I can’t think of a single book that I’ve read in the last 6 years (joined GR in 2011) that I didn’t research on Goodreads beforehand. I don’t know about you, but I’ve just become so conditioned when it comes to reading. I always need to skim reviews and gouge the average ratings. This is something I NEVER used to do. I used to read the synopsis and if it sounded good I’d buy or borrow it from the library.
I’m so glad that there’s a great resource where I can checkout what other readers are thinking, but lately, I've also been irritated with how it influences my reading decisions. I feel like my initial perception of a book and rather I’ll enjoy it or not is being influenced by other’s opinions. I try to take other’s views with a grain of salt but I still find myself shying away from 3.5 or less starred books regardless of the varying opinions.
Do you feel like Goodreads is a curse and blessing? Do non-amazing ratings make you iffy? Is Goodreads affecting your choice in reading a certain book? Do you wish that you could start taking leaps of faith again?
I kind of do the opposite. I pick up a book, decide if I want to read it from the synopsis, and once I'm done, I check Goodreads haha. I find I usually turn to Goodreads when a book is getting a TON of buzz and I want to see if all the hype is worth it or not.
ReplyDeleteI rarely read reviews on Goodreads before I read a book. Unless it is something I really am not sure about, and then I might read it to get an idea if I really want to read it or not. I do go read reviews when I've heard about controversy though. I love Goodreads for keeping track of my books that I've read and that I want to read. I'm on it probably every day at least once a day. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI too love Goodreads for helping me keep track of all the books I have read or want to read because my memory is horrible. However, I too think I rely on Goodreads ratings/reviews too much. Sometimes I avoid books because of them when I probably wouldn't otherwise. HOWEVER, I very rarely read books I don't at least like 3 stars and maybe that is because of reading all those Goodreads ratings/reviews? On the other hand I may really be missing out. I just don't know! I have been trying to read less reviews and decide on my own before I read so they don't skew my reading experience. So far I am doing a pretty good job at it! Anyway, great post and sorry for my jumbled thoughts.
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