Musing Mondays


This week’s musing asks…

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?

Musing Mondays is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading

So this is something new for Kate's Library. I found myself always interested to read the "musings" of other people, so I traded in "Teaser Tuesday" for "Musing Mondays". :)

I'm always a little skeptical over books that receive a lot of hype. I like to check it out and see the opinions of other readers whom I respect. I do tend to give things a try, though. I read the "Twilight" books (after noticing ALL of the 7th grade girls in my class were reading it in their spare time - I had to try it out!), I loved "Harry Potter" although I didn't read it until my friend and fellow reader Gabby insisted that it was worthwhile.

I put "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" on my TBR pile because of all the hype, but now I'm not so sure... I'll let it sit there awhile.

What do you think? Feel free to comment, or if you are a blogger, post a link to YOUR musing!

Have a great start to the week, everyone!

Comments

  1. I too am reluctant to read anything that has gotten a lot of hype. I think the Da Vinci Code is the most overrated book ever written, but loved Harry Potter. I feel like they can go either way.

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  2. I'm kind of like you--normally I'm pretty skeptical of hype. I usually end up going ahead and reading the hyped-up books (after everyone else already has), not because I get swept up in the hysteria or because I feel left out, but out of curiosity.

    I read the Twilight books after a good friend (someone very intelligent and who I have great respect for) mentioned that she was a little bit obsessed with them. I read the Harry Potter books because I wanted to find out for myself whether I thought they were "inappropriate for kids." I read The DaVinci Code because I was curious about the whole Mary Magdalene thing. (Also read Angels and Demons because someone chose that for Book Club one month, and now that I've read those two I know not to bother with The Lost Symbol).

    I've always been pretty anti-hype (ever since I hated the New Kids On The Block for being so hyped up) but I like to be an informed anti-hypist. Oh, except for Harry Potter. I'm totally on the Harry Potter Hype Mania Bandwagon. I'm wearing my wizarding robes and typing with my wand right now. ;)

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  3. I still haven't read Harry Potter... but I devoured the Twilight books (I'm still ashamed to say that because normally I have much better taste... but they were pretty captivating and quick reads!) :)
    I'm not a fan of hugely hyped up things, and know I tend to be negative about them just to be negative... but sometimes they live up to expectations. I guess they deserve an equal chance just like the little known books and authors!

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  4. The problem with popularity (not a fan of the word "hype", sorry :P) is that it can lead to unreasonable expectations. Also, overexposure can make readers tired. I feel that I know everything there is to know about Twilight without having read it. Having said that, I'd hate to miss out on something as wonderful as Harry Potter just because it's so big.

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  5. Brenna - Yes, I think that The Da Vinci Code was overrated. I read that, then read Angels and Demons and enjoyed it much more.

    Kathy - I'm glad you're wearing your wizard robes! :) I do not think they're inappropriate for kids, although there is the occasional "hell" thrown in in the later books. Also a bit of snogging.

    Corinne - I love how you are justifying your enjoyment of Twilight! I also devoured them... not well written, but quite the story.

    Nymeth - I agree about the unreasonable expectations. That's a huge risk with things that are overly discussed. I also agree that the overexposure can make readers tired - the same with music on the radio. You know how you hear a great song, but after a few weeks of hearing on EVERY STATION it gets old!

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