Starting a book without knowing what it's about?

[vaz222]

I've done this and it's confusing and exciting at the same time. I wouldn't recommend doing it though because it's useful to have a basic idea of what you're about to read.

[Lildivadesi]

Most always I read the description, but when I read series I can't recall if I actually read the descriptions of the sequels, etc. I am going to have to pay more attention to whether or not I read the descriptions of them!

[V-20]

Looking back, I have never recalled a moment where I started reading a book without knowing what it is about. I usually make effort to know if the book suits my genre so I would have a good time reading it.

[Essywa]

I like reading descriptions of a book it gives me a glimpse of what the book is about.

[Hzrachel]

I do it most of the time. I don't like to know what to expect from the book. I like to enter this unknowing territory and discover things myself

[MOONTRAVELLER007]

I do that, but not often. If a book which is from the mystery genre, and has some strong recommendations, and is from my favorite author, I just jump in and let the book take me with it.

[zainherb]

'Neanderthal' written by someone whose name I can't remember right now.

I remember when I read it, I tried reading the description on the back, but for some reason, I couldn't process what the books was said to be about.
So, I started from the middle and read till the end, then read from the front to the middle-which I didn't really need as I'd understood the book at that point.
I loved it.

[gab_variable]

I have! I once picked up a book thinking it would be a romance, then the main lead got promptly killed off and replaced by an alien, of all things! Apparently it was a sci-fi. Picking up books without anything but the impression from the cover is it's own little pleasure, if you like surprises.

[mlh6fn]

Typically, I read the book descriptions before reading because I'm often torn between which book to start next. I did have one instance recently that I started reading a book that had been recommended a lot and thought I knew the summary, but quickly realized I really had no idea what the book was about. It actually enhanced the reading experience a lot so now I'm trying to be more open to going into books without reading the description. Gives reading an even bigger sense of adventure!

[emidio125]

It happens to me when I am at the library and I don't have anything better to do.

[Meadow Fox]

I almost never read the descriptions on the back. I like to be surprised, I guess.

[car-mbz]

No. Never. I have to read the book's description first even if the book is from my favourite author.

[Muzafar Iqbal]

I usually look at the blurb first or do a bit of research. However, there was one time I read a book without doing this. It was a book by Darren Shan that a friend recommended.

[Liveforchrist51]

I have never actually done this. Now that I have come across this forum, I feel the desire to just open a random book and give it a shot. Normally, I want to know what I am reading. Now, I feel like it would be a good challenge to try the element of surprise for once.

[Nathaniel Owolabi]

This is definitely a no-no for me. I can't read a book without knowing what it is about; especially because I am very picky about the books I read.