The title usually lures me into taking it off the shelf and looking at the cover and the little summary on the back. But sometimes I flip around looking to see if it has a regular format or a different one...I've gotten some without even looking at the summary just because there were little letters and entries that made me want to find out more.

Posted by Maria | December 5, 2007 4:02 PM

I always look forward to Wednesdays thanks to your Win-It posts! For me, picking up a book is a combination of an eye-catching cover and a cool title. I've read too many bad blurbs to give them much credit. I can't decide on whether to buy the book or not, then I'll flip to the front page and read a few paragraphs. Although, I must admit, if one of my favorite authors recommends the book, then I will usually buy it even if it has an ugly cover, uncool title, and I haven't read the first few pages.

Posted by Em | December 5, 2007 4:13 PM

I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but the cover definitely has a huge impact on whether or not I even pick up the book. If the cover looks lame, I probably don't even read the back summary. I really don't like covers that are just very cliche teen girls with lipgloss or girls hanging all over guys like a romance novel. The second biggest factor is the blurb on the inside/back cover. When I read the short summary or excerpt from the book, if I'm intrigued and the book stands out from other books of its genre I will probably buy it, or at least skim the first few pages to decide if I should buy. A final factor is if I know the author. If I know of an author and have previously read and liked his or her books, I have a much higher chance of buying his or her new book!

Posted by Amber G | December 5, 2007 5:13 PM

That book is an interesting take on Logon's Run. Very sci fi... is sci fi making a comeback in teen lit?

Posted by dmg | December 5, 2007 6:31 PM

Definitely the back cover. I kind of thought, oh wow, maybe it's some random fluff book. But it was intense. SO I had to read it.

Posted by Georgia | December 5, 2007 6:59 PM

I usually browse the pages at Amazon first to read reviews of different books after I see an interesting cover. Then I'll have those in mind when I go to the bookstore, but I'll also look for interesting titles and covers while roaming the aisles.

Posted by Katrina | December 5, 2007 7:35 PM

I do like a book to have a nice cover and a back blurb that captures me, but sometimes it's all about the word-of-mouth. Like Stephenie Meyer's Twilight--the cover wasn't so appealing to me, and the back blurb didn't really say much, but I kept hearing everyone say how great it was. I haven't read Uglies yet, but I keep hearing about it, and of course working at a library I keep seeing these things on hold, and returning to the hold shelf for months, as the word-of-mouth slowly spreads.

Posted by Katie | December 5, 2007 7:52 PM

OMG I've been wanting to read that book. It just looks so interesting(: can't wait!!! hehe

Posted by mari. | December 5, 2007 8:05 PM

OMG I've been wanting to read that book. It just looks so interesting(:

Posted by mari. | December 5, 2007 8:05 PM

Titles, cover, and blurbs definitely help me decide what I want to read. Often, though, I pick a book off the shelf, read the blurb, the first page, a page in the middle full of dialog, and a page towards the end, second or third to last chapter or so. If I like what I read in those pages, then I generally will read the book. If someone recommends me a book-- or even says it's downright horrible-- I will usually read it too. If I've read something by this author or a similar author before, it has a much greater chance of being chosen than a book by a newbie author.

Posted by Abbey Eileen | December 5, 2007 11:28 PM

I usually see the title first, if it's nice then I'll read the back-page summary. If it sounds interesting, I'll flip to a random page (I'm weird) and read it before deciding whether to buy it or not.

I'm very stingy with my money thus I'll go to the library to check whether it's avaliable or not. If it's not then I'll go back to the bookstore and buy it.

Posted by Regina | December 6, 2007 12:29 AM

I think that the cover does make somewhat of a difference as to if I pick up a book or not. Titles intrigue me as well. I'd like to say that I don't "judge a book by its cover" but the whole reason I picked up Stephenie Meyer's Twilight was because of the cover.

Blurbs from other authors do help. If they think it's good and I think they're good...then I tend to give the book a better chance.

I read the first few pages as well. I'm kind of a picky reader, and I like it when there is something even at the beginning that catches me. Not that the whole book has to be riveting from sentence to sentence, but it needs to keep me going.

Posted by Dawn | December 6, 2007 2:34 AM

I always read online customer reviews first before I purchase any book!

