Do you read the inside flaps that describe a book before or while reading it?
I do not typically read the inside flaps of a book. Actually, that’s not true. I find that I do read them for thrillers. When a book has gotten really intense, and I am questioning my ability to finish it because it is getting a bit uncomfortable for me to read, then I will flip to the inside flap and see what it has to say. It is my way of breaking the tension and reassuring myself that I can get through the book (I really am a big scaredy cat).
Or, if I am thoroughly confused by the direction a book is taking, I might read the inside flap to see if it will shed any light and help clear up my confusion. I do try not to read them though because often they contain just enough information to be considered spoilerish, and I really do not like to be spoiled when it comes to a book’s plot. TV – yes, books – not so much.
They may be silly or goofy reasons, but I do read the inside flaps of books in certain situations. Otherwise, a large majority of the time, I have to say no, I am not a flapper. Maybe a part-time flapper?
How about you – what are your thoughts on reading the inside flaps of books?
var linkwithin_site_id = 125794;
I'm a flapper…for the most part. If its a book I already know about, I don't need to read it, but if I'm perusing the books at a store and one catches my eye, I will read the flap to see if it keeps my attention. If that still has me on the fence, I will read the first paragraph of the first chapter to see if that sucks me right in 🙂 I actually HATE it when a paperbook doesn't have any sort of information about what the story is about! Makes me crazy!
Interesting question! I'll usually read the flap when browsing to see if the book grabs my attention. If the flap sounds interesting, then I'll read the first paragraph.
If picking up a book on my wishlist, then I don't bother as I know I'm already going to buy the book. Does that make me a part-time flapper? *L*
Amused – They never do clear up the confusion, do they? And yet, I still go back to them hoping that they will…
Bermudaonion – I always bring my wish list with me, so I very rarely pick up a book that wasn't preplanned these days. It definitely helps in not reading the flaps!
I totally agree about reading the flaps when I am confused! I do that all the time hoping that they will clear something up for me!
I usually know what I'm going to buy before I go into a store, so like you, I generally don't read the flaps.
Ceri – That's okay! I suspect I'm in the minority with this one anyway. I still luv ya!
Jeanne – I never thought about checking out the flaps for non-fiction. I'll have to check it out the next time I look at a non-fiction book!
Mandy – That's why they have the flaps – for those who enjoy them!
I do! I can't help it, it's a compulsion with me. Have to read the jacket (whether inside or out) to see how the book's described, whether I know what the story is or not. I really hate blurbs that spoil the majority of the story though.
I only read the flaps for certain books, too. In my case, it's nonfiction (with fiction they just give too much away sometimes). I want to know more about the scope of the book and perhaps the author's credentials before diving into it, and flap copy gives me that info.
I hear what you're saying, but I must confess that I'm a big-time flapper!
Marie – The lack of flaps can certainly impact whether you are a flapper or not! LOL!
Alayne – I figured I would be in the minority on this one, as it is unusual.
Diane – Prologues are the worst, aren't they? Nothing quite like reading along, getting some pointers for the plot only to have the entire surprise ending spoiled for you. I was always told to avoid all prologues and introductions until after finishing the book.
Thanks, Jennifer! I'll be sure to check yours out tonight!
Nise' – That is a wise choice, IMO.
Nicole! Glad to see I'm not the only one! Sometimes you just need to be reassured that it will all turn out in the end!
I flap when there's a flap to flap but I read a lot of paperbacks so it's not always possible! I like getting a little head start on what's going on and usually find the summaries don't give away too much. 🙂
Interesting answer, I've never thought to ignore a flap unless I'm half-way through and curious. 🙂
Alayne – The Crowded Leaf.
I am a flap reader, but I don't like reading prologues for some reason??
Similar to mine with some good points I had not considered. My answer: http://www.rundpinne.com/2010/01/booking-through-thursday-14-january.html
I'm a flapper unless I know for sure I'm reading that book.
I am a big scaredy cat too! Typically I like to be surprised by a book so I don't read much of the jacket to avoid spoilers, but with some books I have to break down and take a peek either because they are so intense or I am in danger of abandoning the book.