How much do reviews (good and bad) affect your choice of reading? If you see a bad review of a book you wanted to read, do you still read it? If you see a good review of a book you’re sure you won’t like, do you change your mind and give the book a try?
When I'm in the mood to read reviews, I do not read just one review of a book--I read several. A single review usually doesn't sway me from reading or not reading a book. Bad reviews don't prevent me from reading a book that I've already decided to read. Non-gushing good reviews or well-reasoned bad reviews sometimes convince me to read a book--but only if I'm already aware of the book before I've read the review and am on the fence.
I don't pay attention to reviews very often. I just wander around a bookshop, and will eventually find something I like the look of. If I pick up a book and someone nearby says "ooh, it's a good book." I tend to put it down and move away. I want to enjoy a book the way I read it, not with recommendations and fanfare.
Having said that, a quick glance at my bookshelves, and my collection appears rather mainstream. So I suppose I must subconsciously pay attention. Either that or I'm a hypocrite.
And I love pie. Everything goes well with a proper shortcrust pastry. Sweet or savoury.