Posted by Venus | December 6, 2007 3:53 PM

Having four kids under the age of 9 does have a way of keeping you out of bookstores. So, while I do buy a good many books, I don't often do so by browsing. If I had that luxury (when I had that luxury), it was usually the title that got me.

But I am much more likely to look for other books from authors whose books I've read and loved. I might try something else if it looks exceptionally interesting in terms of cover or title, because there is little else to look at when they are on the shelf.

Recently I have purchased a number of books that have been recommended to me by other writers and on writer's blogs. And if I really like one title, I'll go and search out that author and find her other books.

Posted by sherry | December 7, 2007 2:37 PM

The title, mostly. If it intrigues me, I'll go for the summary. Like Uglies, for example. Ugly is not often used as a noun, much less in plural form, so I thought, "What's this all about?" I read the summary, and now I am a die-hard Westerfeld fan.

Posted by Kataqu | December 7, 2007 2:55 PM

The thing that usually makes me spot a book is how long it is. If the book is thicker or brighter colored on the binding it stands out more, so I ussually pick it up and check it out afterwards. On Uglies it was a picture of a brown haired girl with a watchful eye, when I looked at the summary-it was clear to me that this was THE book of my dreams. I was right!!! 8)

Posted by Mickinley | December 7, 2007 3:26 PM

Books are like water to me, so I never pick them without a good reason. After all, you wouldn't catch me drinking water from a scummy pond anytime soon! I will admit to every once in a while going to the library and selecting a completely random book that I've never seen before off the shelf, but in those instances I find that the anticipation of picking up a book I have researched and longed for is not there, and thus the random book falls flat.

Because I read books like some health nuts drink water, I spend a large amount of time "book hunting" on book websites. I start in the section that I like to read, then I go through various categories, until I find a cover/title combination that intrigues me. Upon finding a satisfactory combination, I then read the synopsis and decide if the book is worth an investment of my highly valued time. If it is, I write the book title down, and go on to the next one.

After finding a sufficient number of titles, I then make a list of books I want to buy, and another list of books I will request from the library. Upon compiling a very long list of books that I want to buy, I go to my local bookstore and stare at the shelves for a very long time, for books are beautiful things that must be properly worshiped before they can be touched. After worshiping, I peruse the shelves until I find some old favorites (books I already own) and then I smile at them for a moment.

Until fnally I am free to look at books I am going to buy! I normally get a few books I've read at the library and loved enough to purchase, but then I also get the books I've been anticipating touching for the first time. I pick some books I've been looking at daily during my online book-worshiping ritual, and I touch and inspect them, making sure that no one has damaged my beautiful book in anyway.

It's a very special moment, holding the book for the first time...

And of course, I sometimes purchase random books that jumped out to me from the shelves. A book that had a good title/cover ratio, a book with an amazing synopsis - a book I had to own.

After which, we all go home together and have the home shelving ritual... but you don't want to hear about that, I'm sure.

Posted by Vanessa | December 7, 2007 3:27 PM

The back summary of a book is a major reason I'll pick up a book. Another is friend's recommendations - certain friends love the same kinds of books as I do!

Posted by Brandi | December 7, 2007 3:32 PM

it's every thing.i wonder why the girl is hiding. is she tally? or shay. about the little insight on the cover.and reading the first page i fell in love with the series.the back makes me curious as well. i just can't get enough of it.

Posted by cierra | December 7, 2007 3:45 PM

i read the book because my school was having a book fair. there was a video about some of the books there, and uglies was in the video. i was like "OMG! This book looks so fool!" but i didnt say fool because i didnt learn about fool until i read the last days.

Posted by Amy-la | December 7, 2007 5:17 PM

The cover will lure me into picking up a book but most of the time I decide to read a book because of the summary on the back of the book. If I really like a book, I will read anything by the author.

Posted by Beth | December 7, 2007 5:26 PM

I can honestly say, none of the above lure me into reading a book. If I'm in the bookstore, I will grab a book, take about a 2 second glance at it, and either put it back or buy it. I have never been unimpressed by any book I've read, nor has my buying style failed me.

I will say, that the contents of the book, as in how many pages, definitely help. I prefer longer books, at least over 200 pages, but you will occasionally catch me reading something shorter.

