Here we go again with another Top Ten Tuesday! The topic is “Things That Make Me Pick Up A Book.” This is an interesting theme and I’m curious to see how other Bookworms respond. I especially liked this topic because it’s more cerebral and not the usual list of books (not that there’s anything wrong with that!)

Here’s some of the questions I ask myself when choosing which book to pick up next:

📕Is it by a favorite Author?

The term auto-buy is often used in the book world to specify an author that will never let you down, they’re consistent and reliable. Some authors are so talented, I’d read their grocery list!

📗 Is it part of a Series?

I love a good series (check out my Ten Favorite Series here) and will forever be trying to catch up… I’m looking at you Louise Penny and C. J. Box.

📘 Is the Cover Art compelling or interesting or eye catching?

I’m a sucker for a beautiful cover. (Here’s my post about my favorites from 2018) I’ve already started a list of book covers I’d want framed on my wall!

(Alternatively, a wonderful book that has a boring or unremarkable cover could make me never pick it up in the first place!)

📙 Is the book “Blurbed” from authors I’ve heard of and am familiar with?

I don’t think I’ve ever gone wrong with a strong and convincing blurb from an author I love. Here’s one: “The most riveting rewarding refreshing novel I’ve read in years.” That’s what Barbara Delinsky said about The Girl He Used To Know by Tracey Garvis Graves. Pretty persuasive right?!

📕 Has it been Endorsed by book bloggers or book friends?

Since I’ve been on this book blogging journey, I’ve made a point to follow other like minded people and take their recommendations seriously! Maybe because I know it’s a real person’s genuine impressions, but I definitely value a fascinating and honest book review. Big love to TarHeelReader, Reading Ladies, What’s Nonfiction and Traveling with T to name a few!

📗 Is it Hyped?

When a book makes it way from obscurity to being featured on Oprah or Jimmy Kimmel and it’s literally EVERYWHERE, it’s hard to ignore. When non-book people are talking about a certain title, such as The Girl On The Train or Gone Girl, it’s worth a second look.

(Alternatively, over-hyped books may actually have the reverse effect.)

📘 What’s my Mood?

Are you a mood reader? Sometimes no matter how good a book is, it doesn’t catch my interest. If it’s by an author I love, I have to set it aside and come back to it later. I’m looking at you Diane Chamberlain with your wonderful but waaay different book, The Dream Daughter.

📙 Is this for a Buddy Read/Group Read/Reader Challenge?

I’ve recently done a few buddy reads and online book discussions. It’s been great to read and discuss as we go as well as tackling intimidating books like A Little Life or classics like Pride and Prejudice that I might not reach for on my own. Peer pressure, darn it!

📕 Is it an ARC (advanced reader copy)?

Sometimes I’ll start a book because the release date is near and I’ve committed to a review. Not a super exciting reason but what I have learned is to not overcommit. I’m careful not to request or accept books that I know won’t be my forte. Not every book is going to appeal to every reader. Book Blogging 101!

📗 Does it have an appealing Summary and/or Review?

Are you a reader who likes to go in blind? I am. I’d really rather not know much. This is the last thing I do when deciding on a book. I usually just skim the summary and see what the average rating is on Goodreads. For example, all I knew about one of my all-time favorites this year (The Hearts Invisible Furies) was that it was by an Irish author who had also written a YA book I’d heard of (The Boy in the Striped Pajamas). Ratings and reviews are so subjective so I don’t put too much weight here.

---

QOTD: Whew! Now your turn… what makes you pick up a book?

---

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

Follow OrangeCountyReaders on Goodreads, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Support Us on Ko-Fi and Amazon. And please, feel free to leave a comment!