"Miranda" by Marisa Hopkins @ Tootsie Grace
Am I Really?
I'm a member of Good Reads, a great site where you can keep track of the books you've read, the books you want to read, and the books you're reading. You can also connect with other readers and compare your lists to see what great books you're missing (or want to miss).
Granted, I haven't logged into this site for a long time. I don't read much while I'm writing. My brain works in this weird universe where if I try and focus on any other plots or characters (my own or otherwise) besides the ones in my current work-in-progress, I can't write. If I'm in edits, that's a bit different. As it is, I have a huge stack of books next to my bed. They've been there for longer than I care to admit. On my Good Reads site I've been on page 67 of To Kill a Mockingbird for the last 7 months. That's because my novel took over.
I have only read 141 books (it could be higher, as I still occasionally add a book here and there that I remember I've read). I have 31 books marked as To Read. I like to keep that list under 50 or it would be way too intimidating. But obviously, since I have only read about 140 books in my whole life, I'm obviously slow and super-picky.
Or maybe I'm just snobbish.
Suspiciously enough, most of the books on my list are classic literature. Oh no! I'm A Lit Snob. Yes, I try to read in other genres, but I like Literary, and it's mostly what I read. I'll also admit that I'm slowly trying to kill the idea that genres like Young Adult and Science-Fiction are somehow lesser than Literary. Did I just say that? I'm not starting that debate. I'm not. See what I said? I'm killing that idea because I know it's not true. I'm going to be switching my first novel to Young Adult, and my second novel is very much commercial and genre-ish - in the romance and suspense categories, even. Gasp!
See what a snob I am? Or am I?
I went to college as an English major. I had classics shoved down my throat one after the other, and I actually liked it. In fact, I loved it - so much that I want to read more and more of them. There's so many I haven't read. How does that leave time for all of the other great stuff out there? Especially when I don't read much while I'm writing? And I'm slow, especially with what's labeled as Literary. I don't know how I'll ever read all the books I want to read. It's one of the reasons I keep my list of To Read books as short as possible. I update it every now and then, get rid of the ones that not longer hold my interest.
Elements
One of the things I've learned is that most well-written books, no matter what genre, have some literary elements to them. That's what I usually attach myself to in a book - the layers, the story written between the lines, the deeply complex characters, the intricate themes. Perhaps I can't say anything because I haven't read a ton of books, but there are books that don't have these elements. What makes me a snob is that I usually judge a book by its blurb or the cover or reviews - and make my decision from there whether it's something I'd enjoy reading. 9 times out of 10 I put it down.
So I might seem like a Literary Snob, but guess what? My novels aren't pure Literary. They just have literary elements. I'm not even sure my shorter work can be considered Literary. But whatever. I write what I write and I read what I love. I think one of the reasons people get all defensive when somebody says they like Literary over any other genre is because they feel like they have to defend their own work, that the Lit Snob is judging everything else. Please. It's not like that at all! At least for me. I'm willing to give anything a try these days.
So, as Annie suggested to me this morning, the term Lit Snob should be pushed down the hill. I'm a Lit Lover, thank you very much.
Question For The Day: So give me some suggestions! Help me add some books to my list. If you love Fantasy, what book would you recommend I read? If you love Sci-Fi, what's your favorite book? Young Adult? We had some great writers on The Literary Lab do some guest posts about different genres. Check it out if you're looking for some suggestions as well.
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I do believe Cormac McCarthy's The Road is considered Sci-Fi. Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood is also Sci-Fi, and it's very good.
ReplyDeleteMy list of books to read has over 600 books on it. :(
have you read elsewhere?
ReplyDeleteAnnie: Good suggestions, thank you! 600 books!? Oh, wow. So how fast are you going to read all those?
ReplyDeleteShelli: Yes, I have read books in every genre, just not a whole lot.
My list is impossible. I'm hoping for a library in the afterlife.
ReplyDeleteI love all books! It's true! I read literary and commercial. But I read mostly commercial, because they require less time on my part. A literary masterpiece is to be savored and pored over and frankly, I don't have the time at this point.
ReplyDeleteI also read a lot of non-fiction. Can't help myself!
Have a great weekend!
