LimebirdCat , over at Limebird Writers, and @BKnovelist inspired me to challenge my booklist.
I consider myself a broad-minded, liberal, versatile adult—but when it comes to reading for pleasure I am anything but. I don’t generally stray from mainstream fiction except for two (okay 3—but the third barely counts because it was such a lousy experience) exceptions: Harry Potter and the…series and The Hunger Games series. The third exception involved sparkly vampires, and I just couldn’t deal.
Anyway, when choosing a book, I generally gravitate towards humans, not winged creatures. I want to read about how the pregnant teenager becomes a street performer to pay her bills. I like the idea of flipping the switch and suddenly a middle-aged housewife decides she wants to tour countries ravaged by terrorism. I prefer to read about families forced onto opposing sides by a controversial medical procedure. I like it when extraordinary things happen to ordinary people.
While those topics taken as one group are fairly wide in range, in the overall scheme of things it’s a limited list. After reading LimebirdCat’s post, I started wondering if I could do what she’s going to do—take on Shakespeare when I don’t have a helpful teacher breaking it down for me in class from day to day.
Eh, I don’t think so. That’s asking a lot of my brain. I just don’t have enough pollywodden to digest Shakespeare after a 17-hour day with the kids and my husband and my mom and the animals and my jobs and the kids and the house and mom and the kids and my jobs and my husband and the house…oh, whoops, sorry. Life got ahead of me there.
Yup. Nope, not gonna happen. While I am ashamed at my lack of desire and energy to read works like Shakespeare, I also am painfully aware of my limitations. So, no Shakespeare for 4am.
Then I realized I am reading something that isn’t part of my usual repertoire. Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks. This book was actually suggested to me by @BKnovelist for its use of multiple POVs, a result of a conversation we started on LinkedIn.
Well, hey now. Maybe I am stepping out of my comfort zone after all.
At first, I was reading it more as an experiment or a study. But I am actually getting a lot more out of it than just how to use multiple POVs. This book’s genre is fantasy, which is fairly dark and grim. It has all the tools of fantasy, not the least of which is magic.
So, without intending to, I have begun my uncomfortable booklist. It might not be Othello, but the way life is going right now for me, fantasy is perfect.
How about you? Do you try to read all kinds of genres, or do you stick to one favorite?
limebirdbeth
/ February 15, 2012Ohh good luck! If i’m honest, I generally stick to two types of fiction – fantasy/supernatural (so the Hunger Games esque/Sookie Stackhouse novels etc anything with vampires/werewolves/supernatural beings/future/timetravel) OR anything with romance or a couple. So, I’m talking The Notebook, etc. I’m a sucker for anything with the gooey soppy stuff. Any genre that combines the two, I’m definitely up for!
So, the Timetraveller’s Wife was awesome! Haha.
4amWriter
/ February 15, 2012Hi Beth,
I never read the Time Traveller’s Wife, but I did see the movie. I’m always astounded by writers who can keep track of time transitions like that and still come out with a killer plot!
Yep, loved the Hunger Games and that was totally different than anything I’ve ever read before. It was such a good experience that I think that’s why I’m willing to read different genres and see what happens.
Ahh, romance novels. Nope, never read The Notebook but I’ve heard lots about it. I don’t know if I like the gooey, soppy stuff! Maybe it’s time I find out?!?
Thanks for commenting!
The Accidental Novelist
/ February 16, 2012Time Traveler’s Wife is fantastic! (better than the movie, of course) I think you should add that to your list b/c it’s not really about time traveling, it’s about their relationship. And I love their affair – it’s gritty and messy and real (well, except the time traveling portion, lol).
4amWriter
/ February 16, 2012Hi Accidental,
Really? Hmm. I never gave that title a second thought because of the genre. Now you’re the second person to suggest it. Ooh la la, a gritty, messy love affair? Who could ask for more! I think I will add that to my list. Thanks!
Laura
/ February 15, 2012I like things made for kids (Harry Potter, Narnia, things like that) but I also love Stephen King and Chuck Palahniuk which are definitely not for kids. I pretty much stick to those things though, fantasy, horror, sci-fi, and whatever the heck Palahniuk would be considered. (…. Ok I googled it and apparently he is a “Transgressive fiction” writer, wow I never heard that term before, or I probably just never paid attention to it)
Lately I’ve been really into anything YA related.
You know what, it’s late, I’m rambling…yeah I definitely stick to a few certain genres.
4amWriter
/ February 15, 2012Hi Laura,
Oh, yes, I love the Narnia series. My daughter is reading the third one now. I remember reading those when I was a kid and being totally entranced. Loved Harry Potter, too.
Now, as much as I respect and am in awe of Stephen King, I can’t read horror. I’m too much of a chicken! I can’t even sit through the movies.
