Word of mouth

[wayfaringwordhack]

I'm curious: How many of you have stumbled on a now-favorite author because of word of mouth?  Anyone care to mouth off here about someone they think others should be reading? Conversely, have you ever been let down by a book that your friends raved and gushed about? I say friends because I'm assuming we've all, now and then, vehemently disagreed with the quality, interest, and readability of established bestsellers.

Comments

[pjthompson]

None of my faves, no. But then, I'm a perverse creature and I tend to shy away from books that everyone raves about or tells me I must read. That's why it took me so long to read Diana Gabaldon's book. Now I must read the others.

Who do I think others should be reading? The aforementioned Kage Baker, I guess. I also hate to tell people what they should read because reading is such an individual thing and tricky. Who I'm really enjoying now would be a better question...Lilith Saintcrow (urban, fantasy, but not urban-fantasy--unique), Sandra McDonald's Outback novels (absolutely loved those). I know I'm forgetting others, but...

Have I ever been let down by a book others gushed about? Yes, frequently. See above about reading taste being such an individual thing. I never take it personally when someone doesn't like a book I've recommended because I know how individual it can be. I have, of course, been mystified that someone doesn't agree with my incredible good taste. :-)

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

You perverse creature, you! I actually tend to be the same way if the book (or movie) is something viewed as WOW by all the masses near and far.