I’m interested to hear what the majority of readers have to say. Do you read blurbs (the quotes from other authors either on the front or back cover plugging the book) or do you ignore them?
Personally, I never paid attention to blurbs. But then I interned at a publishing company and blurb acquisition was such a big deal that I found myself starting to noticing blurbs more on the books I was reading. But still, most of the time, I don’t really care what other authors have to say and I just start reading.
Interested to hear your thoughts!
They’ve never been something I pay attention to, and I started taking them even less seriously when I realized most of these people were the author’s friends hyping them up.
Not if the book comes recommended but, if I’m out there foraging on my own, I use the blurb to refine my choices.
I might read synopsis type blurbs of a book I have heard little of. These are usually on the back.
Reviewers are irrelevant, they scratch each others backs. And most of the media they work for I abhor anyway.
I think that before the internet really took over for me, I always read them with maybe first page or two of the book when I could.
These days I tend to google about a bit when I pick a book to see if it’s up to snuff.
I don’t read the blurbs but I do read recommendations by authors I like to read for what authors they like to read.
I tend to read reviews and comments on goodreads. Not necessarily for the ratings but for specific complaints or positives that apply to me.
Blurbs was supposed to be a summary of the book on the back of the book.
Now its riddled with quotes raving how amazing the book is and why its groundbreaking literature.
The actual blurb has moved to the inside flap (behind front cover when you open it) now which Ive always detested.
Its more naturaly to flip a book over and read the blurb.
So, no, I usually dont buy a book with the back tattooed in other people’s reviews. Nor do I read those quotes either. Blurb my ass. Dumbest thing ever.
I look for starred review blurbs. If I see a blurb from, like, booklist and it’s NOT starred, I pass on the book.
I don’t really look at what the blurbs say but I look at who blurbed the books. If I see some of my favourite author’s names, it gives me higher hopes that I’ll like the book I’m about to read.
If there are more blurbs than legit reviews, then I get concerned.
Blurbs are always positive and the author and/or publisher usually chooses who they are so no I don’t put any weight into blurbs. I read reviews from actual everyday readers who have nothing to gain or lose.
I will read a blurb that talks about the story. I don’t give a fuck about reviews or what famous person thought about it.
No, they have zero value.
It’s not like they’re random, they are solicited by the publisher and always 100% positive
If Neil Gaiman is on the blurb, then that’s a sure-fire good sign, especially if it’s on old secondhand books.
I’m a jump right in without knowing anything about the book kinda person