Now, on to the prompt of the day.
Suggested by JM:
I was looking through books yesterday at the shops and saw all the Twilight books, which I know basically nothing about. What I do know is that I’m beginning to feel like I’m the *only* person who knows nothing about them.
Despite being almost broke and trying to save money, I almost bought the expensive book just because I felt the need to be ‘up’ on what everyone else was reading.
Have you ever felt pressured to read something because ‘everyone else’ was reading it? Have you ever given in and read the book(s) in question or do you resist? If you are a reviewer, do you feel it’s your duty to keep up on current trends?
I'll admit it: I had to look up "Twlight books" as I had never heard of that phrase before this morning! So, I join you in this uninformed state. After discovering that Twlight books are Young Adult books about a vampire, I can state that I feel no pressure to read them.
However, I have given in to peer pressure in the past. When Harry Potter books came out, I borrowed one and read it to see what all the fuss was about. I am probably the only person who didn't care for it.
When I was a teenager, Peyton Place was the book that everyone was talking about. I did give into peer pressure and read it. I got into trouble with my mother, but I loved the book!
My duty as a reviewer is to read and write my opinion about what I've read. With so many publications waiting for my attention, I will only read what I choose. No pressure there!
How about you? Do you ever read because of peer pressure?
46 comments:
I know about the Twilight books because I work in a high school. The kids are always after me to read them, and I always tell them no, that true love + vampires really doesn't appeal to me. However...do you remember DARK SHADOWS, a 60s TV show? I thought Barnabas Collins was a hunk! Whatever was I thinking?
As for the peer pressure...when I was younger, someone pressured me into reading THE LAST TEMPTATION of CHRIST because they thought I needed to see what my faith was all about, and I read THE DaVINCI CODE because I wanted to see what the fuss was about, so I have given in to peer pressure about reading before.
I'd heard of the Twilight books and never felt any pressure whatsoever to read them - I don't fancy reading books about vampires - maybe Dracula (one day).
I brought the first twilight book because of the cover and the title. On impulse. When I searched about it on Google, I found out how famous it was and that it's a series.
Hi Sally! Nice to 'meet' you too. :D
I chanced upon Twilight when I was browsing at a bookstore. At that time, I had just started book-blogging actively so any form of 'pressure' was non-existent from blogger friends. LOL. After reading the first book, I was hooked on the series and chased it right to its satisfying conclusion. I love Breaking Dawn.
I agree with you that as reviewers, it is our duty to read and write our opinions (with integrity). Reviews are subjective so there are times we may not agree with the reviewer(s) after we have read them ourselves. But still, I can't imagine not reading reviews by my trusted blogger friends. :D
A friend of mine was just talking to me the other day about the Twilight books. They sound intereseting to me. I might someday give them a try. I wish I read more. I always seem to be the last on the bandwagon for certain books or authors.
take care,
Dawn
Hi!
You're not the only one who doesn't care for Potter. I've read the first two and that's it.
I agree with you. I feel no pressure either. And I haven't gotten around to Harry Potter yet...
I don't usually go in for the big trends, but I loved Harry Potter. I had to read the Twilight books for work, and they were definitely not worth it, though. Poor writing with vapid, self-absorbed characters, and for all the hype it gets about having a female main character, she's a very weak character and not a good role model.
I don't know a flip-flop about the Twilight Books...never even heard of them, actually.
I just read the books I want to read and never have peer pressure to read them.
happy day, bj
No, I'm not pressured to read anything. I read what I want and I don't read what I don't want!
You don't see the "why" of black furniture? hmmmm...don't know what to say other than have you ever looked at a Pottery Barn or Ballard Designs catalog at their beautiful, black furniture? Black furniture is just very popular right now and ladies seem to like the looks of it. That doesn't mean that everyone must like it, however. I have quite a bit of black...some I bought that color, others I've painted myself. Hmmmm...I feel a post of "BLACK FURNITURE...love it or leave it" coming on. hahaha...
love, bj
I thought this was a great BTT question. I have to say I'm a bit surprised at how many people don't know about Twilight. I don't feel any pressure at all about reading it, nor have I ever read Harry Potter. Just not my gig, ya know? :)
I hadn't even heard of the Twilight series before this, but it doesn't sound like anything I am interested in. I had no inclination towards Harry Potter, either.
Sally, I usually read about anything with out peer pressure. I did read all of the Harry Potter books and was very sad when they ended. My grandchildren were reading them and I checked them out. I call that grandchildren pressure. Smile.
I have been an avid reader all my life. I knew how to read before I ever went to school. My mother taught me because I pressured her. LOL
My side bar says well read under the book list, but I never made a list. I have read most of the classics and the list was too long to even begin. To sum up my deep interest in reading, I blame it on my mother. I have known her to change her library to another because she read everything she wanted to read there. I hope this doesn't sound like I'm bragging, as I don't mean it that way. Now you know a little more about me. Smile
Hugs, Jeanne
You're not the only person who didn't like Harry Potter :-) I got through the first fifteen pages & couldn't take any more. :-)
I didn't care for Potter either so you are not alone! ;)
I had not heard of these books myself....until about a week ago. My daughter mentioned them to me and said I "had" to read them....that coming from a non reader daughter. I had no idea what they were about...now, I don't think I will waste my time looking for them. Thanks for the info. this week. It saved me from looking for the books. smile.
I've actually heard good things about that series of books...and from some pretty unlikely sources. I'm a HUGE reader...and I generally stick within the mystery thriller genre...but if I ever get the time I may give them a try. I'm always looking for new authors because the really good ones only write one book a year...and dang I need a WHOLE LOT of authors to keep me in reading material since I tend to read 2 to 3 books a week at least.