I do have many books that I read over and over again from time to time. More specifically, Scott Westerfeld books. I love his young adult/science fiction style, and anything and everything futuristic will work for me.

I never read books from the library. If I've heard it's good, I go out and buy it. There's nothing better to know that it's yours. And if you like the book, you can just reach over on your bookshelf or wherever you put it and grab it... :)

Posted by Breanna | December 7, 2007 6:09 PM

Well, as a misunderstood, angsty preteen, when I picked up the book it was like "OH! Someone who UNDERSTANDS!" So I suppose I picked it up because of the title and the cover (not to mention I've always been a huge fantasy and sci-fi nerd) And then I fell in love. With Tally and Shay and David. And it was such happiness. Then I got Pretties and Specials and Extras on the day they came out and I tried to convince my dad to drive me on a 5 hour drive so I could see Scott Westerfeld talk...oh all the good memories.

Posted by Shelby | December 7, 2007 6:16 PM

The title usually draws my attention to the book. And then I'll read the blurb, which usually makes me choose whether to buy it or not. Other times I find books recommended on websites and use reviews to decide if I'll buy them or not.

Posted by N C | December 7, 2007 6:41 PM

What makes me pick a book from the shelf at first is the cover. The title also has to be interesting to draw my attention. However, I always read the back and inside flap, looking for an interesting statement that will makes me think and open up my curiosity. The main character has to catch my attention due to the situation she will be in. i also enjoy reading the extra quote added on the back or the front cover. If it captivates me, I know I'm going to buy it.

Posted by Katherine Gomero | December 7, 2007 6:52 PM

The title and the blurb on the back are two very key things for me. I also tend to flip through the pages a little to catch words and phrases to make sure it has enough action/romance to keep me happy. I'm also one to check the page count. If it's less than 300 pages, I usually won't pick it up becausethe story isn't long enough for you to really get involved with the characters. But what encourages me the most is the reccomemdation from a friend with similar reading tastes. I can usually decide whether it's worth the time and money by how hard they gush about it and for how long.

Posted by Janelle | December 7, 2007 6:59 PM

Interestingly enough, I don't care for the title, because when you're browsing a bookshelf, you don't have time to tilt your head sideways to read every single word. I go with the COLOR of the spine to catch my attention; then, to see if it's an author I recognize. The cover has to look interesting and usually, I will borrow a book from the library and read it and then decide if everything just fits before buying it. The first chapter is always very important to hook your reader, but if you're like me, every page has to be mindboggling good as well, because I will flip to a random page to see how good it is. And of course, the synopsis on the back ought to be short and sweet, unlike this comment. Hah.

Posted by Elaine | December 7, 2007 7:24 PM

What makes me choose the perfect book to read involves its overall appeal, how much I'm intrigued to read it, and probably a little book fairy dust. I sometimes will spend an hour in Barnes and Nobles trying to pick just one book to read, and find myself clueless with all the glossy covers and suspenseful summaries. The book I choose to read ends up always being the one I was most curious about. I like a summary that leaves me craving for more. And when I see a twisting plot starting to brew, engaging characters, and dynamic relationships in just the first few pages, I'm smitten and will buy the book. It helps when another one of my favorite authors has reviewed the book on their blog or at the back of the book. If their amazing imaginations were caught, I know mine will be. The fairy book dust comes in handy if I open the book in the middle and just sense the "new book magic smell". Then, I know this book is going to get me 8 less hours of sleep or so.

Posted by Nona Leon | December 7, 2007 7:46 PM

What makes me pick up a book. Well, the first thing I see is the title/cover illustrations, which impacts why I pick it up. What makes me *buy* the book is both the summary and reading the first (few) pages of the book. If I enjoy the first (few) pages and the summary looks interesting, that will do it for me. :) ♥

Posted by Tara | December 7, 2007 7:47 PM

It's always the cover/spine that draws me in. Or, rather, the cover catches my eye, and the title then does or does not convince me to pick up the book and see what it's all about. If the jacket blurb draws me in, I'll get it. I almost never actually flip through the book- which admittedly leads to a lot of bad purchases.

If I've seen the book in prominent placement for a long time in consecutive trips to bookstores, I'll also give it a chance. There are also certain genres that I'll buy regardless. UrbanFantasy, for instance. Or, if it's an author I know or have had recommended to me.

