Your Last Five Books

Medievalist said:

1. What are the last five books you read?

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The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie
The Estrogen Posse by Sharon DeVita
Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin
Breaking Cover by Kaje Harper
Nexus by Mary Calmes

2. Why did you choose those books? (Recommended by a friend, saw it on a shelf, familiar with the the author's work, liked the cover art and copy, read a review, saw an ad . . .)

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Breaking Cover and Nexus are part of two series I'm following, so it seemed logical. The complete run Tales of the City has just been released in e-book format and I like to revisit it every so often. I haven't read anything by Agatha Christie since forever, so I decided to pick up her first Miss Marple novel, and I had a gift certificate from Musa Publishing so I decided to get The Estrogen Posse.

3. Did you borrow from a library, download and purchased an ebook, borrowed from a friend, bought a print copy online, bought a used copy, bought it at a book store, bought it at a chain . . .)

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They're all e-books that I bought from Barnes & Noble, All Romance e-Books, or Musa Publishing.

4. Do you recall ever buying a book because of an advertisement? If so, what book, and where was the ad?

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Oh, jeez. I think I've only done that once. It was some erotic thriller called The Mime, and it was the first time I'd ever seen a book advertised on TV. This was back in 1979, 1980?

I think the advertisement answers are very revealing. specially if you are a small press or self published and considering buying advertising...

1. What are the last five books you read?

Merlin and the Discovery of Avalon in the New World by Graham Phillips

Histories of the Kings of Britain by Geoffrey of Monmouth

Fool Moon by Jim Butcher

Storm Front by Jim Butcher

Guilty Pleasures by Laurel K. Hamilton

2. Why did you choose those books? (Recommended by a friend, saw it on a shelf, familiar with the the author's work, liked the cover art and copy, read a review, saw an ad . . .)

Research for a book idea, all of them. The Dresden Files and Hamilton were recommended by a friend for the research.

The Merlin/Avalon book was bought because I saw the author discussing his theories about Arthur on a History Channel.

3. Did you borrow from a library, download and purchased an ebook, borrowed from a friend, bought a print copy online, bought a used copy, bought it at a book store, bought it at a chain . . .)

All my books are print copies. I don't have an ereader.

The Arthur/British Kings books and one Butcher book were purchased from Amazon. The other two were bought used at a local independent bookstore that sells both new and used.

4. Do you recall ever buying a book because of an advertisement? If so, what book, and where was the ad?

Twice, back in the late 1970's, believe it or not.

I was a teen and there was a commercial for the book Ghost Fox (historical Romance, don't remember the author) that came on. A red-haired girl wearing torn colonial garb was running through the woods, constantly looking behind her as if she was being chased. She stumbles into a clearing and sees a Native American man standing there. He's armed to the teeth and looks dangerous. She runs to his arms and they kiss. Book info.

The next year, there was another TV commercial for a book called Christ on Trial. I don't remember the commercial at all, but the book is still on my keeper shelf.

1. What are the last five books you read?

most recent first:

Hunger Games
Clotel; Or, The President's Daughter
The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
The Wind-Up Girl


2. Why did you choose those books? (Recommended by a friend, saw it on a shelf, familiar with the the author's work, liked the cover art and copy, read a review, saw an ad . . .)


I chose hunger games because I'm often accused of "missing out" on pop culture phenomenons because I honestly don't care about them. I write YA apocalyptic type stuff so I figured it's close enough to the same genre I might as well give it a shot.

Clotel; or the president's daughter and The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass were assignments in my african american lit class.

The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making was given to me by a friend.

I liked the cover of The Wind-Up Girl.

3. Did you borrow from a library, download and purchased an ebook, borrowed from a friend, bought a print copy online, bought a used copy, bought it at a book store, bought it at a chain . . .)


ebooks, all around, except The Girl Who... which was given to me in hardback.

