Do you ever follow bestseller list? When scanning through newspaper pages, I found myself looking up that list lately, just from curiosity. I also decided to try some of those books, though normally I don't like follow the crowd (okay, whom I'm kidding, I stand out if I want it or not). I mean, if so many people have read the book, there should be something about it, right?

Several times I was disappointed and read the book to the end only because I still tried to find out what everyone saw in it. But I did find an author that became an auto-buy for me - James Patterson, his Women Murder Club series in particular, and an awesome book Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult - it should be taught in Creative Writing classes to show how one should write. I read it through the night until I turned the last page. It's the book that makes you THINK. I like that kind of power.

The same goes for contests. Award-winning author is not necessarily a winning sell for me, but I'll pay attention. I've had enough disappointments there but also a fabulous find - any novel by Brenda Novak.

What else am I reading now? ALL ABOUT EVIE by Beth Ciotta and GRAFFITI GIRL Kelly Parra. What are you reading? And are those words "bestseller's list" and "award-winning author" influence your choice of books?

I'm reading a couple books right now -- Touch The Darkness by Christina Dodd, which is awesome. Love it! And got UNDER THE ROSE yesterday in the mail by Diana Peterfreund, which I'm reading before bed tonight.
Actually neither of those lists or awards influence my book choices. If it looks good, chances are I'll read it. Everyone has different tastes. I learned that after picking up a Dean Koontz book after my friend in high school raved about him. I never got past the first 5 pages.

I agree - I find bestseller lists and prize winners very misleading. Also, to their shame, many book reviewers, who seem to be in the pay of certain publishing houses when they write reviews for certain books, particularly when the author is a Bright Young Thing or (when in Australia) the book is written by an Australian, preferably an immigrant. I have been misled by friends as to what to read, but usually they will lend you the book so you don't have to gamble $25 on a book that you may not like.

To me, those lists often mean they have the huge publicity machine behind them. I rely on recommendations, or wait for books from my faves.

Lis, thanks for visiting. I had the same experience as you with your friend's recommendation. I still read the book - well, I spent the money, and I tried to get my money's worth!

Claire, hmm, I never thought about this. I don't rely on book reviews much, but the one for Jodi Picoult made me check out the book. I didn't know the reviewers can be that biased. And, of course, thanks for visiting!

No, I don't rely on lists at all. I read books that have been recommended to me. Right now, I'm reading Risking it All by Stephanie Tyler, and Her Galahad by Melissa James.

Marty, yep, it's wise to rely on recommendations of friends - you know they are always sincere!

Jerri, thanks for visiting! I heard about Melissa's book. It came highly recommended to me, too.

Thank you for reading GG, Olga! I hope you enjoy it. :) :) I just finished the latest Steph Plum book, as always a lot of laughs!

Kelly, I loved it! I normally don't read YA, so this time I was also reading out of my realm. But how could I miss your book?

Hi Olga, It all depends. I like friends recommendations and if I've met an author either on line or in person and they've seemed nice I might be tempted to reading a book I otherwise might not have tried. I'm currently reading an Harlequin historical I found this way. The Mistletoe bride. It had a gorgeous cover and the author was so lovely when I met her.

Nell, thanks for visiting! Yes, I've picked up several books that way myself, after I've met an author online or at a conference. Almost always, the books were great!