Words/Topics that Make You NOT Pick Up a Book
I’m not going to lie, when I started to really get back into reading a few years ago I was a major book snob. There were a lot of things that I wouldn’t read So for this TTT I’m going to give you the 7 things I used to not read because of certain criteria and the 3 that I currently shy away from but will never say never. Because as you will see from my list, I would have missed out on some awesomeness if I didn’t bend and change and give things a chance.
Used to Stay Away From
1) Books with any sort of fantasy element. I refused to read them until this year where I was convinced to read Graceling.
2) Titles that sounded too mushy like Anna and the French Kiss. Yup, almost didn’t read it. Got over that one very very quickly.
3) Books with mystical creatures like in The Iron King series. Another book I picked up just this year because I forced myself to read things I wouldn’t have read in the past.
4) Dystopian books in general. Wanted no part of them. Thought they were weird and awkward. But I picked up Delirium and dipped my toes in the water with that one and was hooked instantly.
5) Angels. Didn’t think it would interest me at all and then I read A Beautiful Dark, almost by accident. Totally hooked on the series and angels aren’t so bad.
6) Anything paranormal. I totally turned my nose up at all things paranormal and then someone told me to read Shiver, Linger and Forever. Not as bad as I thought.
7) Cancer books. Cancer books are a hard sell sometimes. But after reading The Probability of Miracles, Send Me a Sign and Second Chance Summer, I’ve rethought my stance on books dealing with cancer.
Have No Interest as of Right Now
1) Vampire books. Sure I’ve read a few of the True Blood books, but I’m just really not that into the whole deal with vampires. I think everyone and their mother trying to get me to read Twilight did that to me.
2) Dragons. I read Fire by Kristin Cashore which had a dragon like monster and it wasn’t my favorite so I still shy away from these kinds of books.
3) Magic/Wizardry. I’m talking to you Harry Potter. It never has appealed to me on any level.
So there you have it. A little different from the topic, but my take on it. Like I said though, never say never.
*Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish
**Top Ten Tuesday photo made by me. If you would like to use it please give credit.
***Click on the book covers to purchase.
I know what you mean about Anna and the French Kiss. I almost did not read it because of the title, what an idiot! Cancer is still one of those things I’ll still walk away from books though I admit there are some pretty good books that deal with that particular subject. I don’t know, I guess it’s just too depressing.
(by the way, have you read The Scorpio Races or The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater? I thought those were way better than Shiver etc.)
I have yet to read those two Stiefvater books yet. I’m not 100% sure they are my thing but I am all about the challenge. Thanks.
Try Raven Boys…so good. I hated Shiver…but love love love this story. They mythology/mystery in it is great…and its definitely more of a mystery than paranormal – at least so far – so I’d call it paranormal-light.
The Twilight and Sookie Stackhouse books are very different. That being said, I do think that the book world is over-saturated with vampire books. I started reading about vampires way back in the late nineties, way before either of those books ever came out, before people were trying to date the vampires, back when they were scary and humans grabbed the nearest stake…
My Top Ten
Ah, the good old days of Vampires before they became “mainstream”! HA.
Thanks for stopping by.
I still haven’t gotten over my distaste for dystopian… Hopefully soon, though! I feel like I’m missing out on so many great books that a lot of people love because I just cannot stand it.
Maybe a contemporary dsytopian that might help. Something like The Program by Suzanne Young. That book was fantastic.
Thanks for stopping by.
I like how you split this out into fears you’ve conquered and ones still maintained. Very cool! Sounds like fantasy isn’t really your thing for the most part, but that’s okay, and it will still be there if you change your mind!
I wanted to do it a little different rather than a gripe fest. It was depressing me to talk about what I don’t like. š
Thanks for stopping by.
Dragons are on my list too. They don’t interest me at all. I love how you’ve set out your list this week.
Thanks! I was trying to switch it up and not be so negative.
Yeah, dragons, not really into.
dragons are awesome..you’re missing out…though leaves more for me to read =) lol
I like how you did this. Since I started reading more blogs and writing my own blog I’ve definitely expanded the genres that I read. It’s hard to stay biased against books when you’re hearing such great things about them!
Thanks! I agree. You can’t really turn down a whole set of books because of something. That is something that I’m learning this year and trying to do less of. You never know what you are missing.
Thanks for visiting.
I almost didn’t read Anna and the French Kiss because the title is so mushy too! Thank goodness we both gave it a chance.
And I’ve heard that Eon – a kind of dragon book – is good. Maybe you should give that a shot?
My TTT
I second the recommendation for Eon. So amazing and yes there are dragons in it but their is also great topics of gender identity and political intrigue and just a great well crafted story. Plus its filled with characters of diversity. I really need to find time for the sequel.
I’ll have to look into Eon now that there is 2 recommends for me. Like I said, never say never.
Thanks for stopping by.
Two suggestions to really gauge how you feel about dragons and wizardry: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman and for high fantasy A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin. For a book you’ll actually love with wizards and what not: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins.
You’ve said Hex Hall before. Hmm…
Fun take on the list. And go clever you on getting Anna onto it. lol š
Thought you would like that. I was determined to make it work some way and when I had this idea it was perfect. Ha
I almost skipped Anna and the French Kiss as well. My life is happier having read it! I know there is a Lola and the Boy Next Door…I am wondering if I should try it and risk ruining a good thing!
Lola was adorable too. Different than Anna, but you still get that great feel-good vibe. And it’s possible that Anna and Etienne may just make an appearance. š
Thanks for stopping by.
Meh, yeah vampires are so over-done. It’s nice to see that you’ve come around on certain topics that you used to hate though! Thanks for stopping by.
I love your take on this topic! I may shake off my own werewolf-skepticism and give Shiver a try.