4. Do you recall ever buying a book because of an advertisement? If so, what book, and where was the ad?

That depends. I guess, technically, I broke down and got hunger games because of various factors. One of which was the film and I figured I might as well know more about it so I can explain why my book is better and different.

Beyond that, not much. Usually it's word of mouth or because it was free (either on the kindle or because a friend has given it to me) or because I go in expecting to like it (with anything Neil Gaiman releases, for instance). Or I buy because the cover looks interesting enough and the back of the book sounds compelling.

BUT, and this is important, the types of books I usually see commercials for are ones I wouldn't read anyway. Some mystery. Some Urban fantasy with a girl turning he back towards the reader and looking like I HUNT THE WEREWOLVEZ. Puke. If there were more book commercials for the kinds of books I like, it isn't unreasonable to think that the commercial might get me to download the sample on my kindle.

1. What are the last five books you read?

Beyonders, book one by Brandon Mull

Truly A Wife by Rebecca Hagan Lee

Once A Mistress by Rebecca Hagan Lee

Small Favor (Dresden Files) by Jim Butcher

Camille's Travels by Shalanna Collins


2. Why did you choose those books? (Recommended by a friend, saw it on a shelf, familiar with the the author's work, liked the cover art and copy, read a review, saw an ad . . .)
&
3. Did you borrow from a library, download and purchased an ebook, borrowed from a friend, bought a print copy online, bought a used copy, bought it at a book store, bought it at a chain . . .)

I chose Beyonders because I needed a book to read while I was at a drs appointment and it was a fantasy and cheap. I bought it at Sam's Club.

I read Truly A Wife because I enjoyed Once A Mistress by the author, and because I am researching romance novels. I was handed the novels by a friend who knew I was researching romance novels and said, "here, try these." She got the first from the library and the latter second-hand.

I bought Jim Butcher's Small Favor in a discount bin at Big Lots and couldn't believe my luck, because I adore the Dresden Files. I paid $2.98 for it!

I read Camille's Travels by Shalanna Collins because the same friend that handed me the romance novels handed me her book, said it might be something I am interested in since I enjoy fantasy, and to let her know if I liked it since she is personal friends with the author. I gave her feedback to give to her friend, which the author appreciated.

4. Do you recall ever buying a book because of an advertisement? If so, what book, and where was the ad?

I believe I have. I couldn't tell you what it was or by whom, though.

I have bought books that have been recommended to me on Amazon. If I can't afford it at that moment, I will put it in my "wish list". I also do that for books I am unsure I will want in the future, and then go back and re-evaluate if I do or not.

If I see a poster advertising a book in a bookstore, and it looks like something I might like, I will usually go and look at the cover and read the blurb. But I don't think I have ever purchased a book after being enticed to look at it because I usually have something specific in mind when I walk into a bookstore, and I have limited funds. I usually make a mental note to check it out in the future, but whether I do or not, I couldn't tell you.

I love to spend time drifting through bookstore aisles looking, but then I purchase what I went to the store for, with much regret that I can't buy more books. (Unless a book is on clearance and I can fit it into my budget. Then, I may buy it.) That said, if I wander into a bookstore with money in my pocket and no clear book in mind, I will look at books according to whatever genre happens to be tickling my fancy at the moment, and then choose according to title, cover, and blurb. If the title and cover don't grab me, it is rare for me to pick it up and look any further unless I know the author. Of the 5 books I listed above, I would never have chosen Truly A Wife or Camille's Travels on my own. I wouldn't have given Beyonders a second look in the table, except I was desperate for something to read with no time to look further, and it was cheap. Picking it up and looking inside the cover just now, I realize I did read the recommendation by Rick Riordan. His recommendation inside the cover tipped me over the edge that day because I almost put it back down in favor of a magazine. The magazine cost more, so his recommendation sealed the deal.

I have checked out authors that have been recommended by other authors I have read and liked. I figure if they are recommending them, then there is a good chance I will like the other author's writing.

Advertising comes in so many different forms. Was there some specific type of advertising you were asking about?

Great thread, Lisa!

