How to Read a Book Preview
Reading for pleasure and enlightenment is one way to relax from a day full of worries and chores. Sometimes it's difficult to decide upon a book to read from the massive quantity that the market makes available. Book previews provide a way to determine if a particular book will be worth the time to read in full. Several online venues, such as Google and Amazon, allow casual Internet browsers access to one or several pages of a book. These previews are aimed to help readers make informed choices, so knowing the best way to read them can be an invaluable asset.
Instructions
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Scan the title of the book and the author's name. Recall if you have read anything previously by this author. Consider if the title has any impact, or if it falls flat.
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Read the preview once without pausing or considering the text. Get a sense of the emotional impact that the words have. Assess the author's style, and whether or not you want to read further.
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Read the preview again. This time, read more slowly and pay attention to details. Determine if the characters or the hints of plot hold any special interest.
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Ask yourself if, having now read the preview, you wish to continue reading. The answer to that question will determine whether to purchase the book, wait for it to show up at the local library, or disregard it altogether.
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Tips & Warnings
Find a time and place where a book preview can be experienced with minimal distraction. A bad impression of the preview can be formed as a result of outside interference.
Don't underestimate the importance of a book preview, both for readers and writers. The preview is the writer's opportunity to sell his work to an undecided audience. If the preview has no "wow" factor, then don't expect the book to be exceptional.
The reaction to the first read-through is critical. Feel free to move on to something else if your curiosity is not at all piqued by the first reading.
References
Resources
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