I always wanted to be well read and read a lot related to my work, health and money. I want to read a lot of novels. Not sure how to pick a book or an author, fiction/ non-fiction etc.
I usually look into the Sunday Magazines to find out who reading what and read books that are talked about a lot. Is this approach right?
I've liked books like Da Vinci code, Fountainhead, Kane and Abel, The Monk who sold his ferrari, The alchemist, Rich Dad Poor Dad.
2006-09-24 22:49:43 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
The first thing is to learn how to browse. Whether it is a library or a bookstore, there are way too many titles to read, let alone take the book down and open the covers. So scan the bookshelves for some particular key word or concept, an author's name, etc. If you are looking for non-fiction, there are certainly divisions into topic. What is the meatiest-looking work on the subject? What slim volume has a very targeted, focused title that is just what you need? What author's name do you recognize from having read other works by the same author, or having heard they were talented?
It is also effective to browse the Internet looking for books, even if you don't buy them there. Amazon and others list descriptions of the books, and give you a chance to have some targets when you go to the bookstore. Also, you might put the name of an author whose work you have liked into a search engine, and see what you get. Many, if not most, published authors have their own web page, and list all their published works, usually with a good bit of description. For example, try Dan Brown, since you liked DaVinci Code.
Personally, I would get nowhere reading books that are talked about a lot, because I like older works more than recent materials, with the exception of Harry Potter. Yes, he was talked about plenty, and yes, he's worth it. DaVinci Code is good, too, but you read that already.
Take a look at the classics. Or at least the old books. Dover Publishing, for example, reprints old books that are out of copyright protection. Have a go at their catalog, or their web page.
2006-09-24 23:01:37 · answer #1 · answered by auntb93again 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There is no RIGHT approach. My husband reads ALL reviews before buying a book. He says it guarantees he won't "hate it."
I started out reading the reviews inside the books that I liked and any advertisements inside. The publishers like to put in a few well placed "If you liked this novel, you'll love these titles" and often times an author will get someone who writes similar works to review their book for a quote. You might also try Amazon.com for that sort of thing too. They have a "those that ordered this title also ordered...."
I also picked up collections of short stories in different genres to see if I liked a particular author's style first.
A couple of College Lit classes opened my eyes to more classics and now I'll pick those up as well.
There are a few interesting websites like www.gutenberg.org that allow you to read the classics online without buying them. I find that I can read a few pages (I usually give it a chapter or two) to see if I enjoy the story, then go find it in the bookstore.
Don't forget to ask librarian's, bookstore employees (I was one for 3 years), and anyone you see reading/carrying a book on the street. They usually love talking about books and their favorites.
2006-09-25 06:40:06 · answer #2 · answered by jenn_jenn02 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to get in the 'habit' of reading is to just start reading. Make it an important part of your day. Devote yourself a certain amount of time to it, and fit it in with the rest of your life. While I can see why you'd want to focus on books you feel everyone else is reading at that moment--it's not the most solid way to build your foundation. Especially since what is 'popular' doesn't mean it is good. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't. Everyone has their own interests. What one person loves, another person may hate. Books are just very subjective, so don't limit yourself to "what is popular" or "what is controversial." Find and develop your own taste so you can recommend books to your friends instead of the other way around.
2006-09-25 04:11:02 · answer #3 · answered by laney_po 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find out what your interests are (i.e., history, mysteries, etc.) and ask a reference librarian for some recommendations. The Sunday magazines and newspapers are also a good source for books because they give a synopsis of what the book is about. The choices you list are good. You might want to read more of those authors books as well.
2006-09-25 00:41:59 · answer #4 · answered by cheyennetomahawk 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you walk into a bookshop, or library, with an hour to spare, you're sure to find books that you'd like to read. I like to browse, its a lot more enjoyable than picking a book quickly.
You will find that when you enjoy books by a certain author, you will look for more books by them. You may then find that you enjoy particular subjects, also, and you can immerse yourself in books on that subject.
I find I get much more pleasure looking things up in my old encyclopaedia than I do using the computer. Looking up one thing leads to reading up on a lot of things.
2006-09-25 00:37:43 · answer #5 · answered by cloud43 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whether your approach is right depends on what your exact goal is. If you want to be able to hold a conversation about modern literature with co-workers, etc., then your approach seems sound. If you're looking to go deeper and educate yourself about literature, I'd recommend hitting up the mythology and classic literature sections of your local library. (BTW, novels are, by definition, works of fiction.)
Reading up on Greek and Roman mythology is fun and useful since the plotlines, situations and characters are regularly referenced in classic and modern literature (personally, I love "Edith Hamilton's Mythology").
Classic American and British literature covers a lot of ground, so I'd recommend getting some recommendations from people who know your taste in books and just browsing those sections of the library and reading some of the summaries to see what catches your eye.
2006-09-24 23:07:34 · answer #6 · answered by mistryl_jade 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you have read Ayn Rands Fountainhead, i suggest you to read Atlas shrugged by the same author. Desmond Bagley's vivero letter and Robin cooks "Coma" Arthur Haileys overload and final diagnosis, Irwing Wallace's The man, The Word and R document may also be interesting.
VR
2006-09-24 22:58:16 · answer #7 · answered by sarayu 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, cultivating the habit of reading starts with individual interest... there's nothing really wrong in looking at magazines to find out what books are "in"... but you should focus on what you are interested, not on what other people are interested in... especially since you are still starting to develop your habit of reading... you may base your next book on reviews you read but be sure to consider your own interest... when you have fully developed the habit of reading, (not to mention the value of reading) that's the time you can just grab any book to read and enjoy it...
enjoy reading!!!
2006-09-25 03:20:47 · answer #8 · answered by snuffles_1816 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there's any right or wrong to reading; start out with what you LIKE, and the more you read, the more you will want to read!
2006-09-24 22:57:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
u just open a good book & start reading....which is interesting
2006-09-25 00:01:31 · answer #10 · answered by Sumana M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