Art Without Preconceptions

Increasingly, I’ve been jumping into stories without reading reviews, watching movies without watching trailers, and picking up series without checking the blurbs. And yes, it has downsides, but I think it’s both increased my enjoyment of the arts and encouraged me to expand my horizons. Once I’ve finished with the book or movie, then I’ll look up reviews and write my own to both support the artist and be part of the conversation.

I began the practice about two years ago without any noble intent. I simply like to be surprised and was tired of spoilers, but it wasn’t long before I realized how much more fun I was having.

The biggest advantage of reading this way is that I’m more open when I read. Perhaps this is a me thing, but reviews, once seen, can’t be unseen. Someone else’s thoughts are always in the back of my mind, priming it to seek details that either support or discredit the review. By avoiding reviews, I encounter art with no preconceptions but my own. My focus and my attention are entirely of my own choosing.

The practice has also helped me read more widely and try books I wouldn’t otherwise try. It’s genuinely expanded my horizons, and I’m grateful for it.

One common objection I’ve had leveled at me is that readers don’t have time for such a practice. They want what’s good, and they don’t want to waste what free time they have on awful stories. It’s a solid point! I will say that I don’t hesitate to drop books quickly if they aren’t working for me. But I don’t think my practice should be universal for all readers. To me, the benefits of reading widely and pushing into unfamiliar territory as worth it as a reader and a writer. For others, the math may add up differently, and that’s fine.

If I were to raise a gentle rebuttal, it’s that reading is a wonderful place to practice open-mindedness. I don’t abandon all selection criteria; if anything, they’re more important than ever because my ocean of choices is so wide. And yes, I’ve absolutely had some stinkers, but I don’t know that I really blame my openness for them. Several of the books I’ve liked the least this year have been some of the best reviewed. Had I relied on reviews to filter my reading, I still would have found them on my TBR.

So how do I choose what to read if I don’t read blurbs or reviews? Well, through a lot of ways! Personal recommendations, using time as a filter, new releases from authors I like and respect, invitations that come thanks to being a reviewer for fanfiaddict. And sure, sometimes I do still read blurbs and see trailers. It’s not something I make every effort to avoid. The goal is only to leap into a piece of media with as few preconceptions as possible.

If you want to do the same, one recommendation I’ll make is to make great use of your local library. I’m fortunate to live close to a branch, and I use it to request books far and wide. Secondhand stores are also a great place to stock up on new-to-me authors.

If you’re interested, just jump on in. Don’t think about it too hard. The water’s warm!