I’m such a snob when it comes to books. For example, the other day a fellow teacher came to chat after school, and she began telling me about a book she was reading. I couldn’t tell you the name because my brain didn’t feel it worth storing away. She described the book as a deeply sad, yet beautiful, emotional book. As she went on about how depressing-yet-great the book is, I kept thinking, “why would you want to waste valuable time reading something dreary when you could delve into an epic fantasy of high adventure and fun characters?”
I read to escape reality. If a book requires a box of tissues to be handy at all times, it’s not for me. Give me a rip-roaring adventure any time! But that's me. What about you? What type of books draw you in? Are you a happy-ender type of person like me? Or maybe you can’t resist a good emotional foray into the character’s troubled life? Perhaps you prefer books that educate? Whichever way you gravitate, share it with us. I'd love to hear from you!
I definitely prefer "deeply sad, yet beautiful, emotional books." Not that I turn my nose up at a good old-fashioned adventure. ;) But I find that books that get me emotionally invested have a much bigger impact and stick with me longer. I don't think I'd be the person I am today- certainly not the writer- without having read books like Jane Eyre, A Tale of Two Cities, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, The Little Prince, and Lord of the Rings- all of which threatened to make me cry at times.
ReplyDeleteOn a different note, The Once and Future King, by T.H. White, is a wonderful combination of the two- fun characters involved in a sometimes tear-jerking plot that also has plenty of high adventure and humor. I would highly recommend it- but be warned, it's nearly 700 pages long. :)
~Brenna
Hi Brenna, I was just reading a book that mentioned The Once and Future King. Sounds like I need to check it out!
DeleteI think it's the "sad" that gets me. I don't mind deep emotional stories as long as I can smile when I'm done:)
Hmm, good question! I like some of each, I guess :) I mostly read as an escape, but I do like books that make me think and feel, especially if it gets resolved into a happy ending! That's why I love books like the Harry Potter series, where there's lots of humor and adventure but some real meaning behind it, too.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! The Harry Potter series definitely has emotion but lots of humor and adventure and with a pretty happy ending, which makes it a great series!
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ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting perspective, Spruce. I personally find that reading books in which the characters face challenges and tragedies can help me face my personal problems, rather than making them worse. But I can completely understand your point of view on it. :)
Delete~Brenna
Hi! We definitely think alike in this! I like the way you said about if the book is adding to the problems of life, then it's not doing its job:)
DeleteI also completely understand your perspective, Brenna. I understand why it makes sense and why people like sad books, but I guess I'm just not one of those people. :)
DeleteI find that the older I get the more I enjoy the stories that pose a moral dilemma or tug on my heart strings, if the overall story is uplifting in some way. I haven't read The Book Thief, but I enjoyed the movie. The idea of Death as a narrator was unique, and I enjoyed the historical aspect of it.
ReplyDeleteI think if the story overall is uplifting, then I'm with you. If I walk away sad, then not my cup of tea.
DeleteI am definitely a person who likes happy endings. I also read to escape, so if the book I'm reading is adding to my problems, it's doing the exact opposite of what it's supposed to do.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I do love books with deep, thought-provoking messages, and books where you get really attached to the characters. (These are some of my favorite books.)I just like it when you get really good messages, and get emotionally attached to characters, and the books have a happy ending. That's all.
By the way, I'm not meaning to offend anyone, I just have really strong opinions about this topic. Sorry!
I completely understand where you're coming from!
I'm so glad someone else feels like I do about this issue!
This was a fun "Your Turn" post! Thank you so much!
Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry if my reply made you think you offended me! I wasn't offended at all, just excited to discuss this topic and hear different points of view. I'm so sorry. :(
Delete~Brenna
Happy-enders unite! I will read the last paragraph or page every time I pick up a new book, because I don't want to be let down or depressed after spending all that time investing in these characters! I mean, really -- you want to be depressed? Watch the news.
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