Do you let an author's personal views affect your reading choices?

[sparkchaser]

In other words: do you choose to read or not read a book based on an author's personal views?

 

[brk_3]

I would have to say yes and no do this question.

No being if I am in the middle of reading a book and the author delivers his/hers opinion or point of view and I am in disagreement with that view point, I do not say "That's it I can't read any more of this rubbish!" and throw the book in the trash.
I make the conscientious decision to read the book and I understand that in any book there may be ideas, actions, etc. that I don't agree with.

Yes being that I know the authors point of views before hand this will influence my decision to pick up the book or any of the books written by the author. This is more in line with non-fiction books but could apply to fiction as well. In my opinion, there are a lot of authors out there that are full of sh*t. Why would I want to waste my time or worse spend money purchasing their book and putting my hard earned income in their pockets?

 

[sparkchaser]

I'm not talking about the content of the book.

 

[joderu95]

Usually I am almost completely ignorant of the author's personal beliefs, but if I do know something about an author's views it could definitely affect whether I read work done by that person. And that could mean I might choose to read it because I disagree or choose to not read it because I agree. It's something that changes on a whim for me.

 

[sparkchaser]

I try to separate the art from the artist, but I have to admit that I am not always successful in doing that.

The idea of the thread came to me when I read on another board that Orson Scott Card was on the board of directors for the National Organization for Marriage. The poster went on to say that because of this, he won't recommend any Card books until after he dies.

 

[joderu95]

Card claims to be a Democrat yet everything that I've heard him say sounds like a conventional reactionary, but I would still probably buy a book of his if it interested me. He seems to have similar tastes to me judging by some of the anthologies he edits and book blurbs he gives.

 

[Litany]

I'm not talking about the content of the book.

But often they'll let their personal views stray into the story. I was doing ok with Stranger in a Strange Land until it started beating me over the head with Heinlein's dodgy personal philosophy. No more Heinlein for me. Some personal politics is ok, and to be expected, but getting the female characters to tell me about how all women want to be raped? No thanks.

 

[sparkchaser]

Good point, Litany.

 

[brk_3]

The idea of the thread came to me when I read on another board that Orson Scott Card was on the board of directors for the National Organization for Marriage. The poster went on to say that because of this, he won't recommend any Card books until after he dies.

That's like saying because Stephen King is a huge Boston Red Sox fan and I am a New York Yankees fan. I am going to stop buying and reading his books.

 

[perzephone]

For me it depends on if it's fiction or non-fiction. For fiction, if it's a good read, I don't care what the author is involved in.

For non-fiction, the author's personal opinions and views often play a big part in how the material is written. I wouldn't read a book on paganism written by Pat Roberts, or a book on animal rights written by Ted Nugent.

 

[Peder]

I am generally oblivious to authors' views; I purchase fiction according to how interesting I think the book might be.

For non-fiction, I scan the blurbs for what the author's viewpoints might be and then buy accordingly, sometimes because I agree, sometimes because I disagree, whenever I wish to learn more about the matter.

I quickly put straight polemics on any topic back on the shelf -- including environment.

 

[SFG75]

I'm not entirely opposed to reading material by people whom I disagree with. I have read the works of Ayn Rand and a few books by Tom Wolfe. I would even read economic works by Hayek or Friedman. Sarah Palin's book is another matter.

 

[chiangmaifalcon]

I am not liberal person but have read fictional books by liberal people and even communists, no problem. However I do not like when people put down my country or religion and also I cannot stand to read books in which children are harmed or which are overly sadistic or glorify criminals.

 

[dele]

It depends on what the issue is and how it's delivered. I wouldn't read anything or recommend anything by Heinlein for the reasons Litany said. The book may be fiction, but his controversial views are snuck in there. I also won't be reading any C.S. Lewis to my children because I want to introduce them to spirituality in a less subvert manner.

On the other hand, I loved reading The Mists of Avalon even though I don't believe in neopaganism like the Marion Zimmer Bradley did. She presented the information upfront and I respect that.

 

[pontalba]

Do you let an author's personal views affect your reading choices?

No. For many reasons, some of which include that it's entirely possible I have no clue as to how they believe politically, or in any sphere of existence. It's true that their views will come across in their writing, even should they attempt to avoid direct attempts at influence.

If I don't subscribe to their beliefs, it's highly doubtful that a book will change my mind. Surely not the book alone.
But isn't that part of why we read to begin with? To acquire knowledge, to perhaps even acquire understanding we have yet to come to? Shouldn't we try to see things from the other person's point of view?

Humans need to understand each other if we are ever to find any sort of common ground. That common ground is what would lead us down a peaceful path.

OTOH, when I try a book that I totally disagree with, or find repugnant, there isn't anyone holding a gun to my head to read it, I can put it down. Gently, so as not to break the binding.

 

[Peder]

I'm a little surprised to hear of so many authors expressing their opinions through fiction. It hasn't been noticeable in my reading, so it hasn't really been a big issue for me. And I look for variety anyway, more or less for the reasons Pontalba gives. This is a great big colorful world and it is good to see the flowers.
Books that I really disagree with arouse my combative instincts and I scribble furiously in the margins to argue with the author and put him/her in their place.

 

[pontalba]

I just missed the time limit on my post above, just wanted to emphasize that we don't have to agree with everything we read, or endorse it. But we should respect it, as long as said view does not injure another, or impinge upon their rights as an individual.

And if we don't wish to add to the author's coffers, buy it second hand!

 

[Peder]

Ayn Rand has written some of the good stories I have read /gasp!/, even though I doubt I am in her political camp, judging from whatever I have seen written about her beliefs.
The Communist Manifesto was well worth reading, even though etc
George Orwell has written a wonderful Homage to Catalonia, even though etc
Tony Judt has recently written his later-life thoughts, some of them surprising, even though etc

How can one not read outside one's comfort zone!?

[And I pray this post is not a thread killer. ]

 

[Lincoln Rhyme]

Nope. Philip Pullman is a heavy atheist,but I have read all the His Dark Materials books,and loved the first two.

 

[kcmay]

Probably not. Mostly I don't pay attention, but if someone with seriously questionable morals (a sexual predator, for instance) were to write a novel, I'm not likely to spend money on it.