read summaries.The cover photo and title is what mostly encourages me to go ahead and read .At times i think summaries are like movie spoilers.(giggle).Not being offensive though.

KRay93 · Post by **KRay93** » 08 May 2018, 10:12

No, I find it impossible to read a book without first having a notion about what it is about. A cover can be misleading, partial or even incomplete. Not even when it comes to famous authors I avoid a blurb or a summary. After all, if I am going to commit some hours of my life (and some money) to an activity, it is better to know what the whole thing is about...