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Original poster

Are there key words on the jacket that puts you OFF a book?

189 replies

sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 15:58

Me?

As soon as I read the words 'Cornwall' or 'Painter' or 'tea shop' or 'young mother'
I immediately Put The Book Back.

Why do a lot of female authors set their story in Cornwall? It's so boring and predictable.

OP posts:
ElizaCBennett · 07/09/2014 18:52

When the story SWEEPS from one place to another e.g. London to New York. Don't know why but it goes straight back on the shelf!

OublietteBravo · 07/09/2014 18:52

No idea what it is - but frequently see books on amazon described as such. As I automatically avoid them, I'm probably never going to find out what it means.

Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 18:47

I haven't hear of chock-'lit, is that chick lit with chocolate involved?

Cheap, churned out, talentless garbage.

OP posts:
OublietteBravo · 07/09/2014 18:45

I avoid anything claiming to be 'choc-lit' too. WTF is 'choc-lit' anyway? Anyone know?

Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 18:33

Even worse than 'magical' is if it's 'truly magical' Shock

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LadyIsabellaWrotham · 07/09/2014 18:32

If a book is described as "magical" then I want actual bloody wizards shooting actual fireballs, and preferably dragons too, or my money back.

Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 18:26

I really need to be grabbed by the first sentence

That is really important.

Once I've read the Blurb on the back, I usually read a bit of the front page and it that doesn't grab me then...........

The front page is VERY important! It's the bit that Draws The Readr In.

Good luck with your book! :)

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FantasticButtocks · 07/09/2014 18:24

I would, sweetnessandlite but am just about to go away so wouldn't be here for long to join in the conversation...

Have been trying to think what my answer would be, and I cannot think, except to say that if the title intrigues me, and I like the design of the jacket, then I will pick up the book and start to read the first page. I really need to be grabbed by the first sentence, or at least the first paragraph.

Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 18:22

Historical.

OP posts:
joanofarchitrave · 07/09/2014 18:20

'magic'
'magical'
'magical realist'

'bawdy' (only applies to novels from the 40s and 50s)

'exquisite'
'meditation'

Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 18:13

Can anyone say what key words on a jacket would actually make you read further
FantasticButtocks, I was wondering the same thing! Maybe you could start a topic asking that question?

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Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 18:12

mausmaus, I'm a sucker for self-help books not that they ever work Blush

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FantasticButtocks · 07/09/2014 18:12

The word 'fantasy' would put me off, or 'werewolf', or 'vampire', or 'creatures' or magic.

Can anyone say what key words on a jacket would actually make you read further? need ideas for next book that people actually want to read

mausmaus · 07/09/2014 18:10

'real/true story'
'this book will change your life'

Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 18:10

''spans three generations''

Hello! I have a life, I don't have time to read and try to keep up with some Saga that spans three generations. :)

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Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 18:08

The Stand was amazing. This was written when he was at his best.

I liked The Road, but your're right, the end was rubbish.

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Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 18:05

Come to think of it - I think that was my last painstaking tried to read it but failed miserably attempt.
I'm sure there was an Olive Grove mentioned and a middleaged cougar that was after her daughter's boyfriend no less.

Waste of £3.50 if ever there was one.

OP posts:
RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 07/09/2014 18:05

Yep, have read, 'The Road.' Not a patch on, 'The Stand' though, and the ending annoyed me. :)

Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 18:03

Or if they're on holiday and they have an affair - usually with Paleo, the local Greek Goddess - in the Olive Grove.
Pass me the Sick Bucket Please.

OP posts:
wantacatplease · 07/09/2014 17:58

I hate books where the plot centers around an affair.

"Helen thought she loved her husband, until dashing Paul comes along..."

Just, no.

Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 17:57

BravePotato,
I've yet to find a 'Richard & Judy Recommended' book that I liked!

(not that I don't like Richard & Judy - Just don't like their book recommendations)

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Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 17:56

Remus, have you read The Road? (a bit gloomy) but very 'post-apocalyptic'!

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BravePotato · 07/09/2014 17:55

Anything "gritty" or "harrowing", no thanks.

Or if is recommended for some book club, especially the "Richard and Judy book club".

It might as well state: "do not buy!"

Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 17:55

The second I come across an elf in a book I put the book down and back away slowly.

Where are these Elf books? Confused
I'm missing out!

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 07/09/2014 17:53

Yuck to female get-togethers, and sibling conflict.

I rather like the odd zombie, and dystopian and post-apocalyptic are definite draws for me.