You are absolutely right that peer pressure in choosing books could make for a waste of time! I have definately had that happen, too. But I generally find that it opens me to new books and authors that I might have skipped over otherwise!! Thanks for visiting my blog! I enjoyed reading your BTT!
As folks used to day, Right on! Keep being choosy. Thanks for visiting TeaReads.
Sometimes I read the book that Oprah suggests. PILLARS OF THE EARTH was one of hers that I really enjoyed. Sometimes my girlfriends all read the same book. We all read MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA. Most of the time I pick what I read. I look forward to your suggestions in the future.
Actually, I know some other people who don't like Harry Potter either...like I said on my post, I think that hearing too much hype ruins the book if you decide to finally read it.
I try to ignore all pressure about books. I did give in once - but it was my mother in law wanting me to read Harry Potter. I liked it, but still don't understand the huge fuss.
I review what I read, yup. I cannot review books or genres that I don't enjoy, at least the review would be passionate and insightful.
And here I read Peyton Place and didn't care for it! LOL Mom knew I was reading it and didn't care--one of the many perks of being raised by a free-thinking librarian.
I am very informed about these books. So informed I'll say I've ever read them. Mainly because my step daughter got on this vampire kick and wanted them and I do try to read what the kids reading. Makes for conversation at dinner and I can try to keep tabs on it.
They are a quick easy read and will keep you on the edge of your sit, I think.
As for your question, no, I'm so used to being broke all the time I almost never indulge in buying books.
I read the first Harry Potter and thought it was ok but I had no desire to read any more of them. ANd, I can't remember any of the characters' names now (except Harry)which bugs me when I'm watching Jeopardy. One book I felt I should read was The Da Vinci Code since everybody and their uncle did, but I never got around to it.
I usaly do not care for vampire movies, tv series so I doubt I will like the TWILIGHT series.
You are not the only one with no interest in HARRY POTTER novels, seems around me everybody has read them and loved them.
I admire your strength of character. show me a book (or a peice of cake) and I'm gone...
Hi Sweet Smiling One! I've just heard about the Twilight books, my darling daughter picked up one to read on a trip and I also heard from it from one of our fellow bloggers who went to the bookstore at midnight with 1,000s of teenaged girls! But loved it! I don't know if I care to read about vamps.
I guess I've been under peer pressure to read some books. When a group of my friends read something and start gushing about it ~ I have to read the book too! I hate to be left out!
Thanks for the compliments!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Ooh, I forgot all about Peyton Place! Yes, there was definitely some peer pressure there. But I only read the "good" parts.
lol! Now I have to read Peyton Place.
hey, what is this about giving away a book on your 100th post? says who? I want names!
My son is pressuring me to read Tuesday's With Morrie and a friend said that I HAVE to read another book by the same author, The Five People You Meet in Heaven. I figure that if something grabbed the attention of these two, it might very well be worth reading! I don't usually give into pressure, but if I know someone's taste is similar to mine, I will probably pick the book up.
I have only just started hearing about the Twilight books, and actually just read yesterday that the next books publication is being delayed because the author was very angry that part of her new book was leaked. And who can blame her since she said it was a rough draft and not close to the finished product, but why punish loyal readers by making them wait? Anyhow, Justine of Justine's Froggy Bloggy has some book reviews on the series and she loves the Twilight books!
Kady
Hi Sally,
I like you do not feel pressure to read books. I did read Twilight and loved it. It was more of a love story than a gory story. I read the first Harry Potter book, and some what like it, but was not inspired enough to read on.
Haha! Seems like many of us didn't give in... except for Harry Potter. :)
JM @ TheBookStacks.com
It's not so much about feeling pressure for me. It's more about being curious and my interest is peaked when everyone is talking about a book or a series. I do have to say, though, that the Harry Potter books never caught my interest at all.
Happy 100 post! I do sometimes feel left out if I don't read the books that are really talked about alot. Like Harry Potter or Twilight but usually I wanted to read them anyway also.
Hey Sally, I actually started reading the Twilight series because of blogger and email friend pressure, and boy am I glad I did! They say it's young adult fiction, but it works just fine for this 38 year old. The story line is absolutely amazing and sucked me in within a page or two. EXCELLENT writing. I do encourage you to at least try the first book. It's in large softcover at Walmart for just 8.88! Can't beat that!
Justine :o )
As a voracious reader of many different authors, I have to totally disagree with rjsbooklady. These books were incredibly well written, the characters are rich in personality, and you find yourself really loving them and caring about them. I do not see where anyone could term Bella as a weak main character. I'm stunned by book lady's review!
Justine :o )
I'm with you on the Harry Potter books. Didn't enjoy it. I did read the first one because I wanted to speak intelligently and not by rumor and off the top of my head to teachers about it.
I don't think I've caved to peer pressure to read certain books, I might have been curious to see what all the fuss might be about, but it's not a pressure thing. And if I don't like it, I have no qualms about stopping the read. This last year I did read a book I forced myself to finish but that's because I wanted to see if it redeemed itself in the end. It didn't. Sad mistake on my part.
Oh and happy 100!
Congratulations on your 100th post! Way to go, now onto the next 100!
What is your opinion on the Twilight books as far as being "safe" for teenagers to read? Congrats on your 100th!
I'm just in the last month hearing about the Twilight book so don't feel bad. Now I'm starting to be able to spot people reading them around town on trains and buses. I smile and think about book blogs. I still haven't read any of the Potter books, though I did see the first movie. It was pretty okay, but it dragged on for way too long and I lost interest.
In my generation it was author Judy Blume. "Forever" and "Wifey" were totally forbidden and "Are you there God, it's me Margaret" helped get me through adolescence.
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