Today’s question: Do you have a specialized blog where you only review a certain genre or type of book? If so, what is your favorite thing about that type of book? If not, what is/are your favorite genre(s)? What makes that genre(s) a favorite?
These are some great questions this week. Wendi, I can’t tell by the questions you are sick. I hope that you feel better very soon. I’m going to answer them in the order they are asked:
Do you have a specialized blog where you only review a certain genre or type of book?
The short answer is no. I do not specialize in any one genre. I could say that I typically read and review only fiction, but I have reviewed memoirs (none of them have been discovered to actually be fiction at this time) and a few other random non-fiction selections. Even within fiction I read many types of novels. Although I do read a lot of historical fiction, I don’t feel I read enough to qualify as historical fiction specific. I like some variety, so reading only one specific genre would eventually get old for me.
If not, what is/are your favorite genre(s)? What makes that genre(s) a favorite?
I have three favorite genres: Historical Fiction, Gothic Fiction, and the Classics.
The Classics
I have always loved to read the classics. As a child, I loved to read the older Newberry Award winners. I don’t know if that would technically qualify a young adult novel as a classic, but it works for me. As I grew more mature, The Great Gatsby ignited my imagination for adult classics. I found a book in my library that contained X number of books you should read before college and that is where I discovered other classics such as All Quiet on the Western Front, Catch-22, Edgar Allen Poe, and the short stories of Nathaniel Hawthorne. In college I read a number of traditional British and American classics. Most notably I read James Joyce’s Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man and Ulysses. I was always happy to find classics on the reading list. Between college and grad school, a co-worker turned me on to Jane Austen. In quick succession I read all of her novels, beginning with Mansfield Park, which was my favorite. In grad school, I finally read several of William Faulkner’s novels (I love A Light in August) and To Kill a Mockingbird.
Gothic Fiction
I never really thought about genre per se until I was attending Hollins University’s M.A.L.S. program. Hollins is a small Southern liberal arts university and, as noted above by teaching Faulkner and Harper Lee, my education there opened my eyes to the Southern Gothic tradition. I then realized that I had always tended to read more Gothic literature. Poe and Hawthorne were my early favorites, but even as a young grade school student, one of my favorite books was The Ghost of Windy Hill by Clyde Robert Bulla. I haven’t read it in ages, but I believe it was qualify. I like dark fiction, whether it is just dark in tone or down right scary (but not too scary – I don’t like Horror much at all). I researched Gothic authors and that led me to read Wuthering Heights and Patrick McGrath, who one of my favorite living authors. Asylum is a superb novel and I would encourage anyone to read it. His novel from last year, Trauma, is also great. I think what appeals to me most of all in Gothic literature is that you are more likely to encounter an unreliable narrator. I just love that. I would take one of those voices any day over a prim, proper and completely honest one. Other Gothic fiction I’ve read and reviewed here is The Thirteenth Tale and The Sister. Both of those novels are wonderful.
Historical Fiction
Last but not least is Historical Fiction. This is my newest love affair with genre. Again, I had always loved novels like Gone with the Wind and Little Women, but it wasn’t until I read The Other Boleyn Girl that my passion for this genre, and Tudor England in specific, came to life. For that, I will always owe Philippa Gregory a debt of gratitude. What’s interesting to me about this genre is the range of fans, that spans almost as far and wide as there is history to capture on the page. Although I tend to be more forgiving of historical inaccuracies within my fiction for the sake of a great plot, there are others who want the research to be there and for explanations of why authors chose to treat one character over another in a particular light. This was evidenced in my post from last week. Either way, I believe we all have smashing good taste in literature.
Enough about me
Are you a genre junky or do you like to play the field? I would be interested in hearing about how or why you choose the books that you do.
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Jennifer – this is fun to think about – I started as a classicist, then became a medievalist, then threw all the footnotes, etc., away for historical fiction, though Greek and Roman fiction bores me tearfully now.
For some reason, I am interested in the 15th century in England, but prefer to get my information now through creative folks’ writings.
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I thought it was a fun topic, too. I’ve not had an opportunity to read much Greek or Roman fiction. It’s not something I’d find myself drawn to instinctively. I just finished reading The Kingmaking by Helen Hollick last week. I really enjoyed it, but I had trouble with some of the names. I ended up making names I could pronounce for some of the characters. Whatever works, right?
You know me….it’s all about the historical fiction baby! Really nice post Jennifer!
Amy @ Passages to the Past’s last blog post..word verification on Blogger
Thanks, Amy! We’ll dwell in the past together.
Loved the post – have your read The Winthrop Woman by Phillipa Gregory? It was one of the first historical novels I read a long time ago. It was wonderful. Still like the genre although they are often rather lengthy and sometimes I have to go with something a little shorter due to time constraints – very frustrating. But time is time!
LibrarysCat
LibrarysCat’s last blog post..Tuesday Things
I have read The Winthrop Woman. Philippa Gregory wrote the introduction, but Anya Seton wrote the novel. It was a wonderful novel. Here is my review. I have to agree with you that some historicals can get long and drawn out. There is a fine line between making a person or time in history come to life and beating the reader over the head with all the details.
I love your post! I play the field. I do love a good memoir and do read other non-fiction from time to time, but I read mostly fiction.
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Kathy, I heard that about you, but I didn’t want to believe it.
It’s always nice to get a little variety, but I generally stick with fiction. There’s just something about it.
“..but I have reviewed memoirs (none of them have been discovered to actually be fiction at this time) ..”
I love that line! lol
All too sadly true. I have decided that all memoirs are fiction, to some degree at least. But they still can be very interesting.
caite’s last blog post..It’s no mystery why I love Tuesday Thinger!
Memoirs have gotten a little sullied of late so I wanted to make sure that people knew I was aware of that. LOL I think you’re right about memoirs and memories in general.
I play the field but mostly like urban fantasy/ paranormal, YA and the classics (including children classics). You picked some great genres that I also enjoy reading when I’m in the right mood.
I think it is really interesting all the different types of books out there to read. I just got a book in the mail today that might qualify as urban fantasy called The Shadow Year by Jeffrey Ford.
My favorite genres are mystery, suspense and romance. Your blog is really pretty!
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Thank you so much, Yvonne!
I loved The Great Gatsby too, and The Thirteenth Tale! I agree – no horror for me.
I like a wide range of genres, so it’s hard to name a favorite.
Alyce’s last blog post..Tuesday Thingers – February 24
Great topic
I like the classics too. And Wuthering Heights is one of my favorites. I love Philippa Gregory! So far i’ve read The Constant Princess and The Virgins Lover, and I want to read the rest of her books, she is great.
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Hey Jennifer! Stop on by my blog – I have an award for you!
Amy @ Passages to the Past’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
Oh – how I love historical fiction! You know, I thought I would mainly review fiction, and I’m amazed at how many non-fiction have worked their way in!
Thanks for stopping by and participating in Thingers last week! I’ve got the post up for this week. ~ Wendi
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[...] Between college and grad school , a co-worker turned me on to Jane Austen. In quick succession I read all of her novels, beginning with Mansfield Park, which was my favorite. In grad school , I finally read several of William Faulkner’s …Continue Reading [...]