Posted by Maria | December 7, 2007 9:18 PM

WHAT MAKES ME PICK A BOOK IS,its a whole combinition of all the genres. A good book thats out of the ordinary. A book that makes us wonder how the world can be a diffrent place. A book that makes us imagine things that we even cant imagine in our dreams, a world of happy endings, farry tales and true love. A love that keeps you up at night just by its words and actions. An adventure more intense then real life itself. I have more to say, but thats all for now, so thats what makes me pick a good book. Not by its apperance but by the content inside itself!!!

Posted by Letticia | December 7, 2007 9:24 PM

Going to a bookstore is always dangerous for me. I will admit, that what draws me in first is definitely the cover, but what makes me buy the book is usually the summary on the back, or (more likely) the recommendations from friends and family. Titles are also a key factor. I usually go for books with weird titles, because a lot of the strange-titled books I've read have turned out to be fantastic. Uglies is definitely one of those books (though the cover art is awesome). I brought it to school with me for the few days it took me to read it, and my friends couldn't stop laughing at the title, or at my pitiful attempt to tell them why it was such an awesome book (I don't know how the back cover summary people make the books sound so good; every time I try to summarize anything I make it sound horrible). But anyways... The things that influence me the most when picking a new book are actually two opposites. One: If someone I know read and praised a book, there is a good chance I will at least read a bit of it at the store. And Two: If I see a book that looks unique, and nobody I know has read, it is almost guaranteed that I will buy it. I love the feeling of discovering a great book, and then telling everyone I know about it. Man, that sounds so dumb, but it really is a great feeling.

Posted by Jess | December 7, 2007 11:26 PM

Going to a bookstore is always dangerous for me. I will admit, that what draws me in first is definitely the cover, but what makes me buy the book is usually the summary on the back, or (more likely) the recommendations from friends and family. Titles are also a key factor. I usually go for books with weird titles, because a lot of the strange-titled books I've read have turned out to be fantastic. Uglies is definitely one of those books (though the cover art is awesome). I brought it to school with me for the few days it took me to read it, and my friends couldn't stop laughing at the title, or at my pitiful attempt to tell them why it was such an awesome book (I don't know how the back cover summary people make the books sound so good; every time I try to summarize anything I make it sound horrible). But anyways... The things that influence me the most when picking a new book are actually two opposites. One: If someone I know read and praised a book, there is a good chance I will at least read a bit of it at the store. And Two: If I see a book that looks unique, and nobody I know has read, it is almost guaranteed that I will buy it. I love the feeling of discovering a great book, and then telling everyone I know about it. Man, that sounds so dumb, but it really is a great feeling.

Posted by Jess | December 7, 2007 11:26 PM

While in college, I hated to read b/c I was made to. I think I really lost the love of reading for a long time duirng the period of life with "required reading lists." I can almost say that I will hate a book if I am told to read it. For the past few years, I have started picking it back up and truly love a good story. I think it all depends on what kind of mood I'm in... Sometimes I can look at a book and pass it by and then other times it will look very compelling. When considering a book, I check out the author, read a bit from the back cover, and read the first few pages. Becuase of the unfortunate events of the past, I must be able to get into the story in the first 1-2 chapters or its a bust. I think the most convincing piece is a reccomendation from others,

Posted by Amy Hacker | December 8, 2007 1:14 AM

Not being judgemental or anything, but i find books with good reviews and huge labels screaming out '#1 BESTSELLER' or 'WINNER OF (some award)' very alluring. Everytime i'm at the bookstore, i always head straight to the 'Bestseller' section or 'Popular Buys', and leave with books from these shelves - no regrets. So far i have not once read a book to my distaste from these labelled sections, and call it shallow, but that is just how it goes for me. I do call myself a picky reader, so filtering books from these shelves are very important. First impressions are most essential, so it's something like a game for me - nice cover, and it proceeds to round two (round two meaning actually reading the summary). And then there's the authors. Though i do like to explore different writers' writing style, i am usually compelled to read books whose authors i am familiar with, thus they have the privilage of skipping round one (cover test). It thrills me just wondering what other fantastic stories my favourite authors are up to, so the name is also of some significance.