1. What are the last five books you read?

REDEMPTION FALLS, Joseph O'Connor
THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH (again), Ken Follett
THE BLACK TOWER, P.D. James
SILENT MERCY, Linda Fairstein
DEATH OF A STRANGER, Anne Perry

2. Why did you choose those books? (Recommended by a friend, saw it on a shelf, familiar with the the author's work, liked the cover art and copy, read a review, saw an ad . . .)

Saw on a shelf, and chose after reading first few pages.



3. Did you borrow from a library, download and purchased an ebook, borrowed from a friend, bought a print copy online, bought a used copy, bought it at a book store, bought it at a chain . . .)

First three bought used. Books four and five are library books.


4. Do you recall ever buying a book because of an advertisement? If so, what book, and where was the ad?

I've bought many books by AWers based on the banner ads here and the authors' siggies. (I'd list them but there are too many and I might forget a few.) Other than that, I don't buy because of ads or recommendations.

Medievalist said:

1. What are the last five books you read?

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1. The Fault in Our Stars, John Green
2. Ship Breaker, Paolo Bacigalupi
3. Graffiti Moon, Cath Crowley
4. Along for the Ride, Sarah Dessen
5. Absolute Visions anthology

2. Why did you choose those books? (Recommended by a friend, saw it on a shelf, familiar with the the author's work, liked the cover art and copy, read a review, saw an ad . . .)

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1. John Green's one of my favorite authors. I've read all his books.
2. I had read lots of good reviews (including here in the What YA book are you reading RIGHT NOW thread), so when I saw it on a display table at B&N, I picked it up. And it was excellent; I've already preordered the companion book which comes out later this year.
3. I've read this book multiple times. It was sent to me by an AW friend in Australia who knew I'd love it (it's now been published in the US, but had not been at that time).
4. Sarah Dessen is a very popular contemporary YA writer (which is what I write, along with contemporary MG). I had read one book by her before and didn't love it, but wanted to give her another chance. I chose this particular book instead of others by her because I liked the cover.
5. Stories by talented AWers!

3. Did you borrow from a library, download and purchased an ebook, borrowed from a friend, bought a print copy online, bought a used copy, bought it at a book store, bought it at a chain . . .)

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1. Amazon pre-order (hardback book).
2. Bought at a B&N store (paperback).
3. Gift from a friend.
4. Library.
5. Kindle purchase.

4. Do you recall ever buying a book because of an advertisement? If so, what book, and where was the ad?

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I have, yes. My mother is a high school teacher and gets advertisement pamphlets every now and then. I can't recall specific books at the moment. Last time I looked at one of the pamphlets, she had circled several books that she wanted to read, and I'd already read them all (I remember Matched, by Allie Condie, and If I Stay and Where She Went, by Gayle Foreman, were a few of the books listed. The advertisements had caught her attention and I was able to tell her they were all worth reading).

1. What are the last five books you read?

-- Circling the Drain by Amanda Davis
-- Last Evenings on Earth by Roberto Bolano
-- Wicked by Gregory Macguire
-- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
by Rebecca Skloot
-- The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht


2. Why did you choose those books? (Recommended by a friend, saw it on a shelf, familiar with the the author's work, liked the cover art and copy, read a review, saw an ad . . .)

Familiar with author's work, bookclub reading, recommendation by a friend, keyword search regarding genre

3. Did you borrow from a library, download and purchased an ebook, borrowed from a friend, bought a print copy online, bought a used copy, bought it at a book store, bought it at a chain . . .)

Mostly bought used copies. The bookclub readings are often new and hardcover, which I usually wait for until at least paperback (or do Kindle now).


4. Do you recall ever buying a book because of an advertisement? If so, what book, and where was the ad?

There are some ads on Goodreads that have me interested, but I have a long line of 'to read' so I haven't actually bought them yet.

If the genre were magical realism, I'd probably buy them right then (if not too expensive; long list of books to buy, too!).


