Question

"Don't judge a book by its cover"

So how do you people actually judge a book (or an online OCW etc.) ?

PS: This is NOT a metaphorical question.

Answer 1

Hi,

I just it by its sources and peer-to-peer reviews.

Answer 2

So you would rarely pick up a new-comer??

Answer 3

Pardon, love? What ever do you mean?

Answer 4

I asked this question to understand how people filter good books from the rest (was not going for a poll).

Your strategy is good for classical books (/books by reputed authors) but not for assessing a new author.

Answer 5

Well, is this for a project or something? Personally - I'd read reviews on the author and books. I'd also ask around and get peer-to-peer information. Maybe read a biography.

Sometimes you can't really rely on this information. Read the Synopsis of the book and any Epilogues located within the first few pages. If you're not convinced then, try reading a few passages, and maybe the first chapter.

Answer 6

This ain't for any project. I'm just a hobbyist and like dwelling deeper and deeper into any subject I can get my hands on (whenever I have the luxury of time).

Many a times the traditional approach to a subject doesn't suites me and so I look for those authors who have tried experimenting with a new algorithm.

As a result I tend to bump on trash; but occasionally do find a treasure. :D

Answer 7

Btw thanks for answering..

Answer 8

Oh, well, allow a fellow Arthur and enthusiast to speak level-to-level with you. Also, @Jagatuba might enjoy this thread.

What type of books do you usually read? What is your literary preference?

Answer 9

I like (almost) anything in the domain of non-fiction. Whenever I study a new subject, I start from the Classics but (as I said before) when I have trouble with the traditional approach I look for some recent books.

Although I am academically studying Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Computer (mostly C++).

Answer 10

Go in depth on what you mean by, "non-fiction,"; elaborate. Speaking purely from an academic point of view, futuristic societies and dystopia are not technically works of fiction. They fall under a separate genre.

Answer 11

By non-fiction I meant that I generally do not read literary works (novels etc.)

Answer 12

So - you read articles and published papers, correct?

Answer 13

It's so funny that this thread came up and @Compassionate hollered at me because just yesterday I was going through my thumb drive from college and reread me and my partner's term paper from ENG495. It was on judging creativity and quality in art, primarily literature. You are more than welcome to read it if your wish. I'll attach it here.

Answer 14

@Compassionate
Yes, but only when I am in a position to understand those. The major obstacle is in finding books that actually takes you to that level.

@jagatuba
Thanks for the doc.
Even though I am not a professional in the field, I found it well written.

Answer 15

@jagatuba , thanks for the paper. I enjoyed it. ;) We should talk sometime...

Answer 16

@LastDayWork ,

Are you familiar with Phillip K. D!ck?

Answer 17

No, I don't read many novels (Yea, I googled it ;) ). Btw - Why did you ask?

Answer 18

Ah, I am attempting to persuade you into reading my novels. Have you ever given them a try? If so - why don't you like them?

Answer 19

The fact that I would be learning a new skill and/or some other learning source will become accessible to me is the driving force behind picking up (and completing) an academic subject (no matter how remotely related it is to me).

This might sound crazy but I need to feed my mind (and prevent boredom) and this is the only way I got to do the same.

I do like novels and I tried reading some (like those of wingspanens, Les Mesrables, Harry Potter, etc) but I always have trouble completing it. It feels like watching a movie in slow motion (even though in much more detail).

The few I was able to complete were Surely You're Joking... (IDK what do you call it, semi-autobiography maybe) and Five Point Someone (By Chetan Bhagat, It is about life inside IIT)

In case you wanna know what IIT is (or why I could relate to the book) -
- http://openstudy.com/study#/updates/5228ff84e4b0a8663d54f035
- http://openstudy.com/study#/updates/51c70e91e4b055e613b94d9a
- http://openstudy.com/study#/updates/512e49a0e4b098bb5fbc869b
- http://openstudy.com/study#/updates/51200e41e4b06821731ca0a2

PS: I know they are long feeds but if you can read novels they would be like a walk in the park for you :P