Another book award list was announced today, the nominees for the Orange prize. A book I recently reviewed, The Invention of Everything Else, made the list and another that I intend to read, Girl in a Blue Dress, is on there as well.
My question for you is whether book prizes really make a difference in what you choose to read. I have to say that I will use them as exposure to titles I haven't heard of but the award process itself doesn't make me more or less likely to read a book. I don't participate in challenges that are just about reading award winners. My choice process is solely about what I would find to be an entertaining or fulfilling read. How about you?
Thinking all readers should get to present their own awards,
K
When I hear awards announced, I will at least check out the summaries of the books nominated to see if I am interested. So prizes do get me exposed to the prize winners, but it doesn't necessarily mean I will read them.
ReplyDeleteI go over the lists and check out what books I might find interesting. It's a great way to get introduced to authors I may not have heard of.
ReplyDeletei have mixed feelings.
ReplyDeleteon one hand, there are a zillion books that are published each year and these awards kinda help sort out some books.
then on the other hand, who gives a F about awards? who knows what sort of politics happens in the publishing world.
and on another hand, i feel as if there are a zillion awards too. is there an oversaturation of awards?
i've got three hands now.
I admit, I haunt the prize lists...but not just because they are nominated or win prizes, but because they usually point me towards new, wonderful authors or good books (although some lists I have found to be very hit or miss). The Orange Prize lists are my favorites...I have found some great books there. On the other hand, I read TONS of books that have not been recognized by the prizes.
ReplyDeleteSo it sounds like we all use the lists to see what's out there but wouldn't necessarily read a book JUST because it won an award ... good to know!
ReplyDelete