I loved Ursula K. LeGuin's "The Earthsea Trilogy" when I was a kid, and loved it just as much four years ago when I read it again. The Atwood suggestion is good, too. Is "The Once and Future King" fantasy? Historical fantasy? Don't know, but I like it. William Gibson is supposed to be good "hard" cyberpunk SF, but I've never read any of it. Mighty Reader recommends him, though. Martin Amis' books have SF elements, and he's considered "literary."
ReplyDeleteMy all-time faves for fantasy are Tamora Pierce's books. (Start with her Song of the Lioness series.) I love David Eddings' books. (All except his Dreamers series.)
ReplyDeleteIn fiction, you can't go wrong with Jasper Fforde. Start with The Eyre Affair.
I was recently introduced to Good Reads too. I'm still trying to figure out all the books I'v read. I've learned though, that I am a vampire snob. My entire list seems to have centered around the blood sucking creatures of the night. LoL. I haven't branched out much from there. I find it hard to get into new books if there isn't some supernatural, nightly, element to them. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteI used to be a lit snob. Only reading the classics or awarded books. Then slowly I started indulging in the thrillers, mysteries, and suspense. I'm currently thinking of delving into Sci Fi and quite honestly I feel like Dan Brown's books border Sci Fi.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow, eventually I'll begin on Sci Fi and seeing as how that is what I'm interested in writing, I have a feeling it will be like pulling the finger out of the dike.
Oh boy, you have opened yourself up! I have always read across genre--loved Thomas Hardy and Tolkien, read Isaac Bashevis Singer and Atwood while enjoying Heinlein and Anne Rice. I guess I like a good story first and then will love it even more if the writing excels.
ReplyDeleteI suggest Ursula LeGuin (WIZARD OF EARTHSEA series or LEFT HAND OF DARKNESS), Diana Wynne Jones (writes kids' but so well), Neil Gaiman (NEVERWHERE or try his short story collections for a taste), Kelly Link (PRETTY MONSTERS)and Susanna Clarke's JONATHAN STRANGE & Mr NORRELL.
And right now, THE HUNGER GAMES really rocks.
I could go on but you really don't want that......
If you're into Fantasy, I'd reccommend Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith.
ReplyDeleteFor Sci-Fi, I will always and forever love Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.
If you're looking for YA, then I'd say books by Scott Westerfeld are the way to go. (Peeps and Midnighters for a Sci-fi-ish, Uglies Trilogy and Extras for futuristic, and So Yesterday for straight up YA.)
Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay. I think the 'literary snob' in you would love this book. It's in the fantasy genre, but it so deserves to fall under the heading of literary fiction. There are so many layers (yes, layers) to this tale it is not even funny. Yes, there are wizards and magic, but those parts of the story truly are secondary to the interweaving of the characters and the great depths of emotion the author effectively portrays.
ReplyDeleteI have read this book multiple times and I cry every, single time. I know what's going to happen and still - the emotion, the pain, the heartache, the overwhelming brilliance of the story still shines through!
So, if you get a chance, add this book to your list. I promise, you won't regret it. How do I know? Well, because I got my 19th Century American Lit professor to read this book. When she finished, she emailed me the following: Yup, I cried. Trust me, that's pretty high praise from her!
S
My favorite recent YA read was THE BOOK THIEF by Marcus Zuzak. Brave choices made in the writing there!
ReplyDeleteThe attitude and composition of the picture reminds me of James C. Christensen artwork.
ReplyDeleteI think you nailed the main point when you said "I write what I write and I read what I love." As far as I'm concerned, there is no reason why you have to read what you write, or vice versa. Sure, there will be influences between the two because they are so closely linked, but that doesn't make prerequisites in your choices in either sphere.
Good for you being a lover of your Lit preference!
Recommendation: My first choice always when someone asks me what to read is "The Enchanted Forest Chronicles" by Patricia C Wrede, starting at "Dealing With Dragons". Light, easy, happy reading - the only series I've recommended and gotten my entire family to read. Don't forget one of these days I'm going to have you read her short story "Roses By Moonlight" in the "Book Of Enchantments" collection.
Side note: Is Shelli recommending a book titled "Elsewhere"? There's a few out there, so I'm not sure which author is meant.
ReplyDeleteI just read Dune by Frank Herbert and it was fantastic...It made me think of it as "The Lord of the Rings" for Science Fiction.
