I wanted to wait a little to post after miss Rebecca (I LOVED the content) and it made me think: what do you remember most from a book? or maybe I should phrase it what do you look for in a book?
I just finished reading Rhett Butler's People (as a HUGE GWTW fan, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this) and I'm absolutely amazed. There were mirrored scenes but the perspectives were so different, yet BOTH authors "understood" the characters! (I don't want to post spoilers, but the ending had me going "NO!!!" and begging for a sequel)
What I remembered:
1) how the same scenes were described by two people and BOTH were amazing
2) (unfortunately) the headhopping POV. but it didn't matter, the book was so engaging!
What I was looking forward to in the book:
1) Rhett's perspective
2) revisiting the story from another angle
3) more characters!
And all were answered.
Okay, back to the point. On another chat, we were discussing cliches in romance and redundant categories. In Leigh Michaels 'Writing the Romance Novel' she breaks down romances by theme: era, hidden baby, chick-lit... etc...
During the thread, someone had mentioned reading the same(paraphrased) line in two different books - same theme. (No, I'm not touching on Cassie Edwards, promise!)
Which someone replied, there is no new material in romance.
ACK! Say it isn't so!
BUT, what do you think?
When you look for a new book, do you consider these:
1) familiar author
2) desired theme (era, hidden baby)
3) if you read a specific category/line (erotic, sweet, teen) will you read a new author because it's that line?
4) friend's recommendation
Whoops, I guess there are several questions in this post :)
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Friday, February 1, 2008
posted by Sydney Shay at 3:49 PM
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4 Comments:
At February 1, 2008 at 4:57 PM, 
Gina Ardito aka Katherine Brandon said........
Gina Ardito aka Katherine Brandon said........
You're mixing sub-genre with theme. There are limited themes: secret baby, fish out of water, beauty and the beast, etc. Sub-genres seem to come and go in cycles: paranormal, historical, chick-lit, etc.
And while the two are both limited in their own realms, when you combine them, add a strong voice, and a new twist, the possibilities become endless.
I don't generally look for any particular theme or sub-genre when I bookshop. I look for a story that "feels" right for me, based on the blurb. If the storyline sounds promising, I buy.
And while the two are both limited in their own realms, when you combine them, add a strong voice, and a new twist, the possibilities become endless.
I don't generally look for any particular theme or sub-genre when I bookshop. I look for a story that "feels" right for me, based on the blurb. If the storyline sounds promising, I buy.
At February 2, 2008 at 1:01 PM, Sandra Cormier said........
Sandra Cormier said........
I used to reach for familiar authors, but was disappointed in the results. Now I go for the jacket copy to see if the premise is something I'd be interested in.
Themes and sub-genres aren't a concern with me -- as long as the story is intriguing, I'm in for the duration.
On a non-romance level, I've NEVER been disappointed in a Dick Francis novel. They are all refreshing and individual.
Themes and sub-genres aren't a concern with me -- as long as the story is intriguing, I'm in for the duration.
On a non-romance level, I've NEVER been disappointed in a Dick Francis novel. They are all refreshing and individual.
So, in answer to your question I don't really give too much thought to how I choose my the books I read. If the first paragraph grabs me then I'll keep reading!