I have bought books suggested by Amazon's algorithms while I'm browsing. Mostly e-books or reference books there.

Smish said:

...
5. Absolute Visions anthology

...

5. Stories by talented AWers!

...

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I bought that, too It's technically in my 'reading' list, so I didn't include it in my answers

Medievalist said:

1. What are the last five books you read?

All the books in the Game of Thrones series so far.


2. Why did you choose those books? (Recommended by a friend, saw it on a shelf, familiar with the the author's work, liked the cover art and copy, read a review, saw an ad . . .)

Saw trailers for the HBO TV show based on the series. Made me more interested in the books.

3. Did you borrow from a library, download and purchased an ebook, borrowed from a friend, bought a print copy online, bought a used copy, bought it at a book store, bought it at a chain . . .)

I still buy books from the store. I know it's more expensive but I don't buy books often so it's not a big deal. And I still like looking at bookstores.

4. Do you recall ever buying a book because of an advertisement? If so, what book, and where was the ad? See answer to question #2.

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See answers above.

Oooh, these questions are fun! I love reading everyone's answers.

1. What are the last five books you read?

-Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake
-Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
-Variant by Robinson Wells
-The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht
-Behemoth by Scott Westerfield

2. Why did you choose those books? (Recommended by a friend, saw it on a shelf, familiar with the the author's work, liked the cover art and copy, read a review, saw an ad . . .)

Saw them on book/writing blogs. If someone recommends a book on a blog, and I like the summary a lot, I'll usually pick it up. See, blogs do work!

Except for The Tiger's Wife. Stole that one from my dad.

3. Did you borrow from a library, download and purchased an ebook, borrowed from a friend, bought a print copy online, bought a used copy, bought it at a book store, bought it at a chain . . .)

Ordered them on Amazon.

Except for The Tiger's Wife. Stole that one from my dad.

4. Do you recall ever buying a book because of an advertisement? If so, what book, and where was the ad?

Not really. I don't think blog posts count as advertisements unless the bloggers were receiving a kickback from the book (which i'm pretty sure they aren't).

Medievalist said:

1. What are the last five books you read?



2. Why did you choose those books? (Recommended by a friend, saw it on a shelf, familiar with the the author's work, liked the cover art and copy, read a review, saw an ad . . .)


3. Did you borrow from a library, download and purchased an ebook, borrowed from a friend, bought a print copy online, bought a used copy, bought it at a book store, bought it at a chain . . .)



4. Do you recall ever buying a book because of an advertisement? If so, what book, and where was the ad?

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1. Fool by Christopher Moore, recommended by a friend, bought a print copy online.

2. The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman, caught my eye at the check-out line (grocery store), bought it.

3. I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb, has been sitting on my shelf for years and finally got around to reading it. It's in hardback so I think it was a Christmas present, but I can't really remember for sure.

4. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, bought it for my Kindle after reading an interview with Neil Gaiman and because I've liked other things he's written.

5. Mercury Falls by Robert Kroese, given to me by a friend who knows I like Christopher Moore.


I don't think I've ever bought a book because of an ad. I have bought many on recommendations of friends and a few because they (the cover and jacket blurbs) caught my eye and I was feeling impulsive.

1. What are the last five books you read?

Gypsy Boy, a memoir by Mikey Walsh. Never Mind by Edward St Aubyn, the first book of the trilogy. Far Cry by John Harvey. Snapshot by Garry Disher. So Long, See You Tomorrow, by William Maxwell.



2. Why did you choose those books? (Recommended by a friend, saw it on a shelf, familiar with the the author's work, liked the cover art and copy, read a review, saw an ad . . .)

Gypsy Boy I saw on the shelves of Prairie Lights in Iowa City. I've always been interested in gypsy and Roma culture since my niece joined our family and I really enjoyed Bury Me Standing. I knew Far Cry would be good because everything by Harvey is good. The NYT raved about St Aubyns and I'm kind of a sheep like that. (They were right to rave). A friend of mine who works at Prairie Lights recommended the Disher and the Maxwell.


