Do you feel compelled to read prize-winning (Giller/Booker/Pulitzer etc) books? Why, or why not? Is there, perhaps, one particular award that you favour? (question courtesy of MizB)
No. I’m drawn to some in the same way I would be any other book that piques my interest. I don’t hanker to read every prize-winning book, but there are some I do read for various reasons. It could be curiosity — what makes this a prize-winning book? It could be great or even negative reviews, articles written by trusted critics, or simply a book about a subject I am interested in. If it’s an author or genre I’m already a fan of, that helps, too. That’s not to say I don’t like trying anything new.
If the truth be told, I often find myself avoiding books that get too much hype as I am a firm believer in looking out for those I class alternative– as you probably know– and a huge supporter of the smaller, independent “Indie” market, where there are a lot of exciting, well-written books just waiting to be discovered. Plus, I don’t like feeling I’ve been brainwashed into reading a book! I’ll read a book, whether it’s a prize-winner or not, when I am good and ready and not because I feel obliged. 🙂 I was like that at school with fashion trends, I always avoided them. I mean, does anyone ever remember looking good in a puff-ball skirt?
If I had to chose one award I favoured, for me, it would be the Bram Stoker. And what a cool trophy that is!
I might sneak a peek at the Orange Prize for fiction (UK) but I don’t entirely agree with it. I know, there’s just no pleasing some people! What about you? How easily pleased are you?
Sassy
:)By the way, I am posting this early since tomorrow blogger has known “issues”, again! Haven’t we all, love.
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I agree with you, its more of the book than the award. Especially since I don't get to read as much as before 🙂
I don't pay attention to hype either. monday 44
Lately I find myself gravitating towards Booker Prize winners. Those do work for me.
Mondays: Musings/Mailbox/whereabouts
I'm not a big fan of books which get too much 'hype'. For example, The Kite Runner and The Da Vinci Code were both made out to be classics, but I didn't enjoy either…
For me, the thing with prize-winners is, it's a safe bet. More oft' than not, the story will be interesting/well-written. That said, I do keep a look out for the "smaller, independent, 'inde' market" books (as you call them), and have quite liked the few that I've read.
As for puff-ball skirts… the less said….
Thanks for your comments.
@ Judys — Yes, the book more than the award, each time. If it interests me I'll read it, but sometimes the hype can be off putting, which pushes me away, as Bluestocking says, too.
@gautami tripathy & anothercookiecrumbles — Well, there's no doubt about it, they should be good if they are Booker winners…and it's not to say I never read those. 🙂
Puff-ball skirts…forgotten already.
Sassy
🙂
Yes, we do agree! I tend to stay away from most of the 'mainstream' authors and lean towards first-timers and such. It agrivates me when one of my friends who is only a casual reader gets a bookstore gift card and they don't know what to buy so they run right to the Patterson or Koontz books without even looking at all the other wonderful choices! I feel the same way about Academy Award winning movies. So many times I don't care for them! Go figure! Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Oh! The Bram Stoker award is really strange and lovely!
Does each winner get to keep one, or is it like the Stanley Cup for hockey: here, keep the spooky looking house-shaped award for a year, before you hand it off?
My Monday's up here:
http://elizabethwillse.wordpress.com/2009/06/15/musing-monday-awards/
I know what you mean about avoiding books with too much hype. I think sometimes when I read those my expectations are too high and then I end up hating them. Like I don't know if I read The Da Vinci Code or Twilight now if I would enjoy them as much. My answer is up here
It is definitely more the book than the award. If a book seems good, I'll buy it no matter what awards it's won.
I read more books that are personally recommended.
Thank you so much for all your comments!
Lisa, Elizabeth, Debbie, Bibliophile and Nise' 🙂
If I haven't been to your blogs I will do, soon.
Sassy
🙂
I agree with you 🙂 when a book is too hyped about..
I would love to read a recommended book over an award winning book any day 🙂
Hi,
Desert Rose, you are back! Yay!
Hope all is well with you.
Funny how I thought I would be in the minority with this, but clearly I am not.
Sassy
🙂