Thursday, October 29, 2009

Booking Through Blurbs

btt button

What words/phrases in a blurb make a book irresistible? What words/phrases will make you put the book back down immediately?

Any blurb that contains "suspense/mystery/noir/whodunnits" instantly make me check out tha book. Now one can add "Global terrorism" too, to the list. "Mystic", "magic", "fantasy" may interest me or maybe not. It depends. Historical books with "witchcraft", "witch hunting", "witch trials" can also be added. If one adds the words "poetic prose", that is irresitible for me. I don't much like sci-fi but I can read books with "symbolism" and "dark" facts.

Although I do read romances but contemporary "chick lit" puts me off along with "explicit sex". I can't really get into vampire stuff although a bit of "paranormal" is ok.

I can't stand "self-help' books. Or anything that preaches.

25 comments:

Novel Insights said...

I agree with you there on the mystery bit!

Pam said...

Ugh, I can not handle self-help books!

Anonymous said...

I don't like self help books either.

Anonymous said...

Ooh yes, historical books about the witch hunts/trials are interesting! I like fantasy, but vampires make me think twice.

Amy said...

Historical fiction is my favorite and I agree about the chicklit. I just can't get into it. I completely forgot about self help...can't stand anything self help related.

bermudaonion said...

I really don't read blurbs unless another blogger is in them!

Anonymous said...

Oh yes, no chick lit or self-help. Usually you can just tell those by the cover and don't even have to get as far as the blurb, happily!

Unknown said...

Great answers. I am put off by chic lit too, but do have an author or two I would read.

BTT

Unknown said...

Mysteries are the best - I'll pick it up for sure.

The one thing that annoys me the most is when there is no blurb but just reviews 'the book was fantastic' - how do you know what the book is about???

BooksPlease said...

I agree with you, except for the "Global terrorism".

BurtonReview said...

Pretty much the same feeling here.. I can handle paranormal about three times a year, but vampires/horror is not my forte, therefore "chilling or fantasy" would have to be debated. I hate sci-fi and self-help.

Missy B. said...

No vampires for me, either. And I have not yet read one self help book that has actually helped me. I also shy away from chick lit, and erotica.

I am drawn to apocalyptic, coming of age and "memoir".

Unknown said...

Oh, yeah, "Noir." How could I forget. If it says noir I'll check it out.

pussreboots said...

You and I have almost identical tastes although I do sometimes make exceptions for explicit scenes. My post is here.

jlshall said...

Yes, the words "chick lit" and "vampire" will put me off a book, too. Oh, and zombies - I'm not quite sure why zombies are so hot right now. Also not attracted to self-help books. Guess I could use the help, but I really don't want to read about it.

Anonymous said...

not into self help books either. Anything romance or includes bodice ripping and the exchange of body fluids makes me abandon the book with no hope.

kayerj said...

sounds like you like mysteries. If you want to wander down my road I’m home.

Tara SG (25 Hour Books) said...

I passed along the One Lovely Blog Award to you!! You can get it here!

Tara SG
25hourbooks.com

Tracee said...

Mystery/suspense is very high on my list of favorites, along with horror. Self-help are a no-no in this house, I don't like them at all!

Staci said...

I'm not sure that I'm ever drawn in my just a word. But I do read the blurbs for some sort of background to the books.

Michelle said...

I agree with you on historical non/fiction regarding witches!

Brooke from The Bluestocking Guide said...

Thanks for visiting.

Novroz said...

I hate Chick lit too...I never read that kind of book

Mervi said...

I pay more attention to the genre and the writer, and reviews and recommendations than blurbs.

Anonymous said...

We have the same likes and dislikes, although I don't remember the last witch book I read. We have similar tastes. No wonder I love reading your blog :)