Posted by Sam. | December 8, 2007 3:51 AM

Usually, when I look for books in a book store, they're always on the shelf with their spine facing outwards, so it's usually the actual font of the title, and then of course the wording of the title itself.

Then, I pick it up and read the blurb. Even if it sounds remotely interesting at all, and there are reviews praising it, I read the first page, and wait for the writing style to capture me. =)

Posted by Enny. | December 8, 2007 7:46 AM

When a look for a book at a bookstore or the library, I usually look at a bunch of books, which means if I only have enough money for one book and I have a big pile of books in my hand, it's also hard to choose which book I want. But, I usually don't just pick up the book from the title or the cover picture. I read the summary, and I look at the reviews. But, if it's a series I usually read the first one and then I get the second. But, I love books, books is one of my favorite things in life, so usually the books kinda, like, come to me I guess.

Posted by Amelia | December 8, 2007 8:47 AM

I'm sorry this post is connected to my last one. like i was saying..... even if it doesn't have good reviews I still would buy it. But sometimes if there is an author I really like or one that someone else has said to be good I usually buy their books. Many people think when you go to a bookstore you have to know what book your getting when you go in, but thats not my case. Probably 88% of the time when I go into a bookstore or library I have no idea what book I'll be coming out with. Like when I was in 3rd grade my teacher would take us into the school library and say you have 7 minutes to get 2 books. And I would be like 7 minutes it takes me at least 20 minutes to find a great book and your giving us 7 you defiently do NOT know the art of reading. Or have the skills to pick out one of these worded paintings, you loser.

Posted by Amelia | December 8, 2007 8:55 AM

When I go into a bookstore, I almost always spend at least an hour browsing. This is mostly due to the fact that I spend eons with my head tilted 90 degrees to the right looking at titles. I judge books by their titles. A title that intrigues me I will pull out and read the back, maybe look at the cover, etc. Titles that are one worded tend to be more attractive to me, but that is not always the case. A good title will have an awesome font, normally of a noticeable color, on a cool background. I rarely judge books by their covers, but I almost always judge them by their titles.

Posted by Laurel | December 8, 2007 1:20 PM

for me i always read the back then i read the first 3 pages then see if it draws me in untill i melt in it and can't put it down

Posted by sierra | December 8, 2007 1:32 PM

for me i always read the back then i read the first 3 pages then see if it draws me in untill i melt in it and can't put it down

Posted by sierra | December 8, 2007 1:32 PM

It was mainly the cover that made me pick this book up at my school's book fair. I read the back, and fell in love. Almost all of the books I read are sci-fi, so I was really happy to find this book! I bought it, and found myself unable to put it down!

Posted by Courtney | December 8, 2007 1:50 PM

For the most part, how I come to read books would be through recomendations. Especially in the case of Uglies. All of my friends wouldn't leave me alone untill I read it. But, once I picked it up I couldn't stand to put it back down! I'd hide it under my desk at school reading, even in Band I had the book open on the floor to read while I wasn't playing. So, for Uglies, it's definately recomendations and the first page, which I certainly did fall in love with! But for other books that I read that aren't recomended to me by friends, I usually get from recomendations that my favorite authors so kindly put on their websites and such. Of course, I rarely read a book which has a first page that doesn't catch my attention still. And every now and then, I go to the book store and pick out a random one, chosing by first the cover, then the back page summary, and then the first page. That's how I get ahold of great books like Uglies!

Posted by Savannah M. | December 8, 2007 3:47 PM

I'm the type of person who grabs a random book, flips open to a random page, and there ya go. I read the page, and determine if I like the character, where the plot is heading, etc. If the character is to wishy washy, or the plot seems to be at the exact same point as the first page, I put it down, cause it's normally not my style of book. ;-D

Posted by Laura | December 8, 2007 4:16 PM

Well I am an avid YA book reader, so I stay on top of which books to read. However, when I'm just browsing for books, I'll usually look at the cover. Yes, I judge a book by it's cover.
and the format.
I like it when a book has a very flowing structure, but doesn't go on and on and on without breaks. That gets boring and I'll immediately put the book down.
After the cover and the structure have met my standards, I'll read the back or inside flap for a hopefully unique and enticing plot.
I then will put it down and check it out from the library.
I'm cheap, what can I say?