ReplyDeleteTimothy Zahn writes really great sci-fi, too. His science is always believable and his plots are very suspenseful.
OH and for fantasy there's Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast novels, which are quite literary despite being in the fantasy genre.
ReplyDeleteHands down Ray Bradbury Dandelion Wine. Best of all worlds.
ReplyDeleteI don't love either so I can't recommend anything. :-)
ReplyDeleteSo funny, I had some ideas for posts about literary genius and stuff. LOL!
Oh, and reviews. Never trust one. Heehee.
I'm a completely commercial girl! Those are the books I love. Romantic suspense, historical romance, anything romance. LOL
Great post about layers! They can be in any genre, really. It's up to the writer.
In this day and age when we're limited with time, I really focus on the genre I love to read. I just don't have the time to dabble in other genres. Some day, when my kids are grown and gone, then I'll enjoy having the time and freedom to read more widely. But I just can't at this point. Does that mean I'm a Historical fiction snob? No. It just means that in my limited time, I can only read so much and I'm sticking with what I love! And that's okay for all of us! It's the beauty of diversity!
ReplyDeleteThere is some terrific YA urban fantasy these days. The Forest of Hands and Teeth. The Hunger Games. Graceling. All great reads.
ReplyDeleteHey! I left you a little something on my blog next time you have the chance to stop by! :D
ReplyDeleteAnnie: A literary afterlife sounds nice. I'm sure there's books in heaven.
ReplyDeleteJill: You sound eclectic! I knew you would be. I think literary is meant to be savored as well, and that's one of the things I love about. I also enjoy a good fast-paced thriller that doesn't require much thinking.
Scott: Since we have similar tastes I'll go with anything you recommend! I have The Once and Future King sitting on my shelf. I just haven't read it yet. Thanks for the suggestions!
Novice: I've heard before that I might like David Eddings. Will have to try him out. I own the Eyre Affair but haven't read it yet. My husband read it and really enjoyed it.
quixotic: So you're the one buying all those vampire books! Let me ask you one thing - are there any that actually have REAL vampires in them? Like the Dracula vampires? He's one bad dude, and that's the kind of vamps I like!
Purple Clover: Seeing you branch out is great! I've read some Dan Brown and enjoyed it a little bit for the entertainment value. I have a Sci-Fi writer friend who has a huge long list of suggestions for me. I should pass it on to you when I get it. Maybe we'll like the same things.
Tricia: I really did open myself up in this post. I honestly expected more flack in the comments section, but I guess I made it clear that I'm a Lit Lover and not a genre hater, haha.
Great suggestions. I've been dying to get my hands on some Anne Rice. Guess I need to try Ursula LeGuin since she's been mentioned once before. And, of course, The Hunger Games must go on my list. Sheesh. Everybody keeps talking about that book. I just hope it's not a disappointment like a certain vampire series was for me. Le sigh.
Dominique: Ender's Game is already on my list. I tried the Uglies series and didn't like it at all. Do you think I'd like any other Westerfield if I didn't like those?
Scott: I will put it on my list. Thanks!
Michelle: Ah, yes, The Book Thief is definitely on my list. My friend Lois suggests this one, and she read a bit of it to me. I know I'll like it!
Alicia: Thank you for the suggestions! I know you've suggested those before. I should at least try. I'm not sure what Shelli meant - if she meant a book or if she meant I should try reading elsewhere? There are a lot of books title Elsewhere that I've looked up.
Bahnree: I can't handle Dune, but I might try the others!
Suzanne: Ooooh, that sounds good! I'll look it up. My list is growing! I'm up to 41!
Jessica: Oh, I meant that you could suggest books from ANY genre, so if you come back, please make some suggestions!
I agree that layers can be in any genre. Just makes everything better in my opinion.
Jody: Um, this list so far probably won't get read for years and years down the road. My daughter demands too much of my time, so I know what you're talking about. This is one of the reasons I haven't read much - I'm a MOM. Don't have a lot of reading time, and the time I do have goes to writing and... blogs. *cringes* Yeah, if I got rid of this blog I'd probably have a lot more reading time!
PJ: I need to add The Forest book onto my list, but I have a sinking feeling I might not like it. We'll see!
