this post was submitted on 28 Aug 2023
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Science Fiction

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Lemmy World Rules

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What criteria do you use to determine whether a book is worth your time? (lemm.ee)
submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by nkiruanaya@lemm.ee to c/sciencefiction@lemmy.world
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It is not possible to read all the Sci-Fi books out there. So you must have a process for selecting what you do read. Reading a book is an investment in your time. Your time is valuable. No one wants to waste that time reading unworthy books.

I have never codified my criteria. And it has changed and evolved over time. I suspect it will continue to change moving forward, as who I am tomorrow is not who I was yesterday.

What is your criteria to date?

Mine is that it must meet ALL the following criteria, some objective and some subjective.

  • it must have at least 1,000 reviews
  • it must have at least 70% 5-star reviews
  • if after reading about it I get the suspicion that it's a romance disguised as Sci-Fi, I automatically reject it no matter what
  • if it's YA, it really needs to be exceedingly compelling to choose it
  • Space Opera also needs to be exceedingly compelling
  • if I get the feeling it's trying to preach I'll reject it
  • if i get the feeling it has (messaging, strong opinions, or political overtones) about today's societal issues, I probably won't choose it. Not judging; I primarily read for escapism.

I guess that's about it. There's probably more but I just haven't put that much thought into it yet.

I'm very interested in how y'all decide to choose a book to spend your valuable time reading.

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[–] Che_Donkey@lemmy.ml 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Strangely I don't choose based on any set criteria and my choices often change with my mood. However, I have a threshold that the book must cross to be kept, so that at some point I will reread it knowing what mood im in and looking for that style, otherwise I donate it.

[–] nkiruanaya@lemm.ee 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

What's the threshold? Can you articulate it, or is it more of a feeling to match your mood, or something like that?

[–] Che_Donkey@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Mood, absolutely. For example if I want something lighthearted & somewhat whimsical I'll pick up J. Scalzi or Hamilton, books, usually during our busy season when I just need to unwind) When when I want something to ponder over, have more time on my hands (slow season) I'll pick up A. Reynolds or S. Baxters. When I'm in a shit mood and want to know someone is having a worse time it'll be G. Bear, or a couple other single titles (ship of fools, an exchange of hostages, armour, etc) And then there is absolute space trash for pure escapeism, usually the horus heresy.

[–] nkiruanaya@lemm.ee 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That is interesting and a good way to do it. What about authors you haven't heard of? How do you filter those?

[–] Che_Donkey@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 year ago

Luck...pure and simple. I just finished a trilogy my son started last year and gifted him the 2 other books because...eeeech they were no bueno. I usually always finish the book because it may turn and be interesting...bit if not I give them away.