Transgressive fiction…goodness me, no I have never heard of that…what is it exactly?
I can’t say I’m much into sci-fi if it involves too much technical jargon. Just like with Shakespeare, at this stage in my life I can’t overstress my brain…
Thanks for commenting!
Laura
/ February 15, 2012I never heard that term either, so I googled it — “Transgressive fiction is a genre of literature that focuses on characters who feel confined by the norms and expectations of society and who break free of those confines in unusual and/or illicit ways. Because they are rebelling against the basic norms of society, protagonists of transgressional fiction may seem mentally ill, anti-social, or nihilistic. The genre deals extensively with taboo subject matters.” If you’ve seen Fight Club, Palahniuk wrote that book. Which that is completely the opposite of how I am but even in high school I loved reading books like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and The Catcher in the Rye which sort of sounds similar to that type of novel. I dunno, I love me a good book where the character goes crazy!
4amWriter
/ February 16, 2012Ahh, okay, I got it! Yes, I saw Fight Club and now that you mention it, I remember hearing that it had been a book first.
I’ll have to remember this genre…very interesting.
Thanks for the additional info!
jmmcdowell
/ February 15, 2012Recently I’ve focused on books incorporating time travel (since that’s a main focus of one of my two WiPs). Checking out the competition, you might say. But I always loved mysteries when I was younger, so I also decided to try Sue Grafton’s “alphabet” series.
Somehow, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do as much reading as I’d like! If there were, I’d add more sci-fi beyond the time-travel focus. That’s always been a favorite genre, too.
4amWriter
/ February 15, 2012Hi JM,
Oh, I know, I wish I had more time to read. Right now, I only get 20 free minutes a day while I’m in the school parking lot waiting to pick up my kids. When I was younger, I used to take a book to bed with me and read and read. These days, I crash the minute my body is under the covers.
I hear Sue Grafton’s books are pretty good, and they’re not too difficult to digest in terms of mysteries. In college, I read a little bit of Patricia Cornwell, and I always thought she did a good job.
Like I remarked to Laura, sci fi isn’t my “thang”, especially if there is a lot of technical jargon that I have to work hard to understand. I need a light, easy-to-digest sci fi book that isn’t going to give me an ulcer.
Thanks for chiming in!
Sally Panayiotou
/ February 15, 2012I’ve been through a range of genres. I used to feel I had to justify my love of the likes of Harry Potter or Sookie Stackhouse by emphasising my more literary reading habits too, but I really don’t care any more. I can’t remember the last time I read something I had to work at (such as Shakespeare!) These days I just want to read something that entertains me and currently it’s the whole vamp, paranormal thing even though I tend to be a bit aloof about love story/triangle plots. I love reading factual books on history, but even with that I tend to read about people and events I’m already familiar with. I think I’ve turned into a bit of a lazy reader!
Amy Mak
/ February 15, 2012I too, tend to stick with mainstream fiction. However, I did read Rebecca by Daphne deMauer and Jane Eyre last year and was so overcome by how GOOD they were. Classics for a reason. I decided I needed to stretch myself more – I was missing out on some great literature. Shakespeare someday…? Oh, I also loved Hunger Games
4amWriter
/ February 15, 2012Hey Amy!
Good for you for reading a couple of classics. Was that for a book club, or did you do it on your own?
Now, I read Jane Eyre in high school, and I remember I liked it a lot. Couldn’t tell you what it’s about though! lol. See, it’s a positive reading experience like that which makes you think you need to try new genres, new authors, etc. That’s kind of how it was for me with The Hunger Games. I liked t hem so much that I thought, wow, I didn’t know a book could read like that!
Yes, Shakespeare someday…when our kids are reading it in high school and we’ll have to help them translate it! lol.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Amy!
4amWriter
/ February 15, 2012Hey Sally,
I think I’m with you — I used to chastise myself for my reading list by saying I need to read more classics. As an English major I definitely read a wide range of books, some so literary-based that I would never pick them up again for pleasure reading. But I enjoyed them in school. Maybe it’s that environment? Whereas now, my brain is so addled by midday that reading something that requires studying is beyond my abilities.
Oh, I like historical books too, although of the fiction persuasion because I feel like factual books can drone on and on.
Yes, I want to read to be entertained–and entertained by good writing as well as a good story!
Thanks for chiming in!
simonreadbooks
/ February 16, 2012These days I mainly read narrative nonfiction . . . perhaps because that’s what I write! There are, however, a few exceptions. I love the Inspector Adamsberg mysteries by French author Fred Vargas and the hardboiled crime stories of James Crumley.
I also try to revisit the original James Bond novels by Ian Fleming once a year. Awesome stuff! I love biographies–especially bios about writers. Gerald Clarke’s “Capote” is brilliant!
