Have you ever stayed away from a genre because you're sure it just isn't your thing? Maybe you stick to a certain genre or age group because you think you wouldn't like anything else. I think this happens more often than not. I like to think I'm a well rounded person. I like to experience new things and I like to learn. That's why The Sweet Bookshelf doesn't have a label on it as a YA book blog or Adult book blog, etc. I want to be free to review what I want. And I like a lot of different books!
While getting friends together to read The Hunger Games--before we saw the film--a few friends said,"Oh this just wouldn't be my thing. I don't like books like that." I'm guessing she was one of those people who won't read popular books. You know the people, they profess they don't like it over and over yet they've never freaking read it! Are you one? Do you refuse to read a book or author because of the popularity and hype?
I remember when my sister recommended I read Twilight. I didn't want to read it because I'm not a vampire person. I don't really enjoy vampires stuff. Well, I read it. *Loved*it! Now, I'm totally more open to stories with vampires in them.
I've also never been a science fiction fan. So I thought. I don't want to read about aliens and weird Star Trek stuff. My Mom laughs at me. She said that is science fantasy, but really entertaining. True science fiction is set in the future, but what is happening could actually happen someday. What?! I think of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Divergent by Veronica Roth, Legend by Marie Lu! My Mom has always been a science fiction lover. She says,"There isn't enough good science fiction in the world." I've not been so keen, but then she opened my eyes. She's recommended Anne McCaffrey's Dragon Rider's series. She said,"If this series never ended, I'd be happy." I've got to check them out!
I use to have misconceptions about the romance genre. Oh, aren't they so taboo?! They're porn for women right?! No. I'm new to romance novels, but oh my goodness I love them. When I'm in a reading funk I always grab me a few romance novels and go to town.
Do you stay away from Middle grade because you think it would be too simple for your taste? If so, you are missing out!! Fablehaven by Brandon Mull is probably my favorite fantasy series ever! After Harry Potter that is. It is a mix between HP and Narnia! Holy good books Batman! I wish there were more than 5 books. I could live in them. I love me some middle grade!
What about self published books? I'll be the first to say I wasn't really a fan. I hadn't even read any! I just had thoughts that self published books were unpolished, unedited, and they weren't published for a reason. Well folks. I've been duped. I read What a Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn and I still can't get it out of my mind. What a book! It is such a great YA contemporary! I put it right up there with The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han and Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. WOW! So good. Now I'm looking for what other gems I can find.
Have you ever been wrong? Have you jumped out of your comfort zone and tried a new genre? What genre's do you stay away from? What are your thoughts? I want to know! Let's get talking about Genre Misconceptions.
Science Fiction is really the big one for me. I HATE science fiction. Hate. Hate. People like Sheldon (Big Bang Theory) and my best friends annoying older brother like Science Fiction.
ReplyDeleteWRONG!! Across the Universe? (And A Million Suns?) LOVE THEM. Every. Single. Moment.
I guess i'm really just trying to be more and more open to all kinds of genres.
-Jac @ For Love and Books
Science Fiction is really the big one for me. I HATE science fiction. Hate. Hate. People like Sheldon (Big Bang Theory) and my best friends annoying older brother like Science Fiction.
ReplyDeleteWRONG!! Across the Universe? (And A Million Suns?) LOVE THEM. Every. Single. Moment.
I guess i'm really just trying to be more and more open to all kinds of genres.
-Jac @ For Love and Books
Great discussion! This is why I love your blog, you don't review a certain genre. I feel I'm in the same boat as you. I love ALL kinds of books and that's why I, too, have not labeled my blog as YA only, etc.
ReplyDeleteThere isn't a genre I refuse to read. There are definitely genres I don't read as much. For example, until recently I had never read any science fiction, but then I read Grimspace by Ann Aguirre. Unfortunately it wasn't my top favorite book of the year, but I liked it enough that I want to read more sci fi.
The only genres I can think of that I haven't read would be true crime and westerns. Honestly, I want to read a western, just to try it. Hmm..might have to search out some popular ones. LOL
I really need to read What a Boy Wants. It sounds good! I also was hesitant of self published novels, but Angelfall by Susan Ee changed my mind on that. It was very well polished. I was impressed.