This week’s Top Ten Tuesday (hosted by The Broke and the Bookish) was supposed to be centered around words/subjects that deter me from picking up books. As I started compiling my list, it took on almost a negative aspect as I considered subjects outside of my wheelhouse. It felt like book-bashing, in a way, and didn’t leave me with any means to recommend titles. With that in mind, I decided to tweak this week’s topic a bit to make it more positive. Ahem:
Top Ten Words/Subjects that Almost Kept Me from Reading These Great Books!
Keep in mind as you explore my list that most of these were not on my reading list because of their subjects but ended up being an experiment gone very, very well when I finally did read them.
#1 Circus
The impression I’ve always held of circuses is that they are dirty, freaky, secretive institutions where animals are abused and people go missing… I may be watching too much TV. In any case, I’d never have the desire to read about a circus before, but something about the intrigue and romance of this book compelled me to open it. It’s still one of my favorites. :-)
#2 Werewolves/Vampires
Now, I’ll admit that I’ve pretty much devoured as many things on this subject as I could once I got hooked, but before this book, I was a supernatural hater. These creatures were gross and I really didn’t want anything to do with them… until a love story was introduced. All I can say is, I’m grateful to Handeland for opening up such a wide range of entertainment for me.
#3 Historical
I read to escape reality, so the idea of reliving stories that I wanted to sleep through in grade school was a definite turnoff. I still can’t read totally historic novels, but have come to appreciate and even love those with a fantasy twist.
#4 Elves in Space
What an odd concept. This was an ultimate mix of fantasy, romance, urban fantasy, and science fiction. And you know what? It worked. I’m reading it for the second time and it’s still good.
#5 S&M
I wouldn’t say I’m comfortable with this subject, per se, but I’m definitely glad I didn’t let it deter me from reading these novels. They are some of the most epic, rich fantasies I’ve ever read with outstanding characters. They also have an element of history, too, but I didn’t know that before picking them up.
#6 Arthurian Lore
The tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the round table has been beaten to death in my brain. I avoid anything on the subject like the plague because I am just plain tired of the story. Wings was such a new take on the subject that it was actually my favorite part of these books.
#7 Mythology
I don’t know if it’s my aversion to history or my undeniable need to escape reality when I read, but before this book, I had shunned everything so blatantly mythological. I viewed it as almost a copout – using creatures that already exists in history so you don’t have to create your own… Since, I’ve become much less of a snob and realize that some of the best tales come from putting your own spin on classic creations.
#8 Talking Deer
You heard me. Much like Watership Down, this is a book about the life struggles of a deer. It appealed to my love of nature and animals as well as the classic “good overcomes evil” storyline. I don’t think there’s anything I can say that a makes this book not sound lame – ha ha. Take my word for it, it was a good read.
#9 Candy Magic
I never had any intention of reading this book, thinking it couldn’t possibly be anything other than juvenile and cheesy… then Mull rocked my world with Fablehaven, so I gave it a try. Although the subject matter is geared towards a younger audience, the writing is surprisingly sophisticated and creative. It made me feel like a kid again, but in a smart way.
#10 True Story
I don’t know if I could’ve read nonfiction unless it was animal-related. I actually have quite a collection of nature books, but they are so off subject that I don’t feature them on my blog. Instead of facts, Grogan recounts the events as if he were telling a story – filled with loads of creative embellishments that made me forget I was reading a nonfiction book. It was beautiful, and I will definitely be reading it again someday.
Well, there’s my list – I hope you enjoyed it! :-)
I like your positive twist on the topic. Glad to hear The Night Circus is an enjoyable read even if you are put off by the circus :)
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Thank you – I daresay the Night Circus was one of my favorite books last year. It was beautiful! :-)
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True Stories are terrible to read, I read a few of those ‘I was a slave/tortured…’ and it was horrible :X
And S&M? Ugh, never! XD I just cannot stand to think about that. Prude much? :D
I do love mythology though but it needs to be well written. Just anything won’t do.
My TTT
My DESIGNS blog
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Yeah, nonfiction is definitely not for me – I read to escape reality. And as far as S&M is concerned? I think “normal” is a better word than “prude”. ;)
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Talking deer? LOL, that sounds creepy. :P
Historical books are sadly not really my thing either. ):
Awesome list! :D
My TTT
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Yeah, it kind of is creepy… There’s no way I can recommend it with a straight face LOL.
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I typically stay away from all talking animals. I also avoid true stories (as they usually involve someone dying), books where I know someone dies, and I’ve never had it come up before, but I avoid elves in space. Actually, while I don’t dismiss all space books, I do tend to ignore them. I don’t really like circuses either, although I can’t say why. As for s&m, as long as its consensual I don’t usually have a problem, but it’s not something I look for, and I hated Kushiels Dart.
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LOL, aw, come on – doesn’t a talking deer sound like fun? We should come up with a hybrid story including all of the things you just listed. ;) And I still maintain that you didn’t give Kushiel enough time.
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I gave it half the book. I think that was more than enough time.
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