As for Shakespeare . . . I’ve never “got it” I’m somewhat ashamed to say.
4amWriter
/ February 16, 2012Hi Simon,
It’s true that we tend more to read the genres we write. I enjoy narrative nonfiction, too, especially ones that deal with a crime or super dramatic event.
I have never read anything by Vargas or Crumley…I will check those out. I love the term “harboiled.” It makes me think of something from thirties/forties.
Oh yes, biographies are great. I remember loving some biography about Lee Iacocca when I was about eleven years old. My parents were convinced I was going to be this major business mogul because of that.
Yes, me too re Shakespeare. He is one of those classics that makes me feel like I’m a failure in some way because I have such trouble with him.
Thanks for chiming in!
Darla McDavid
/ February 16, 2012I wrote a post last week about reading, and how we can grow as writers from reading a variety of styles. I mostly read nonfiction and classics, but now that I’m writing fiction, I’m trying some of the modern stuff, including genres I normally wouldn’t choose. So I read a legal thriller last month and would like to try science fiction next. Any suggestions for me from sci-fi?
4amWriter
/ February 16, 2012Hi Darla,
Sounds like you and I are feeling same bit of doldrums in our current reading list. Legal thriller sounds great! As far as a sci fi recommendation, I personally haven’t read anything in that genre. However, I have heard that author Orson Scott Card is very popular and he has several books out.
Hope that gives you some direction!
teeceecounsel
/ February 16, 2012In the blogosphere these days, I get to read anything ranging from anything to anything! Have not had time for a novel in a long while but reading through numerous blogposts keep me busy, informed and excited. Nice post.
4amWriter
/ February 16, 2012Hi there!
Right on, we bloggers definitely read quite an eclectic mix of information don’t we.
Thanks for commenting.
LKD
/ February 16, 2012I have always thought Shakespeare was over-rated. I’ve even blogged my feelings about him. Perhaps I experienced over-kill in High school and at University.
I read pretty widely, literary fiction, memoir, travel, etc. These days I’m getting back to my love of crime and mysteries.
Anything you could recommend, in any genre?
4amWriter
/ February 16, 2012Hey Lorna,
Haha, I think you are in good company regarding Mr. Shakespeare. But I wouldn’t be adverse to taking another course on Shakespeare now that I’m older and more willing to figure him out. Then again, I feel that way about education in general now that I’m older and I realize how much I didn’t take advantage of.
Gosh, recommendations…*mulling* Well, here’s one you might never have read. The Mercy of Thin Air, by Ronlyn Domingue. She’s not well-known, hails from the South, and this book is supernatural/literary fiction if you can believe anyone was able to combine those two genres. She’s an excellent writer and the plot is superb.
Let me know if you ever find it and read it. The few people I’ve convinced to read it have been pleasantly surprised with it.
LKD
/ February 17, 2012I looked it up, and I’m intrigued. Will check it out and let you know what I think. Thanks for the suggestion!
4amWriter
/ February 17, 2012Oh, good! I will be curious about your reaction…:)
Neeks
/ February 16, 2012I love a good mystery, and my second love would be sci-fi, as long as I can relate to it. Weird aliens with can come in with multiple appendages and great gnashing of teeth but I don’t want my character asking them for directions to the transmooker machine.
Fantasy and sci-fi tend toward (hard to follow in any genre) the made up names. Aaskunder, Eeyoliaha, with double vowels how the h*** are you supposed to pronounce that? It takes me out of the story and makes it hard to maintain the fantasy. Multiple characters with made up names like that and I’m putting the book down.
4amWriter
/ February 16, 2012Hiya Neeks,
I feel the same way about sci-fi. If there is too much techy jargon, then I put the book down. Same thing here with the crazy names that I’ll never remember. Forget it.
It’s been a long time since I read a mystery. The last one I read was Body Farm by Patricia Cornwell. I think she’s fabulous.
Thanks for commenting!
Neeks
/ February 16, 2012You are So right, she is one of those writers that make me wonder why I bother to try…:)
You know she did a book about Billy Graham, it was wonderful and in it she revealed that she was related to him.
4amWriter
/ February 16, 2012Oh, tell me about it. You just sit there in awe, don’t you, when you read someone who just knows how to write a flipping book!
I did not know that about her and Billy Graham. How cool. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks!
Kourtney Heintz
/ February 17, 2012I’m usually drawn to mysteries. Cozies,, paranormal, police procedural, even true crime. I also have a huge soft spot for paranormals and fantasy. I like mainstream fiction and the occasional literary novel has turned my head. I will read a thriller but they aren’t a favorite genre of mine.
I search for super well crafted fiction. Fiction that teaches me something I don’t know how to do and makes me want to write better. Lately I’ve been working my way through a list of 20 NYT bestsellers recommended by a writing teacher.
