Romance
I'm starting here, because I've read more romance books than any other genre. Romance books have been in my house for as long as I can remember. My mom was a big reader of this genre. We used to visit a used book store and she would come home with a huge bag full of Harlequin romance books. Now there are various styles of this genre, and many different publishers, but Harlequin stands out because they can be bought anywhere in the U.S. and are big sellers. They are often looked down upon as not good literature, and I can certainly understand why these books aren't studied in high school and universities, but it doesn't mean a person should turn their nose up at them. My reasons as why they shouldn't be ignored...
- They are a quick read. Good for those people who don't want to spend a long time on a story.
- There's always a happy ending. Just like sitcoms.
- The reader is often taken to a happy "world" when reading these books.
- These books can be wonderful stress reducers.
- Caution: To all those ladies who hope for one day to have a personal romance just like the novels - remember this is fiction.
My first read of adult romance came when I was about 13 or 14 years old. I had never read one of my mom's books at this time. I considered them "adult" books and therefore off limits. But one day I notice this book with a picture of a half-naked man holding this woman in a romantic embrace. You've probably seen many covers similar to this, so I don't really have to explain it too well, just in case - romantic embrace, eyes locked, lips close to one another, the woman's hair blown in the wind, and her breast pushed up to her chin. You get the idea. Curiostity got the better of me, so while my parents were asleep, I grabbed the book and stayed up half the night reading. Talk about a sex education. (More was to come.) I was hooked.
My reading of romance has ventured beyond Harlequin, so don't be worried. Jeanne, I did borrow the books you suggested in your comments. I've added them to my list of books to read. So I'll get to them sometime. I've been told that my reading list will become longer the longer I'm a librarian. No wonder I have glasses.
As much as I love the author Nicholas Sparks, I can't read his romance books anymore. I always cry. Three of his books have become movies - Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, and the Notebook. What's so amazing about his books, is they are written by a MAN.
Mystery
Not my favorite genre, but I do have some favorite mystery authors - James Patterson and Janet Evanovich. It's not that I don't this mystery books are good, because this is a good genre, I just haven't found too many mystery authors which have appealed to me.
I'm still trying to figure out how Evanovich's mystery series, with the character Stephanie Plum, is considered a mystery. There's so much humor in the book that a person can forget there's an actual mystery taken place.
There are so many twists in a James Patterson novel that I can't help but like his books. Very fast pace. To me, it's the sign of a good book when you can't wait to turn the page. His main mystery series stars a character by the name of Alex Cross, forensic psychologist. The antagonist will usually commit crimes just so Alex will come across them. The murder sending messages to the police. Usually by the fatal expense of someone else.
I've never been able to enjoy some of the other popular mystery writers - Sue Grafton, Nevada Barr, and Patricia Cornwell. I'm looking for another mystery author to enjoy, and there are some I have my eye on. I've been wanting to enjoy a Walter Mosley mystery but haven't got the chance.
Science Fiction
The only science fiction author I have been able to enjoy is Laurell K. Hamilton. Anita Blake is the main character and she raises the dead for a living. There's a love triangle involving her, a vampire and a werewolf. The series incorporates fantasy and suspense. I was warned this series becomes more graphic as each book is published. And they weren't kidding. (A new level of sex education.) I stated in my last post that I read a book for just the sex portion (I was having a weak moment at the time,) but in this instance, all the sex kept getting in the way of the plot. You should win a prize if you find the plot in her most recent installment of the Anita Blake series - Incubus Dreams. Some people have described this series as horror, but in my opinion, if you want horror, read true crime. That stuff can keep you up at night. Other people have recently described this series as erotica, and those people are probably correct.
Some day I'm going to read a Hubbard sci-fi book. For the sole purpose of attempted to understand why scientologists take part in a religion/philosophy/whatever that he founded.
I'll give you a break from my reading habits. Have a good day everyone.
8 comments:
Mystery? Tony Hillerman. They're more than just mystery. Dorothy Sayers. There's even a bit of romance that builds up through Lord Peter Whimsey's life. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the master.
I love to give reading suggestions.
I don't get it. Is it Irish humour?
Damn the Spam!!
It must be an Irish thing. Or maybe I should read some Poe.
My comments about the Da Vinci Code... It's been on the New York Times Bestseller's list over almost two years. Wow. I read the book a couple of months ago just to know what the fuss was about. I have to agree with Festi, it's Fiction. As long as people will keep that in mind, you can enjoy the book. I don't believe all the religious details are true. If people like fast pace read mysteries where the protagonist must answer clues and journey from city to city to solve a crime, then it's possible they will like this. There were aspects of the book I enjoyed, but I kept in mind this was fiction.
NBC Dateline had a two hour broadcast about uncovering the Da Vinci Code. One fact that many scientists (as shown on the broadcast) agreed was that Jesus and Mary M. never had a son.
Compliments about public libraries are always welcome, no matter which country they are located, Thank you. Have a good day.
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