Novice: Thanks! I'll have to go check it out.
For fantasy, Jonathan Stroud's Bartimeaus Trilogy (starting with The Amulet of Samarkand) is a favorite. Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials (book 1 is The Golden Compass) is chock full of symbolism and right up your alley, I would think. I'm in love with the idea of a person's soul manifesting as a sentient animal companion. Tricia already recommended Diana Wynne Jones, but I'll go ahead and specifiaclle recommend The Dark Lord of Derkholm. Not sure I spelled it right, but it's hilarious.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what genre it would be classed as, but give Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency a try. It's a slice of life in Botswana, and I find the series utterly charming and heartwarming and entertaining.
Agatha Christie is always a good pick for classic mysteries. Miss Marple is my favorite of her "detectives". I'd also recommend Wilkie Collins. He was something of a pioneer in the detective novel. The Woman in White and The Moonstone are both good reads.
I could keep going, but I won't. When you're ready for more, you know where to find me. :D
I've read a lot of books, but I've only loved reading comparatively few. Classics and considered-literary works make up most of my favorite reads. However, I'll pretty much read anything in any genre, as I look at each work as its own world.
ReplyDeleteSidney Sheldon's books are full of gender stereotypes and materialism, both of which I don't like, but his plots really move. I've read a number of his works because I enjoy the pacing, and I think Stranger in the Mirror is a stand alone well-written work. It's not like his usual. Agatha Christie--same thing as Sheldon. I've read almost all her books and have enjoyed many of them; she really knew how to nail character descriptions in only a line or two.
For weird and/or fantastical tales I'd try the older writers first--Shirley Jackson, Ray Bradbury, Lovecraft, LeGuin, as others here have suggested. Too many of today's newer writers...well, their writings are too heavy on science. Their "fictional" works read like textbooks not novels, IMO. A sense of mystery has been sacrificed on the altar of slave-like accuracy in modern speculative fiction, and it's a real shame too.
Egads--judging books by their covers is the complete opposite of what I do. Bad girl, Michelle, bad! lol I understand though, lots of people do this as there's only so much time in the day...but then I say just turn to the first page and make judgments on the actual text. I almost always do. I honestly can't stand blurbs and wouldn't want them on my books! They scream "fake!" to me. There have been scandals about writers being paid to blurb and without even having read the works they blurbed--but maybe you weren't around the web then. This was several years ago.
I used to be on Goodreads; I got tired of the let's-hit-on-the-women-and-collect-as-many-females-in-our-sidebars sexist atmosphere. I and others complained, but that stuff never changed. So I left. Though maybe it's better by now--I don't know.
i will make this short and sweet. love beka cooper by tamora pierce, and anything by mary stewart- she is a master of words.
ReplyDeleteBecca: Yes, I know where to find you. Unfortunately I can't get there in person. Urgh!
ReplyDeleteF.P.: My mom loves Sidney Sheldon. I've got to put one of those on my list. I've put Agatha Christie on my list as well.
I've added Bradbury to my list. I can't believe I haven't read any of his!
Sadly, yes, when it comes to dragging a three year old into a bookstore - or any store for that matter - or even worse, the library, I don't have time for anything but covers and blurbs. I'm a mom. I judge a lot of things by their packaging, sadly. I'm too distracted to really look into things most of the time.
However, as time goes by, I'll move on to actually opening the book and reading the first little part, or the jacket flap, or whatever. But this is why I did this post - to figure out what my readers suggest so that I can add these to my list and just order stuff off amazon or pick them up at the library.
I haven't been on Good Reads much lately, and I rarely even look at the sidebar stuff. I just use the site to keep track of my books and occasionally look at other reader's lists. I could care less what they put in the sidebar unless it's advertising porn or something. Yick. I don't think they've done that on Good Reads, and that would mostly be aimed at a male audience, I think. *grin*
Oh, and I just noticed that the sidebar changes for what I last searched for or opened. Kind of like gmail. Maybe they've changed it since you've been on.
Becky: I'm adding the Beka Cooper series to my list! I trust your judgment!
Glam, just want to add this thought. I think why genre fiction is so popular is the storytelling. The writing is often not up to the standards of lit-fic but people either don't know the difference or don't care because the story is so compelling. And lit-fic sometimes fails in story, allowing the beautiful and sophisticated choice of word or flow of line or depth of thought choke the story.
