Opposite of the April 30th topic, the Broke and the Bookish want to know what are the Top Ten Words/Topics That Will Make You NOT pick up a book. I want to be entertained or enlightened and engaged when I'm reading. I often read "serious" books, ones that deal with difficult topics, that can make me cringe during certain scenes. However, if some of these topics are repeated too many times in the synopsis, they can make me put the book down (though not always). I think I've become more sensitive to certain things since becoming a parent. It's something my hubby has notice too. There are really only three phrases in this vein.
1. Child abuse
2. Serial killer
3. In the mind of the killer.
I just can't handle it if it's graphic. I read a novel once, and it was so graphically violent and constantly violent, it bothered me for ages. I also don't like it when violence is used to replace character growth.
Below are words/topics that turn me away for other reasons. Mostly because I get bored/annoyed. I read a pretty wide variety of genres, but if these words are too prominent, I'm bound to put the book down and move on to the next one. I like fluff sometimes, but not too much.
4. Girl needs saving
5. Love triangle
6. Boy/man teaches girl/woman about love
Well, apparently I couldn't make it to ten. This is just my opinion and is completely subjective. I have read books that all 6 of those topics were a part of (though not the same book, though that might be interesting.) I read a fair amount of Young Adult books (I think), but if I see the equivalent of any of those three phrases splashed all over the synopsis, quotes, etc, I often find a different YA book to read. In the end, I think it's about quality, not quantity. You know what I mean?
Violent is something I don't do. Too scary. I agree.
ReplyDeleteHere's my Top Ten list.
I read a serial killer book without realizing it was a serial killer book and it was way too disturbing for me.
DeleteSerial killers are out for me unless it's fiction. If it's nonfiction then I am all freaked out looked around to see if anyone is following me!
ReplyDeleteAngie
My Top Ten
I have never and would never read a non-fiction serial killer book. I had a back experience with a fictional serial killer. A book would have to be something more to get me to go there again.
DeleteThe amount of people that have Love Triangles on there lists are fascinating. They don't bother me if done right.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. Great list.
My TTT List
That's it, right? IF they are done right. I don't mind Love Triangles if they're done in conjunction with the plot, not as the basis for the whole plot.
DeleteYour 4-6 are peeves of mine as well. Love triangles in particular put me off books so fast! I can't believe how prominent they've become lately.
ReplyDeleteThey are everywhere! Even if it's in the book, maybe don't mention it too prominently in the description? Then I might actually pick the book up.
DeleteI completely agree with no. 4 & 6, I mean come on! And books about child abuse and serial killers? No thanks. The only book like that I've read was Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood, which was good but I think the only reason why I decided to go against my basic instincts was because it was Margaret Atwood.
ReplyDeleteAlias Grace is on my to-read list. I want to read it because it's Atwood and one of her "classics".
DeleteI'm definitely not big on child abuse. I do read a lot of crime fiction, though, so it's kind of dependent on how it's presented in the book.
ReplyDeleteI just don't like the violence aspect when it's used instead of actual character development. Maybe I've just had a couple bad experiences. I'm not saying I'd never read books with any of my words/phrases in them, they just have to be done right.
DeleteThose are really great words. I didn't think about it, but the really graphic serial killer kind of books are definitely a turn off for me too.
ReplyDeleteThanks! One book put me off anything "serial killer" related.
DeleteI hate it when books have girls, or a girl that needs saving. Like we're not strong enough to save ourselves?
ReplyDeleteAwesome list! :D
My TTT
I'm definitely a save yourself kind of girl.
DeleteLove triangles have become SO predictable that they bore me now. Great list!
ReplyDeleteIF they are done right, I don't mind Love Triangles. They have to be woven into the plot, not as the basis for the whole plot.
DeleteI do not like anything to violent either. Thank you for your recent visit to my blog.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind some violence in a story, but I don't like a constant stream. Thanks for stopping by!
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