things change

1. I buy new books, second-hand books and I borrow books from local libraries.
2. I mainly read fiction. ChatGPT says I’m attracted to themes of “marriages under strain, grief, ageing, regret, moral compromise, quiet lives examined closely”, and that I gravitate toward “writers who are: subtle rather than showy, interested in character over plot, compassionate without being sentimental”.
3. I do read non-fiction if the subject attracts my attention. ChatGPT says my non-fiction choices are around “democracy, media, technology, and truth, with an interest in how narratives are shaped and distorted”.
4. I will buy/borrow books on recommendation, though I have a very limited exposure to book reviews.
5. I ignore thick books and small books (anything smaller than the typical paperback size). I ignore hardbacks as they won’t fit in my coat pocket.
6. I completely ignore science fiction, romance, spy and horror genres.
7. The title on the spine has to grab my attention and I am favourable to authors whose books I have read and liked.
8. I might avoid books with no recommendations on the back or inside, also books with lots of raves from individuals rather than organisations such as newspapers. I also avoid books with recommendations from people who always seem to be recommending books (eg Mariane Keys).
9. I avoid books if the blurb contains certain words (poetic, historical, magical, humorous) or phrases (coming of age) or subject matter (coping with illness, dealing with death. I sometimes makes exceptions with the latter).
10. I sometimes ignore books on a shelf that are wedged in so tight that it’s very difficult to pull the book out and is likely going to be just as difficult to put back on the shelf should I decide not to keep it. My local libraries are frequently guilty of this but so also are some bookshops.
11. I have a list of popular authors, too many to list, who I totally ignore. I’ve read one Richard Osman novel and won’t read another.
12. Despite reading a lot of crime, there are so many crime novelists that I ignore most of them.
13. I regularly look up my blog using my phone to see whether a book I’m considering is one I’ve read before. Reason? I have a shocking memory and I’ve read lots of books.
14. Finally, the blurb on the back has to win me over.

Thank you for reading!