ReplyDeleteSo when I mentioned Thomas Hardy and Anne Rice it was for their stories. I haven't read either in years. Hardy might be slow going with the style of his times and Rice, I know, was clunky (adverbs, repetition, etc), so I'm not sure how you'd like her. But she certainly led us into the vampire era! Someday, I'd like to go back over books I loved and see how they hold up both in story and language. *needs more time!!!*
Which brings me to Ray Bradbury, metioned by others. Although I haven't read it in years, I vividly remember "The Illustrated Man." And the reason Bradbury broke out of genre into mainstream was he could write well and tell incredible tales.
Glass Dragon mentioned the Bartimaeus Trilogy and that is an intriguing series, written in two POVs--a wickedly-arrogant demon in first person and a would-be boy magician in third.
Here's a moment when they first meet: What a time waster this kid was. Who else would I be? I upped the volume a bit on this one. The ice on the light bulbs cracked like carmelized sugar. Behind the dirty curtains the window glass shimmered and hummed. The kid rocked back on his heels.
Tricia: Thank you so much for your follow-up comment! Yes, I realize that genre fiction is popular because of the entertainment factor. I did a post about this over on the Lit Lab awhile ago, titled Gourmet Gummies. My father proudly admitted that he just wants a dang good story. I agree - it's very important to have a good story and have it told well.
ReplyDeleteScott just did a post about reading for pleasure, and he talked about Moby Dick. Well, that's a classic I've never read, but from what he describes I highly doubt that I'd make it through that book, happily anyway. There are classics that are not told well, and it really is about the language or something else. I'm okay with that if I like what it's trying to do. If it's more about language, I'm good. I love poetry, which is often about language more than story. The entertainment is IN the language much of the time. It can go the other way around, as well.
Anyway, I love vampires, so I know I'd love Rice. I just don't like most of the YA vampires being created at the moment. There might be some I'm not aware of.
I've definitely added Bradbury to my list. And no my list has grown to almost 60 books - way above my 50 markline! Crap.
One of the things I'm trying to do with my own writing is just tell a good story. I thought Monarch was going to be really literary, but it's turning out not to be so much. In the end, I try to do the storytelling and the story justice, even if that means sacrificing some literary elements. Shocker, I know.
I will read just about anything, even the back of the cereal box! I truly enjoy reading historical fiction when it is well done. One of the my favorite authors is Eugenia Price.
ReplyDeleteBook recommendations one of my favourite things to do :)
ReplyDeleteI completely second His Dark Material by Philip Pullman, one of my favourite series ever and lots of symbolism and layers and just the best story.
In YA Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta was one of my favourite reads this year. I think you'd like it, it has a great mother/daughter relationship in it. And my fave YA, so far, The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen.
Anything by John Green but especially Paper Towns.
You might like Ally Carter's books about a teenage girl at spy school. They're a quick read but I love her writing.
And Diana Peterfreund's secret society girl books, set at an Ivy League college with a MC who is a Lit Major might appeal. I LOVE them.
I could go on and on but I'll stop now :)
Don't read anything until you finish To Kill a Mockingbird! Then go to the library and get a bunch of whatever-you-prefer books on tape to listen to while driving around or working in the house. :)
ReplyDeleteRita: Any suggestions on which book of hers to read first? I like historical fiction if it's done well and is accurate.
ReplyDeleteAlexa: Oh, Paper Towns is definitely going on my list. Natalie read the prologue to me. Wow. Natalie also told me about the spy ones. Those sound like a fun summer read!
Angie: Yes, Mockingbird is at the top of my list to finish, for sure.
I don't have a car and rarely drive, so that's out.
And... do you have a three year old? Listening to a book on tape at home would be impossible, just as sitting down to read is nearly impossible. *sigh*
I wish had the means to start her in school. I think she and I would both love that!
I'll read just about anything, but like you, I fell in love with the classics when they were shoved down my throat in high school. Some people considered Les Miserables a chore, I blew through that book long before it was due, then I read it again!
ReplyDeleteI think some of the best books mix genres effortlessly and appeal to a wider audience that way.