3. Did you borrow from a library, download and purchased an ebook, borrowed from a friend, bought a print copy online, bought a used copy, bought it at a book store, bought it at a chain . . .)

I get books from PL. I buy from Barnes and Noble if someone gets me a gift certificate, but usually I like to use an independent seller. I also borrow from our town's public library, which has a great selection but they're killin me now with the wait list for The Snowman.



4. Do you recall ever buying a book because of an advertisement? If so, what book, and where was the ad?

I don't think so, but then again I have read the NYT book review every Sunday for years and as I said, baaaa.
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The 48 laws of power.............

1. What are the last five books you read?

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in no order:

a. Brent Weeks The Black Prism (in progress)
b. Jacqueline Carey Kushiel's Dart (unfinished)
c. Doug Hulick Among Thieves (finished)
d. Paul Kemp Erevis Cale Trilogy (finished)
e. Gail Carriger Timeless (finished)

2. Why did you choose those books? (Recommended by a friend, saw it on a shelf, familiar with the the author's work, liked the cover art and copy, read a review, saw an ad . . .)

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a. Cover (rawr!) and Author name recognition
b. Rec from circle of friends
c. Rec/discussion with AW forum member
d. RPG media tie-in
e. Followed the series and loved the author

3. Did you borrow from a library, download and purchased an ebook, borrowed from a friend, bought a print copy online, bought a used copy, bought it at a book store, bought it at a chain . . .)

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a. bookstore
b. bookstore
c. bookstore
d. bookstore
e. kindle

4. Do you recall ever buying a book because of an advertisement? If so, what book, and where was the ad?

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I am not sure. For the five books listed above, no. No advertising. It was mainly bookstore browsing and discussions with other readers that brought my attention to the above titles.

But I have many books on my kindle I've read in the past that are AW member books and saw them in their avatars and siglines. I'd think that is a form of advertising and it worked for me!

1. What are the last five books you read?

1. The Last Wish, Andrzej Sapkowski
2. The Name of the Wind, Patrick Rothfuss
3. The Heroes, Joe Abercrombie
4. Time Bandit: Two Brothers, The Bering Sea and One of the World's Deadliest Jobs, Jonathan Hillstrand, Malcolm MacPherson, Andy Hillstrand
5. The Curse of Chalion, Lois McMaster Bujold



2. Why did you choose those books? (Recommended by a friend, saw it on a shelf, familiar with the the author's work, liked the cover art and copy, read a review, saw an ad . . .)

1. Friend recommended it/recognized the author's work from discussions on here.
2. Been in my TBR pile for ages, recommended by multiple sources.
3. Author recognition, loved Best Served Cold.
4. Love the show, saw the book and decided to check it out. I've already read Captain Sig's memoir as well.
5. Was on sale, I'm always hearing about Bujold as an underread author, etc. Her work is hard to find in the format I read in.


3. Did you borrow from a library, download and purchased an ebook, borrowed from a friend, bought a print copy online, bought a used copy, bought it at a book store, bought it at a chain . . .)

All are ebooks. In the case of The Name of the Wind, I've actually owned the paperback for years. I just prefer reading on ereaders so much that I rebought it, heh.



4. Do you recall ever buying a book because of an advertisement? If so, what book, and where was the ad?

Depends on what you mean by advertisements. Two of the books on my list are media tie-ins (The Last Wish is the book that inspired the RPG The Witcher), so they kind of self-advertise. As far as commercial ads go, there's not much for the genres I tend to read aside from banner ads and the occasional giveaway on book review blogs.

Speaking of, I heavily use said blogs to find new reading material. I have a couple that I use regularly and about half a dozen more I peruse occasionally when I'm looking for new books. I find reviewers with tastes similar to mine then just check out the stuff they recommend when it interests me. The ones I read have books sent to them by publishers, but they only review what they want to read, so I don't know if it counts. The publishers also often given them special things like sets of a series to raffle off, as well.