Welcome to Tuesday Book Chat.
This is where we encourage book lovers to answer our bookish question of the week. As we are a faith-based group the questions refer mainly to Christian fiction or non-fiction.
Today’s question is:
What makes you more likely to read a book – reviews or word of mouth?
We look forward to hearing your thoughts. Please join in the conversation by commenting on this post or on the blog post shared in our Australasian Christian Writers Facebook Group. Remember to comment today on Tuesday Book Chat to enter the giveaway.
Let’s chat!
As I rarely read book reviews so I would say word of mouth. I have bought a book due to an author recommending one in their newsletter. Also Instagram from people I follow I have borrowed a book. I may read reviews after I read a book just to see what people say but it doesn’t normally sway me to buy a book.
Your turn.
I look forward to reading your comments here or at the FB group.
Comment on today’s post to enter the Tuesday Book Chat quarterly e-gift card giveaway sponsored by Narelle Atkins. Two winners per quarter, $10 US or $15 Aussie e-gift cards.
The winners can choose between an Amazon.com or Kobo USD $10 gift card, or an AUD $15 gift card from Amazon Australia, iBooks, Kobo.
Hi Jenny, Word of mouth from trusted sources is how I discover new-to-me authors. Sometimes I read reviews after I read the book because I’m curious about how other readers have experienced the story. My TBR list is ridiculously long and always overflowing with too many great books to read and not enough reading time.
I totally agree with you. My TBR list is so big I started giving away unread books.
It can be a bit of both for me. Even with word-of-mouth, people can have very different opinions about what makes a good book, so I will look at reviews as well to find out more of what people have said about books. Other than that, I often just stick to authors I know.
True I know some books I have loved others didn’t and I remember years ago one book many loved, I really disliked. Nowadays I would have DNF the book early on (heroine approaching 30 and distraught cos she was single and her life was ending you know type of story both of use are not made on). From what a few said I thought it sounded good and for others it was but not me.
I rarely read reviews for books, tv shows and movies, I like to go in the experience with no prior knowledge because reviews can spoil what I may have liked.
So I guess I’m word of mouth if you count my newsletters as none of my close friends and family are readers.
I do sometimes read reviews of movies and tv shows but not so much for books. thanks for commenting
I actually prefer book reviews on goodreads and Amazon or Instagram because I find broader information about the book. The people I know in person tend to leave out things or read books I wouldn’t want to read. Whereas reviews give me enough to know if there will be objectionable content for me.
That makes sense. I guess when I say word of mouth I include people on Instagram, newsletters of authors I trust, authors I have gotten to know. Where as just random reviews by people I don’t know less likely. Like if you do a review at ACW or your newsletter and it sounded good I would be more likely to check the book out.
Between reviews and word of mouth, I would say word of mouth.
Thats the same with me thanks for commenting.