Rebecca Gomez has been an avid reader since early childhood. Books have always been important to her, and they have greatly enhanced her life.
She particularly enjoys and celebrate books that reflect a high degree of literary art and whose writers supply inspiration, vision, or knowledge.
Rebecca reads a wide range of books: fiction and nonfiction, including classics, novels and books written in the past, up to the current releases. She also feels fortunate to have friends who are authors or poets, and has had the privilege seeing her art featured on some of their book covers. Rebecca believes reading is a gift.
BMH: How important is a book cover to you?
RG: On a scale of 1 to 10, maybe 5. The graphic design and colors on the cover don’t grab or hold my attention as much as notes on significant awards, or quotes from reviews by critics or prominent authors who I admire.
BMH:What attracts your eye to a book?
RG: Mostly, the title and the name of the author. Typestyle, colors, illustration all have some draw, but not hugely significant for me. Prominent notes regarding prizes and awards can grab my eye.
BMH: How important is the title?
RG: Titles are important to me, and I hope they reflect something of essence about the book.
BMH: How do you choose a book?
RG: The way I select a book can vary depending on how I am “shopping” for it. If I am in a retail store or book store, the way books are displayed can generate a pull. But mostly, I choose and buy books from online sites, and I go looking for books based on reviews I have read or recommendations from reader friends. Basically, for me, I don’t tend to think of books as general merchandise where advertising and display may be the principal means of selling the product.
BMH: How long does an author have to hook you?
RG: When I am reading a book by an author who is new to me, I will read several chapters even if the first pages don’t grab me right away. I respect that different styles of writing, and those that are unfamiliar or challenging, can be better discovered by some extended attention rather than by reacting to just a few opening pages or a single chapter.
BMH: What is your favorite form of book…print, ebook, paperback, hardback?
RG: I prefer hardback and paperback books, to be physically turning pages and holding the book as I read. However, I do read lots of ebooks as they are great and easy to handle if traveling. I do respect saving paper and environmental concerns, and sometimes pricing is a factor, or wanting to receive the book immediately online as opposed to waiting for a delivery.
BMH: How often do you listen to audio books?
RG: I don’t listen to audiobooks.
BMH: How willing are you to take a chance on an author new to you?
RG: More than willing to check out an author new to me! I love to discover new talents and to explore how different authors explore the art of literature, storytelling, etc.
BMH: How important is the back cover blurb?
RG: This depends on the “blurb”. I like commentary quotes that give one an idea of how the book affects the reader. Review quotes from publications like The New York Times or other respected sources, and from authors who I already enjoy and respect are all pretty compelling to me. Often what is on the back cover really influences me.
BMH: How important are reviews to you?
RG: Reviews mean a lot to me. I give more attention to them when I recognize the reviewer. I seldom buy a book without checking reviews first.
BMH: Where do you shop to buy books?
RG: Mostly Amazon. Sometimes at local bookstores, or retail places that have book sections, like Target or Costco.
BMH: What will make you stop reading?
RG: Poor quality writing. Lack of engagement in a subject. Too much concentration on violence. In the case of nonfiction, a perception of misinformation, lack of research, etc.
BMH: If an author loses you for poor editing, plotting etc, how can they get you back? Or can they?
RG: I don’t think I have resumed reading any authors who “lost” me. Possibly I would revisit them if a friend or respected reviewer suggested that a new or different work is worthwhile or compelling in some way.
BMH: What do you want from a book?
RG: My desires may not be the same for all books. Inspiration, entertainment, experiencing a good story, being challenged, learning and expanding knowledge can all lead me to a book.
BMH: Have you visited an author’s website?
RG: Likely yes but I do not do that often or regularly, and can’t recall visits to specific sites.
BMH: Have you visited an author’s blog or Facebook page?
RG: Probably only when the author is a friend or personal acquaintance.
BMH: Do you attend author’s events…book signings, etc.?
RG: Generally, only when the author is a friend or there is some personal connection.
