I’m back with another Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl and this week’s topic made me think hard. I know what I don’t like and things that disappoint me, but I don’t always break down why I choose particular books, so giving it some thought was a great exercise! Here’s ten things I came up with that make me pick up a book!
- An intriguing destination
I love reading about places other than those I’m familiar with, and after 40 years of reading CF, despite being Australian, a lot of American settings feel familiar as soooo many books are set in the US. I adore learning about new places and visiting other countries in my novels.
- A damaged or wounded protagonist
And no, I don’t mean the stereotypical wounded hero! A character that has challenges that are real, that makes them vulnerable, and causes them to make flawed decisions from time to time. You know, just like us.
- Plenty of action and adventure
I’m no risk taker nor do I yearn for danger in any way…unless it’s in the pages of a novel. That’s where my inner adventurer lets fly!
- An intriguing synopsis
A well-written, enticing synopsis that hints at a substantive story but doesn’t give away too much.
- Humour
There’s nothing like a witty storyteller, so if a book cover or synopsis hints at banter and laughter, I’m in.
- Ancient history
I love a story set in ancient times. There’s something incredibly fascinating reading about culture and places thousands of years ago and I love learning through fiction, so detailed historical research is a must for me, not that you can tell that from just looking at a book, unfortunately!
- Romantic suspense
Despite reading across most genres, if you push me, romantic suspense is my go to. High on the suspense with an organic romance, not one that is forced to fit into the genre.
- Publisher
I’ve been hanging around this industry for so long, I pay a LOT of attention to the publisher of a book. I always take note of the publisher whenever I pick up or hear about a book. I then have information at my disposal about the likely style or parameters of the story. Yep, I’m that much of a book nerd!
- Recommendations
There are a few certain authors, fellow book bloggers, or readers that if they recommend a novel, I will pick it up, no questions asked.
- Author
I know authors I love, so if I see their name on a book, the rest of it doesn’t really matter!
How about you? What draws you to pick up a novel?
April 2, 2019 at 8:53 pm
Surprise, surprise, I agree with all of these 🙂 I also confess to being a cover snob. If an author is new to me, that will often be the first thing that determines whether I pick it up or not.
April 3, 2019 at 8:52 am
Katie Donovan » You know covers are important to me too, of course! A great one always makes a purchase less complicated!!
April 2, 2019 at 10:34 pm
I’m totally swayed by covers too. It’s always the first thing to grab my eye.
My TTT this week.
April 3, 2019 at 8:51 am
Louise @ Foxes and Fairy Tales » Yes, covers 🙂
April 2, 2019 at 11:26 pm
I love good humor in a book, too.
Here is our Top Ten Tuesday.
April 3, 2019 at 8:48 am
Astilbe » Humour is the best 🙂 But as you say, it must be good!
April 3, 2019 at 12:02 am
I also had authors I love on my list this week and I definitely rely on recommendations from friends and other bloggers, and occasionally authors, though not as much. I had humour on my list as well and I do love books with a lot of action and adventure.
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2019/04/02/top-ten-tuesday-205/
April 3, 2019 at 8:48 am
Jo » Thanks for dropping by, Jo – we do share some the same!
April 3, 2019 at 2:39 am
Ancient history was on my list this week, too!
My post.
April 3, 2019 at 8:46 am
Lydia » Yay!!!
April 3, 2019 at 5:56 am
That’s a great list. I have my favorite authors and if they recommend a book then I’m willing to give a new author a try. Love covers, too.
April 3, 2019 at 8:46 am
Paula Shreckhise » Yes, covers often help…or not!!
April 4, 2019 at 2:23 pm
I like a good cover- but . . . . there are some authors I will buy as their style is always a winner for me – – and then reviews can sway me – such as, “If you like Francine Rivers, you’ll like this – or – if you like Tamara Leigh, you’ll like this”. And my other “go to” for buying books is blogs like yours Rel – if I trust the reviews from the past, then I feel safe with that bloggers recommendations. So keep up the good work Rel! I’m still reading and buying!!
April 6, 2019 at 12:41 pm
Pam – Florida » Thank you for your lovely encouragement! As always 🙂