I
‘m joining in with Billy at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer‘s book blogger hop again this week, where they post a question which you and other bloggers answer, hopping from blog to blog to see people’s answers. This week, the question is…
Have you ever ventured out of your comfort zone in terms of reading a genre you have never read? If so, did you get hooked on that new genre?
For me, the answer is a big yes on going outside my comfort zone – though I don’t do it as often as I should. It’s often thanks to my book club, because we each take turns picking a book and none of us have same tastes, but I also try to purposely pick books that don’t “fit” with my normal reading patterns.
This last year that has included romance (with Colleen Hoover’s November 9) and young adult (with Patrick Ness’ The Rest of Us Just Live Here). I enjoyed both and I’d definitely pick up books by both authors again. BUT I don’t think it converted me to either genre. Being able to test books out is one of the reasons I love using my library…there is no risk and no cost. I think I’d be less willing if I had to pay for books in genres I may not like.
Where I struggle more is that when I have a choice I nearly always go for authors I already know because there are too many books by my favourite writers I still haven’t read or – when I come across a new author I like – I become slightly obsessed with reading their back catalogue. This year, to counter that, I’ve been making a conscious effort to read debut novels. So far this has gone really well and I’ve discovered some authors I hope to read for years to come.
What about you, do you stick to one genre or is it anything goes?
emma
One Readers Thoughts 
I tend to stick to my genres but I am trying to push myself a little more. I liked the few scifi books that I’ve read and I’d love to read more of that and more fantasy type books but sometimes it’s hard to step out of my regular zones! I do want to read Ness and Hoover. Both sound amazing!
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It is hard sometimes I agree – hence my library addiction – find reviews on other blogs can be a trigger for me to take a risk.
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I read a lot of genres but there are a few I tend to avoid – romance, westerns, war stories. Silly, because there are good books in all genres – it all comes down to the writing in the end. But sadly there’s only so much reading time in the day, and like you I’m always behind with books from existing favourite authors and genres…
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I think for me I stay away from some genres because of childhood memories…romance = mills and boon for example. It is hard to break those stereotypes.
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Romance and Young Adult Fiction are two of my favorite genres. They’re not the only ones I read, though; I also love fantasy, science fiction, and urban fantasy.
I’ve heard lots of good things about Colleen Hoover, but have yet to read any of her books. I really should!
I think it’s great that you’re making an effort to broaden your reading horizons! That way, you’ve been encountering new authors you know you’ll be reading in the future. I need to do more of this myself!
Thanks for sharing! Hope you have a great weekend!! 🙂
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I am very much the same with music – I’ll give anything a go…of course it helps with library books you can take them back if they don’t work out for you 😉
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I stay where I am comfortable and not just in my reading zone. 🙂
I hope you have a wonderful reading weekend.
Happy Hopping!!
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My Blog Hop Answer
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Sounds like a good place to be!
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I love libraries for the same reason! If I’m iffy about a book, I head to the library. 🙂
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It does make life easier and cheaper!
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I can’t stick to one genre because there is so much out there that is great. I do read in spells of genre. But my favorite is Historical, Paranormal and Time Travel (to the past)
Sportochick’s Musings Answer
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I agree…too many good books you might miss. I haven’t really read paranormal before but have a few books that sound good in the genre on my to read list.
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I have found my online book groups have gotten me to try books I might not have otherwise too. Usually I end up really liking the books chosen, which is always a plus. Occasionally, I don’t. I am glad you are exploring new authors this year! There a number of promising ones out there. Sometimes I wish I wasn’t so drawn to them as there are many whose backlists I do want to read. Someday, I tell myself. I just have to make someday come!
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Too many books, too little time is the problem…maybe if I stopped reading reviews and adding to my to read list
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