This week's BTT topic is about jacket flaps: "Do you read the inside flaps that describe a book before or while reading it?" Ah, to flap or not to flap? That is the question.And my answer, as usual, would be yes and no.
I probably don't read the dust jacket information (or back cover, for paperbacks) as much as I once did. These days, by the time I get to the book store or library, I've usually done quite a lot of online research about most of the books I'm likely to be interested in. So most of the time I really don't need to read the jacket info. Sometimes I wait until I've finished reading the book, and then go back and see what the inside flap has to say.
But I still love to browse the shelves, and always hope to discover some unknown, un-researched gem. And, of course, part of that experience is reading those dust jacket descriptions. So I might not be a full-fledged flapper, but I definitely have flapping tendencies.
How about you? Flapper or non-?
We are rather similar. You brought up some interesting points I did not. My answer: http://www.rundpinne.com/2010/01/booking-through-thursday-14-january.html
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a flapper, I have to know if I'm going to like the book. Sometimes I will put a book back if the plot on the flap is too intricate or confusing. But that's just me. If you want to read something by Matthew Pearl, definitely pick The Dante Club. I just finished my review of The Last Dickens at The Crowded Leaf if you're interested.
ReplyDeleteI too browse books and look at the flaps to see if I'll like them. I did this at the library with the following book, and interviewed the auther also. It was a great find! The Tricking of Freya : interview and review.
ReplyDeleteI'm like you. If I already have a good idea I'll like the book, I don't read the flap for fear of spoilers. But when browsing in the bookstore or library, they can be very useful info!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I usually already know what the book is about and whether I want to read it by the time it gets in my hands. Occasionally, I come across an unknown and glance at the flap or back cover, but I get bored pretty quick by what's there and so it doesn't usually affect whether I get it or not.
ReplyDeleteNo flaps for me - I don't want to know too much!
ReplyDeleteI'm a little of both. Usually though I know a lot about the book before I buy it. but if not I will read the back.
ReplyDeleteI am a definite flapper. As a matter of fact, I like to read the jacket copy before I crack open the book even after I've bought it. Weird quirk, I know, but that's me.
ReplyDeleteThat's a really good point! I do a lot of online research before I buy a book too so I usually know what a book is when I buy it. However since I have so many books in my TBR list depending on how long it's languished there I have to refresh my memory! Great post!
ReplyDeleteI always read the flaps. I just can't help myself.
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