Rarely read genres – suggestions please…

August 10, 2017 Emma29 Comments

read-1342499_1920 I often say I never read romance novels, or historical fiction, or sci-fi, but none off these are completely true…well, maybe other than romance novels as I am not much of a hearts and flowers type of girl, even in real life. I’ve also never read a graphic novel.

Looking back over my list of reads for the past year or so, I have definitely read books that would fall into the sci-fi category (though likely only just…none have been set in space, which probably shows my ignorance of what makes a sci-fi book sci-fi) and a few were set in the past, which means they classify as historical fiction (I think?).

My perception of what falls into these genres is part of my problem – so thinking sci-fi books should be set in space for example or my initial reaction each time someone uses the term historical fiction to think of Philippa Gregory and her Tudor set novels.

Are you the same – do you have genres you stay away from (which ones and why?) or perceptions about what you might be reading if you pick up a book from a particularly type?

As I try to stretch my reading chops, I have decided that reading genres I say I don’t read would be a good way to go. And, rather than floundering about and picking books which end up just confirming my perceptions because they aren’t the best of their ilk, I thought I would ask my fellow bloggers out there for suggestions.

So, if you love romance (pun intended), sci-fi or historical fiction, what should I read – new or old – what will convince me that I do like these genres after all?

I thank you kindly in advance for your suggestions.

Emma x

Note: image courtesy of Pixabay

Book Blogger Hop: Who Am I Reading For?

April 29, 2016 Emma18 Comments

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…

Do you read and review books mainly for publishers or authors?

For me, the answer is no, I mainly review books I buy, am given, or pick up at the library. I pick books for so many reasons, because I love the author, the genre, have heard good things about it or I feel like a change, like I need to step out of my comfort zone. A good cover will sway me every time.

I don’t review all of those because sometimes life gets in the way and it’s been a few weeks since I finished the book then I simply don’t get round to reviewing it as a result. Sometimes, I just don’t finish the book because it isn’t for me.

I feel I have to finish books given to me as review copies so I try to limit how many of these I request/read because having too many of those on my reading list can feel quite overwhelming. If other things then come up – as they usually do – I feel I have to review these, and often to certain timeframes, and then can’t actually enjoy them because I’m just reading for reading’s sake.

Sometimes I think it would be nice to get more new releases in advance, and it would definitely help my bank balance, but my time management is pretty rubbish at the best of times, never mind with reading, so I think, for me this is the way to go.

What about you, do review mainly your own books or those from publishers/authors?

Emma

Who I’d Take Trick or Treating

October 31, 2014 Emma8 Comments

This week, I’m linking in again with Billy from Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer, who posts a weekly question on his Blog. This week, as it’s Halloween, the question is…

You can go trick or treating with any fictional character (book or film). Who would you go with?

When I lived in the states I used to love going trick or treating with my friend and her kids. It was a lot of fun. Thinking about my favourite characters, because of the types of books I tend to read, I wasn’t sure many of them would be fun to go with. More likely we’d stumble on a dead body or the world would end (though both of these are actually quite appropriate when I think about it!).

Scanning my bookshelves made me realise how few light-hearted characters I read. I did come across one though that seemed perfect – Bridget Jones.

I figure if you are going to go trick or treating as a grownup then you need to have a laugh doing it. I think Bridget would be the perfect person to not take the whole thing too seriously with and she’d definitely be up for dressing up in fancy dress.

Who would you pick? Someone sweet, scary or fun?

If you’d like to see who Billy, or other bloggers, have chosen for their hero, hop on over by clicking on the link below.