I’m less likely to pickup sci-fi or nonfiction or memoir.
I think any genre can teach me something, but I have to be willing to stick with the book to learn it.
4amWriter
/ February 17, 2012Hi Kourtney,
Wow, you do read a wide range of genres. Good for you.
Yes, I agree. If a book is recommended based on its superb writing, or character development or pacing, then I will pick it up to study it in addition to reading it. I started reading Jodi Picoult for that reason, because I was intrigued by her use of multiple first-person POVs.
I, too have little interest in sci-fi or memoir. Nonfiction–eh, it depends on the subject matter.
Thanks for chiming in!
quix689
/ February 17, 2012You and I seem to have similar tastes. I love the Harry Potter and Hunger Games series (and started the third series that I read half of and then quit because it disgusted me). I have two other fantasy authors I really enjoy reading (Lynn Flewelling and Jim Butcher), but other than that I focus on literary fiction.
I’ve read a bit of Shakespeare for college, and it’s not really worth it, in my opinion. I guess I’m a bad English major for saying that, but that’s okay. I have other things to read.
Supernatural series are so big right now, and I must say I’ve never really understood the appeal. The only werewolf I’ve ever been interested in is Remus Lupin, and it’s most likely going to stay that way.
4amWriter
/ February 19, 2012Hello quix689,
Haha, yes, seems like we do have similar tastes. I have never read either of those authors you mention, but I will jot them down for future reference. Well, Shakespeare is an acquired taste I think. I wouldn’t call you a bad English major for that!
Yes, I have to agree about the supernatural genre. It’s hit or miss. I think it has to be tastefully done and well-written for me to get anything out of it.
Thanks for commenting!
fhhakansson
/ February 19, 2012Shakespeare is very difficult indeed. You’d probably be able to tackle him and his work if you truly put your mind to it
I’d have to say I am very broad-minded when it comes to fiction. I don’t think there’s anything I don’t read (though I do prefer science-fiction, of course).
I know there are a lot of adults who can’t handle the fantasy/sci-fi scene. Lucky for me you still seem to enjoy my work
fhhakansson
/ February 19, 2012and that makes me happy! (Just wanted to add that haha)
4amWriter
/ February 19, 2012…well, good — Seeing as how you’re one of my blogging friends who has helped me try a new genre!
4amWriter
/ February 19, 2012Hey FH,
I suppose I could figure him out if I really wanted to. Say, as in a challenge or something.
I am warming up to science fiction/fantasy. A lot of that has to do with talking to other bloggers, actually, and learning more about these genres from a writer’s perspective as well as a reader’s perspective. That has helped me get over some of my biases, I think.
And yes, as always, I LOVE your work!
Thanks for stopping by Fredrik!
msyingling
/ February 22, 2012That’s one thing about trying to read all the books I purchase for my middle school library– I have to read all types– sports, nonfiction, sparkly vampires! The one thing I don’t read much of is adult fiction. We all have our niches!
4amWriter
/ February 23, 2012Hey there! Oh wow, I never thought about how it is for a school librarian! Yeesh, you must have to be really open-minded and adventurous to make decisions for people other than yourself–and kids no less.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
BK
/ February 22, 2012I had a similar experience myself. I met this awesome motivational, writer, lady-person who spear-headed a discussion on LinkedIn, something about some POV stuff. I was arguing in favor of third-person point-of-view, and of course, being the great host that she was, she argued the point-of view of first-person (devil’s advocate she was. Sorry, I sound like Yoda). She mentioned that multiple first-person POV is comparable to the feel of third-person POV. I was like, oh yeah, I’ve heard of that (whatever!). I thought it was an ok POV, but I wasn’t impressed. Then I asked her for an example of a good story written in multiple first-person. She suggested, My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult. Yeah, I’ve heard of this Jodi person, but I had her on the back burner. She didn’t really write in my genre, but for whatever reason I really wanted to look a little deeper into this multiple first-person POV…….crap. So I went to the store and bought the book. What! I don’t buy books because a strange, motivational, writer-person suggests it, but I did. Mother-of-pearl! I was hooked and that is all I can say about the story without giving any spoilers. It blew me away. Grandmaster 4am writer put a big fat juicy night crawler on her triple barbed hook, than she reeled, netted, filleted, and fried me up in a cast iron skillet. I will forever be a fan of Kate and Jodi. I no longer have a favorite POV. Each POV is created to fit a certain type of story. We as writers need to find the one that suits our story the best. That is when I started reading outside of my comfort zone. THANKS KATE!
4amWriter
/ February 23, 2012Haha! You’re awesome. That was a very funny comment. I like how you put it: “We as writers need to find the one that suits our story the best.”
So true. And it’s more difficult than it sounds. POV can make all the difference in the voice of the book. As we have both humbly learned.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, BK!