I'll look at your GoodReads list then email you some of my faves =)
Oh, man, I could go on and on and on, but I don't have the time for that right now! Just wanted to pop in and say thank you for another insightful post.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Check out a blog post of mine for an award I just passed on to you this afternoon. :D
I'm with Annie Louden on this one. I need a giant library in my personal possession to make me happy. As a kid, I was a voracious reader, and that love for reading spanned all the way into adulthood. I once tried to compile a list, but after 800 I gave up. haha
ReplyDeleteStef
http://52weeksofwordage.blogspot.com
I'm not starting the debate either :):) but I do agree that any well-written book in any genre has literary elements. What worries me is that in the rush to avoid being called a "literary snob" we, as both readers and writers, are too quick to drop the standards of what can be called a well-written book.
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted to hear that I'm not the only one who finds it impossible to read when I'm writing. Don't know why but if I'm writing I can't read another person's work and vice versa.
Good reading suggestions, more magical realism than fantasy I suppose, but here they are: The Painted Drum by Louise Erdrich. Waiting for the Barbarians by J M Coetzee. Memories of My Meloncholy Whores by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. The House of Spirits by Isabelle Allende. The Magic Toyshop by Angela Carter.
Hey unrelated to your blog post but i've nominated you for this:
ReplyDeletehttp://editorunleashed.com/2009/08/11/nominate-your-favorite-writing-blogs/
Glam, I have an award for you over at my blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm on goodreads too. I love it! :)
Sherrie: I agree that some of the best books mix genres and even age groups. It's hard to do effectively, though. I read Le Mis in high school, too. Great book! Especially all those chapters about the sewers of Paris.
ReplyDeleteWeronika: Thank you much! I appreciate your thoughts and will get that up soon.
Stef: Thank you for stopping by and commenting! Wow, 800? That seems very undoable, but shows that you have a wide taste!
Ann: Great suggestions, thank you! I'll check out those titles. Good point about being in a rush to avoid being called a lit snob. I just decided I might as well fess up to it, and I'll stand behind what I think makes a work well written.
Emily: Wow! I really appreciate your thoughtfulness! I went over there and checked out the nominations! Quite the collection!
Robyn: Thanks! I'll get that up soon. Good Reads is great. It keeps me organized!
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant & Fall on Your Knees by Ann-Marie MacDonald - two of my all time favorite books, both written brilliantly.
ReplyDeleteYou already know a lot about my reading routines. I read a lot and everything. I tend more to YA recently because it's what I write. I should join good reads. It sounds like the right place for me to get it all down and find good stuff. I'm going to go check it out.
ReplyDeleteLady Glamis, I would start with the Savannah Quartet, beginning with 'Savannah', then you will know if you enjoy here writing or not.
ReplyDeleteI second the Beka Cooper and Hunger Games recommendations, and I'll raise a John Green. Paper Towns is good, but heck, they're ALL good. I'm partial to An Abundance of Katherines.
ReplyDeleteOh Michelle, you crack me up...Lit Snob? Never heard that term before today! I love how your brain works and I learn lots from you, so if you're a lit snob then what does that make me?
ReplyDeleteI have a leaning tower of Pisa by my night stand too. Ever since I started the new WIP, it's been growing.
BTW, I love your new photo!
*The above comment was posted by mistake, so I deleted it.
ReplyDeleteThere are many great novels out there, and I am not sure what you have read. My list of books to read is extremely long (in the hundreds), plus I have many classics to read for English Literature class.
By the way, I have nominated you for the Kreativ Blogger Award:
http://flamesandshadows.wordpress.com/2009/08/17/kreativ-bloggers-award/
I recommend Donna Jo Napoli. She has a bit of a literary lean to her, and she does fabulous fairytale retellings. She is my definitive favorite author.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have an award for you: http://fromelysium.blogspot.com/2009/08/kreativ-bloggers-award.html
DANG IT. Lin Wang beat me to the punch again! That's okay. It just means you are doubly loved. :-)
Hmmm, suggestions in the Dirty Genres for a Lit Lover. I might have to think about this one.
ReplyDeleteOr at least try to find the ones that are still in print for you >.<
I will recommend Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. Especially his later books, which tend toward satire and introspection more. There is pure fun in them, but you can get a lot more out of them.
