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Monday, June 28, 2010

Hyped-Up Books

Musing Monday's is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading! This week’s question:
"What do you think of books that receive a lot of hype? (think of the “Twilight” saga, or “Harry Potter”, or “The Da Vinci Code”). Do you read them? Why, or why not?"
I generally tend to shy away from books that are overly hyped. The main reason is because I'm afraid that I will be disappointed in the book. This has happened more than once. Fortunately, I've given hyped-up books a chance and been pleasantly surprised, as well. I read Water for Elephants amidst all of it's hyped glory and now count it as one of my all-time favorite books. And I am 2/3 of the way through The Millenium series and thoroughly enjoying that one also.

Finally, since it was specified in the question, I LOVE the Harry Potter series. And I am indeed guilty of telling people that haven't read them how very great they are. However, I started reading the books before there was hysteria around any and every thing Harry. If I had come into the Harry Potter books once they were (seemingly) the only books people were speaking of - I may have been reluctant to pick them up. Oh, how glad I am that this was not the case.

5 comments:

  1. I'm currently into the Millenium trilogy, too. I've done the first 2 books and halfway through the 3rd. I'm glad you're enjoying it, too. I'm looking forward to your take on it (if ever you're going to make a review).

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  2. I think it is safer to listen to the opinion of a few fellow readers who share your taste than to go with the super-hyped books.

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  3. I agree with Caite...we are probably better off listening to the opinions of readers with similar tastes as ours.

    And Sheery, I think fear of disappointment or even distaste (if the book is horrible) governs some of my reactions.

    Here's my musing:

    http://meditationsbylaurelrain.wordpress.com/2010/06/28/monday-musings/

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  4. Just thing of the hype that the Millennium trilogy will get once it gets its US movie remake :(

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  5. UGH! Julia, I shudder to think of what will be done to the movies once they are remade. Speaking of the movies, the first comes to Netflix next week. Hopefully that means that 'The Girl Who Played With Fire' will be released here soon. Oh, and - please read the second book so we can read the third together (and see the movies when they come out)! :) Thanks.

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