Thursday, September 24, 2009

How do you read

Do you read anthologies? If so, how do you read them? Do you start with your favorite author first? Is it a pick and choose of what story idea appeals to you most? Do you read from front to back?

Thinking about this made me realize that I always read from front to back, saving my favorite author for last. It makes me crazy to wait but I want to finish on a high note, saving the best for last. What do that say about me? Better yet, what does your style say about you?

13 comments:

Britt said...

I -never- read from to back. I don't think I even read in any constant methodology. I guess if there's an author that I know and like, i'll start with them. Usually, most anthologies I only buy for one or two stories. I rarely ever read all of the stories.

And I absolutely HATE it when authors put key plot developments in between series books in anthologies. Like with the Alpha and Omega series short story in On the Prowl.

Anonymous said...

I kinda like when authors do a short story from their world. Sometimes they have really good characters that deserve a story or event and it wouldn't work right in a full length book. Sometimes authors give a little backstory with the shorter format. Other times it gives me a chance to read an author that maybe I haven't read before and a short story gives me a peek into the world.

Key developments? Well, I guess if I really love the world then I would buy the book no matter what. I can see how that would irritate though.

Michele Hauf said...

I usually buy an anthology for one specific author, so I start by reading that story. Then I'll either start from front and read the rest through, or pick and choose and read here and there.

Does anyone ever just read the one story that they bought the antho for and nothing else? I do that sometimes, too.

Lexie said...

I tend to read the stories in the order they appear in the anthology. Unless I'm picking it up at the store--then I'll quickly flip to the story by the author I like.

As for what Britt mentioned...I don't mind it when there are 'in between' stories for authors I either follow or am new too. Its often how I find new series to pick up on or new authors (its why I'm currently obsessed with G.A. Aiken actually).

Jen said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jen said...

I buy anthologies that fall under a series I am reading so I tend to read front to back saving the reason I bought the book for last. I learned long ago that if I start with "the one" I've been waiting for I tend to forget to read the rest =)
BTW - I adore your blog - it's tops on my google reader

Daelith said...

I always read the stories in order. No skipping around for me.

I don't mind the in-between stories at all.

What I do mind is when one of the stories is nothing more than excerpt of an upcoming hard back release. That's a big pet peeve for me.

Anonymous said...

Daelith- I'm with you on that one! It always irks me when a short story is really the first chapter of another book. I feel like when an author puts their name on a book it should be an actual book, not a sneak peek- that isn't fair to the folks plopping down cash for a new read.

Jen- Really stoked to hear that you like the blog:) It's always tricky to start a new adventure and find the right balance to keep people coming back.

Lexie- I haven't heard of G.A. Aiken. What kind of books are they?

Lexie said...

Anna--Its the alter-ego of Shelley Laurenston and the books are 'Dragon Kin'. Paranormal Fantasy with shapeshifting Dragons. The anthology story I read (in 'Everlasting Bad Boys') was full of humor, sexy loving and dragons. I couldn't ask for anything better!

Laura said...

I usually don't like anthology. Mostly because I just get into the story and it is over.

So if I buy them it is mostly for one story. Only then I feel it is a waste of paper if I don't read the rest so it goes in the TBR pile....... never getting to the top of the pile.

That being said, I am currently reading Hot for the Holidays, which I bought only for Anya Bast. I have so many books to be read I feel guilty buying more books. However I just needed a fix of Anya waiting for her new book to come out in Jan. I made a deal with myself I must read the first and second story before I read Anya's. WOW!!! I am missing out if I don't finish these anthologies. This book is HOT!

Donna said...

I have absolutely no will power so I always read the fav author's story first then I skip around in the anthology based on which story catches my interest. Usually it will be an author I've never read before but want to give a try. I may or may not read the whole anthology.

Daelith said...

Lexie - Oooo you said the magic words for me...shapeshifting dragons. My other weakness besides vampires. I think my wish list is about to get longer.

Anonymous said...

Laura- Hot for the Holidays is on my must buy list- Lora Leigh, Anya Bast, you can't go wrong there.

Lexie- I am definitely going to check that out. I love good shapeshifting books and dragons are always different and new. That sub topic seems more fresh than some. Thanks for the info.

Donna- No will power? I am experiencing a similar deal right now with the MBVR2 because I am anxious to read Larissa Ione but am forcing myself to wait. The other stories are good but I really want to read that one. Will power...fading...