Posted by Kelsey | December 8, 2007 4:36 PM

Well, there are many ways that lure me to spend way to much money on books.

If the blurb on the back/blurb on the inside flap/cover are partiucularily eye catching or interesting, they get a second glance. If they then seem like an original idea that interests me, I usually buy them.

The other main way I buy a book is if my friends recommend it.

Posted by emily | December 8, 2007 11:00 PM

When I go to the bookstore for a good book, I usually pick up a book that has an interesting cover illustration. From there, I read the title. Usually I like titles that are unique and creative. I really like books that have one-worded titles too. They seem to draw attention to me the most. Normally a book that I like will have a good title with an awesome font, awsome color, and a cool background. After I look at the cover, I will check for what genre the book is. I really like dramatic fantasy books. I also like to read what the book is about. If the book has an everyday school confilct where a girl has a crush on a guy in her school, but her best friend likes the same guy, then I won't choose the book because it is too typical of a conflict. I will go for the books that aren't what you would expect. I really like it when the author uses descriptive words in their summaries and takes the time to make it sound good. After I read the summary, I will then look at the book reviews to see what other people thought of the book. If most of the reviews praised the book, and the whole book has all of the things that I have mentioned, then I will choose to read it.

This is how I got to read the book Uglies. I must say that it was the best book and triolgy that I have ever read. On a rating of 1-10, I would rate the series a 10.

Posted by Gladys Ferri | December 9, 2007 12:32 AM

The first thing I look at is the title. The cover may also help me choose out of a group of books. Sometimes I'll ask my friends if they have read any good books lately and choose between those by reading the blurb on the back and the first couple of pages. if I'm really intrigued then, I will start to read the book at home after purchasing it.

Posted by Meagan Richardson | December 9, 2007 1:31 PM

What makes me buy a book.......is many things. The cover is important, Uglies (of course) looked very interesting! Then, I read the summary on the back, only if the cover makes me pick the book up. Then, If the cover, and the summary are both good, well......my friend and I sometimes smell a book. You can tell a book is good if you smell it and you get all tingly or you remember something good or have happy thoughts. :) That's how I pick a book! *I'm a HUGE Uglies fan!* I read nonstop!

Posted by Torey | December 10, 2007 12:07 AM

I usually hear about it from somewhere, or get interested by the cover.

Posted by Pooja Patel | December 10, 2007 3:16 PM

What makes me pick up a book and what makes me actually buy the book are two different things. Usually, I pick up a book if the title and/or cover catch my eye. This doesn't mean I don't tend to look at books regardless, but most of the time I'm in a hurry when I'm in a book store and I'm looking for something that instantly has my interest. I do, however, read the description of the book in any case.

I also like to see what the authors I enjoy like to read, and check out what their fans like to read. I've often found the best books to read through this method that I probably wouldn't know about otherwise. This was actually how I found out about Scott Westerfield's books in the first place. :)

If I have time, I like to check out the first chapter of a book, too. I've been told that it only takes 17 seconds to make an impression on someone, so I usually try to read about 17 pages into the book to see where it's leading. If the book drags on, but has great language, then sometimes I'll take it home, but I tend to stick with the more fast-paced books since my life is so fast-paced.

Oh, page textures also catch my eye, and despite how fast-paced my life is, page numbers don't affect me much.

But, you didn't tell us what makes you pick up a book. What does?

Posted by Heather W | December 10, 2007 5:35 PM

I work at a large bookstore as Children's Lead. I have a habit of picking up just about every new book that I shelve and reading at least the inside front cover or the blurb on the back (depending on whether it's hard cover or paperback) so that I know what's in my section, in order to help my customers better.

I also read quite a lot of teen and young reader books, mostly of the science fiction or fantasy variety, but liberally spiced with just about every other genre.

So, what is it that makes me actually read one of these books, instead of just noting genre and general synopsis? An eye-catching cover certainly helps get a book into my hands, but I've learned to look past that for the most part - and, in some cases, even in spite of the cover (example: the trade paper edition of The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor - loved the book, but the cover art has an unfortunate similarity to certain robots from the newer episodes of the Star Wars movies).

