Chicks On Lit discussion

Do you read the Introductions, Acknowledgements, Notes, author biography, etc.? Sometimes, always, never? Some of it, all of it, none of it?

A few short years ago, I read none of them. Oh, sometimes I read the introduction, but if it was long, I'd get bored and just want to get to the story. Then one day I discovered myself reading an acknowledgement that gave me some insight into the book. I don't remember which book now, and I suppose it doesn't really matter. There were lots of Notes in The Woman in White, most of which I did not read. Unless I feel something needs to be clarified, that I am confused, I'll probably continue to skip these.

I read them all Elizabeth.... especially if I loved the book. Great question!

I read my books cover to cover too. =)

It depends more on that is going on for me. Am I reading the book for school than I will read the extras, 'cause you never know what the prof is up too. If it is on my own and I am really interested in the book than I will read all the extras... but if the book lacks something then I really will not go into the details...

I skim them. One time in a history book I found an acknowledgement of someone with the same last name as me (I've *never* come across someone with my last name). It was pretty cool.

I always read intros - I will skim the acknowledgments - I read the biography - and look at the notes sometimes. So I guess yes I do read them.

It was an acknowledgement that the author thanked her children for drawing her away from her writing and helping her to see the great outdoors - that was the one that said: always read the acknowledgement.

For some reason i stare at the publishing info for a long time before I start the book. I'm fascinated by the date it was published and where, and how many printings the book has had.

I find that I pay more time to the acknowledgements and biography if I really liked the book.

I keep reading the term "spoilers". Think I pretty much get it from context, but someone please define spoilers for me! Thanx

A spoiler means that if you haven't read the book yet and don't want to find out the ending and the plot, avoid at all costs!

I read the acknowledgements because sometimes I see other writers that I've heard of in them. Also, I was mentioned in an acknowledgement in a book a friend published--that was nice. I also want to see who the agent is. And sometimes you find out more about the author by reading that part. Sometimes you can find out how the book actually came about by reading this section.

I read the notes, bibliography, recommended reading to see where the author is coming from and find more good books on the same subject.

I read introductions, but if they drag on and on, sometimes I skim. I also like to look through the index, the appendix, anything that's in there.