For those who may not already know, BTT is a weekly event hosted by MizB and this week's question was suggested by Simon Thomas:
Have you ever been put off an author’s books after reading a biography of them? Or the reverse - a biography has made you love an author more?
This is an interesting question. Let me start by saying how much I've always enjoyed reading biographies. I love learning about where people come from and how they got to where they are. So now, to answer the question:
No, I've never had a biography change the way I feel about an author's books. If anything, it makes me more intrigued after learning about their life. However, I have been very disappointed after seeing an author interview that made me buy their particular book. Fortunately, it hasn't happened often, in fact, only once that really stands out in my mind. I don't need to go into detail and name the author, but suffice it to say that I had a very strong negative reaction to the book that left me questioning my interpretation of the interview I saw. I don't know if it made a difference that the book was non-fiction, but I was really surpised at how much I wanted to like the book, but actually ended up hating it.
How about you? Has a biography changed your perception of an author's books, or does it enhance your appreciation of them? Leave me a comment and let me know. For more comments on this question, click here.
I think biographies can color one's opinion.
ReplyDeleteThat has happened to me too...I hear a great interview, the author is interesting and the books sounds interesting, then I get the book and it isn't what I expected or isn't as interesting as the interview made it out to be. This happened a lot with one particular talk radio show I listened to, so that it got to the point if I heard the interview I said it was as good as reading the book:)
ReplyDeleteI cannot remember hearing anything about an author that would make me change my opinion. Happy Booking Through Thursday!
ReplyDeleteI've never read a biography that has put me off of an author.
ReplyDeleteThe truth is, at least for me, knowing the life of an author might incline me to read more of the works. Knowing is key to understand the authorial meaning in fiction. After all, author is a life, reading an author is just getting to know the life. If I enjoy the works, I would want to know more about the author.
ReplyDeleteBiographies always enhance the perspective, even if the writer has views you don't agree with. I love watching the BIO channel, too. Great post! I've really enjoyed this topic.
ReplyDeleteThus far I have not read any authors biography's and I don't really know if it would change any opinions I have, I suppose it could! Thanks for visiting my blog :)
ReplyDeleteI agree. It is usually those interviews that make me decide whether to find out more or not. Some people turn me off and I wouldn't even consider reading their books.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog.