A Shallow Reader

I think that one of the things you AREN'T is a shallow reader.  I am beginning to see that authors of Harlequins and Imprints need to be pretty tough cookies and adept at what they do.  While the goal of the publisher is to sell books (I don't think any of us can argue with that) -- the "reading experience" is also sold:  The joy, pleasantness, 'good-feelings', warm-fuzzies, etc., one gets when s/he reads a book.  Too often, "back blurbs" that have little to do with the story, misleading wireless-interviews, cover art completely off-base (but sensational) is used to sell books.  In the short run, the publisher may find this increases sales, but what about "real" readers?  What about the faithful men & women that can read and use their God-given imaginations to create the scenes in their minds?  What about the folks that actually grasp WORDS (as opposed to cover art of scantily-clad women & men), and by word-of-mouth can intelligently discuss what they've read?  You are not being "Whack-a-Doodle" ~ but rather should be commended for bring up a good -- but touchy -- subject! 

i don't think that makes you a shallow reader at all.  we read for pleasure and if it's not a pleasurable experience...then why do it?  i could see myself feeling the same way.  i might even consider writing to the publisher and telling them my qualms. 

on the other hand, i have definitely read books just because they were brand new and i loved the crisp pages and the smell of the binding brought me back to all those "first days of school" when the future was unknown, but anticipated to be exciting.

The feel of a book is important! And yes, Marty, you really did a great job of summarizing the reading experience. The books that resonate on an emotional level are the books we love, so why not love a book based on the feel? If you are a whack-a-doodle, than sign me up. Physical feel of a book is just as important as the emotional impact.