And I like Bujold's Vorkosigan saga for the fun of it, but also for the social commentary.
And you will probably like Jasper Fforde's series starting with the Eyre Affair. The only hesitation there is the language can be questionable.
You've got enough book suggestions for now but I give you... an award! Because you're kewl like that. ;)
ReplyDeletehttp://acjblogger.blogspot.com/2009/08/kreative-blogger-award-d.html
i love hearing a sister preach the truth :) you are so right!
ReplyDeleteit looks like you have a bajillion recommendations right now, so i'll only add one: although fantasy is new for her (she's most well known for her sci-fi), Lois McMaster Bujold has written a thoroughly engaging and literary Chalion trilogy. Check it out. She's awesome :)
If you haven't read Hunger Games, I'm driving to your house to slap you.
ReplyDeleteIf you are a snob, you are the nicest one I have ever met :)
ReplyDeleteAnd, I love the new blog pic...soooo pretty!
If you've already seen this on my blog, sorry to keep pushing it--but Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt is YA, fantasy, AND a National Book Award nominee. So you can kill the YA and fantasy with one stone while still reading something beautifully written. :)
ReplyDeleteYes. Not all Scott Westerfeld books are like the Uglies Series. I would definitely recommend the Midnighters books.
ReplyDeleteI have the classics on my bookshelf--read a couple of them! Will read more sometime later I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteK.M.: Thanks for the suggestions! I have so many on my list now, but I will look into these since I know you have great taste.
ReplyDeleteLois: So glad you joined Good Reads! Now I have a huge wealth of books to look through, hehe.
Rita: Thanks! I'll look into that one. I'm not a big fan of series, but I'll usually give one a shot.
Carrie: Thanks to Natalie, I'm going to be a John Green fan, I just know it! I think I'll start with Paper Towns since she read the prologue to me and I loved it.
Amy: Aww, thanks with your compliment about my photo. Yes, the leaning tower of Pisa, um, mine is getting so bad. I can't wait to take six months off of writing and just read!
Lin: Thanks for the nomination! You're so sweet. When I'm back from unplugged week (I cheat on Thursdays since it's my Lit Lab day) I'll get it up.
I remember when I was in college I took a picture of the books I had to read one semester. It was three feet high I think. Crazy!
Icy Roses: I AM doubly loved! Wow, thanks! A literary lean sounds good! I'll have to check her out.
Liana: I have the Eyre Affair. I just need to read it. I've hear Terry Pratchett can be good, so I'll have to had one of those to my list.
Amanda: Thanks so much!
Alex: Okay, you have me excited with the literary in italics! I'll look into that one.
Amber: Well, it's definitely high up on my list, so if I survive the slap I'll read it. :)
Tess: Thanks! Snob is a harsh term, yeah. That's why I go with the Lit Lover term instead.
Kim: Well, cool! I like two birds with one stone, hehe.
Dominique: Thanks, that's good to know, so maybe I'll give it a chance.
Rick: Thanks for stopping by. Glad you like some of the classics! What is your preferred genre?
Haha! Nice picture you choose for this post, it reminds me of James C Christensen artwork, where all the people are so wrapped up in themselves.
ReplyDeleteIt was SOOOOOO fun having you read the two short stories from Patricia C Wrede's "Book Of Enchantments" yesterday. Definitely worth the wait to hear your amused giggles. It's an open-ended offer to loan you the "Enchanted Forest Chronicles" starting with "Dealing With Dragons" if/when you ever do decide to dip into fantasy reading again. ;->
I've completely lost track of the number of books I've read. My parents taught me to read very young, and it ain't been the same since. But I spent so long reading sci-fi and fantasy that I completely neglected most of the classics. I'm trying to make up for that now, though.
ReplyDeleteI do like Lit Lover, as opposed to Lit Snob. My tastes are eclectic, and I read fast, so I don't mind taking strolls back down fantasy lane now and then. But I don't learn from those books. I learn from the classics. That's why, as I rediscover my writing, I'm sticking mostly to literary fiction. That's what'll teach me things. That's how I'll grow.
Even if I end up writing fantasy novels.
Lovely post, m'Lady.
Hehe, thanks for the comment Simon! I wish I read fast, but I don't. I imagine that later when my daughter is in school I'll read a lot more than I do now. :)
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