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 agree with you there on the mystery bit!
ReplyDeleteUgh, I can not handle self-help books!
ReplyDeleteI don't like self help books either.
ReplyDeleteOoh yes, historical books about the witch hunts/trials are interesting! I like fantasy, but vampires make me think twice.
ReplyDeleteHistorical 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.
ReplyDeleteI really don't read blurbs unless another blogger is in them!
ReplyDeleteOh 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!
ReplyDeleteGreat answers. I am put off by chic lit too, but do have an author or two I would read.
ReplyDeleteBTT
Mysteries are the best - I'll pick it up for sure.
ReplyDeleteThe 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???
I agree with you, except for the "Global terrorism".
ReplyDeletePretty 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.
ReplyDeleteNo 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.
ReplyDeleteI am drawn to apocalyptic, coming of age and "memoir".
Oh, yeah, "Noir." How could I forget. If it says noir I'll check it out.
ReplyDeleteYou and I have almost identical tastes although I do sometimes make exceptions for explicit scenes. My post is here.
ReplyDeleteYes, 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.
ReplyDeletenot 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.
ReplyDeletesounds like you like mysteries. If you want to wander down my road I’m home.
ReplyDeleteI passed along the One Lovely Blog Award to you!! You can get it here!
ReplyDeleteTara SG
25hourbooks.com
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!
ReplyDeleteI'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.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on historical non/fiction regarding witches!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting.
ReplyDeleteI hate Chick lit too...I never read that kind of book
ReplyDeleteI pay more attention to the genre and the writer, and reviews and recommendations than blurbs.
ReplyDeleteWe 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 :)
ReplyDelete