The thing that grabs me most of all is an original plot (for instance, Neil Shusterman's Unwind - excellent book!). I love having my mind go in new directions and learning new things.
Another attention grabber for me is if a book is based on a fairy or folk tale, I will squeal with glee. I definitely enjoyed reading the Once Upon A Time series, which includes books by Suzanne Weyn, Cameron Dokey, Debbie Viguie, and Nancy Holder.
I also take recommendations from trusted sources - such as authors I've enjoyed. That's how I discovered Justine Larbalestier's wonderful books: her husband, Scott Westerfeld, recommended them.

Posted by Melissa Sprenne | December 11, 2007 2:05 AM

wen i pick up a book, i first look at the cover, then the name of the book, and then i read the summary on the back, if i think it's good, i'll take it, then i usually hav to get my ma's ok, and those oks r gettn slimmr as i get oldr.....but ill find a way to break thru sumday, lol, i also oftn buy boox that my friends or family hav likd and borrow them from those ppl, i hav a ton of boox, so i guess i do this oftn, lol =D

Posted by celia | December 12, 2007 10:16 AM

The cover usually draws me in at first glance, then a good title or summary can hook me to a book. It's also a big help if someone i know gives a book good reviews and recommends it. It's nice to talk about book so i try to keep up with what everyone is reading.

The author is also a major factor. When i know that i like an author's style, i usually try to read all their books ( like john green, meg cabot, scott westerfeld, and darren shan)

Posted by mutya c | December 13, 2007 9:22 PM

I always buy my books online, because there aren't any good YA english books in Israel.
I bought my favorite books by total accident.
The first thing I look at in a book is the reviews on the back or the comments online: I want to know what regular poeple thought of the book and not what the author thought of his own piece.
Usually, I buy one book by the author at first, and if I like it I just by everything they've ever written (I just ordered around ten books by Scott Westerfeld).
Personally, I like really thick books (at least three hundred pages) so if I see a thick book with good reviews I'd probably but it. Sometimes I contact fans of books I like by E-mail and ask for recommendations.
I have my own little private library at my house because I buy so many books; my friends allways borrow books from me.
I really want to win this signed copy because I live so far away and my chances of ever seeing Scott are pretty low... Well, good luck eveyone!

Posted by Irene Guberman | December 14, 2007 4:08 PM

Okay, I can't resist this one. It's a good question.

What makes me pick up a book to read is a couple of things. First, the cover must catch my eye. After that, the process gets tricky (I am a very picky reader). If the plot summary is interesting, I'll open up the first page and start to read. If I can make it past the first couple of pages, I might keep going. Sometimes (as with "Uglies") I am hooked by the first few words and paragraphs. More often, it takes a page or two. If the book hasn't gotten my attention by the end of the first chapter, it goes back on the shelf never to be looked at again.

Posted by Razz | December 14, 2007 7:04 PM

The cover usually, then I'll read the back cover, if the book gets past the first two test, I'll start to read the first page or two, and fall in love. Also, a lot of my friends suggest books, as well as lend books to me. Oh, and the Uglies Series is lovely, my friend had suggested it to me, and now I'm hooked, I'm reading Extras at the moment, I've also read his Peeps Trilogy.

Posted by Shannon | December 23, 2007 5:09 PM

How do I choose a book? Usually I just go off of my friend's/family's recommendations. We have a lot of the same tastes when it comes to reading, so I know I can trust what they like.

If I'm at a bookstore, I've got some steps I go through. First, and this is kinda shallow of me, but I look at the title first. Not just the words, but the lettering, and if there's a little picture on the spine. If that interests me, I look at the cover, and finally the back of the book.
When it gets passed all those, and if I'm in a book store, I carry it around and look at other books (once I had about 10 books in my arms...people start to look at you funny when that happens). If it makes it to the counter I buy it (or make my mom :P). If I'm still iffy after reading the back cover, I open to the beginning and read the first couple of sentences.

Posted by Emilee | December 24, 2007 1:21 AM

Usually the title of a book makes me pick it up. Then I read the back. The cover doesn't make me NOT pick it up, but sometimes it alone is the reason I buy a book *cough*Betwixt*cough*. The price is also a big factor. The cheaper it is, the more likely I'll buy it.

Posted by Ink | January 4, 2008 6:02 PM

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Posted by jaren | June 23, 2008 9:07 AM