This week's question:
When a book goes “viral” (Hunger Games, Fifty Shades, Twilight), do you rush out to read it like everyone else, even if it’s not in your typical genre?
My answer:
I don't just read a book because it is really popular - it also has to sound interesting. I try to watch what I read and don't read that many mainstream books.
I did read The Hunger Games series because a fellow blogging friend recommended it (and I did enjoy it). The only other books I've recently read that may be considered "viral" were Divergent and Insurgent by Veronica Roth. :)
Even in the Christian genre, I haven't read some of the "viral" books (i.e. The Shack, Heaven is for Real) and won't because they don't sound like good books (in my opinion).
So, in answer to this question, no, I don't normally rush out to read a "viral" book. :)
I did read The Hunger Games series because a fellow blogging friend recommended it (and I did enjoy it). The only other books I've recently read that may be considered "viral" were Divergent and Insurgent by Veronica Roth. :)
Even in the Christian genre, I haven't read some of the "viral" books (i.e. The Shack, Heaven is for Real) and won't because they don't sound like good books (in my opinion).
So, in answer to this question, no, I don't normally rush out to read a "viral" book. :)
There is my answer, what is yours? Please share in a comment below.
Actually, I avoid books that are overly popular. I don't think that just because many people like it, it's automatically good (well, just reading the summary of Fifty Shades of Grey, I'm certain it's not good).
ReplyDeletePlus, there's someone wonderful about finding a gem of a book that isn't well-known.
^_^
Thanks for commenting! I don't read a lot of popular books either (probably because most aren't Christian fiction) and it is great to find a great read that isn't popular (yet!) :)
DeleteI don't rush out to read the latest craze either. I am careful what I read especially from the secular market. Fifty Shades of Gray was definitely not on my reading list nor will it ever be! I do pay attention to see what IS the latest craze just out of curiosity, but I'm not compelled to run out and buy it just because others are reading it.
ReplyDeleteI slightly pay attention to what is the latest craze, but not much. It is kind of hard to not hear about some books, though, with book blogging...
DeleteThanks for commenting, Julie! :)
Good question! I've personally been struggling with whether or not to read The Hunger Games, since, obviously, everyone is practically going nuts about it {literally!}. But after praying about it {a LOT!} and discussing it with my parents, I decided that though they series might be good, there is probably better books to spend my time reading. I realized that in my heart-of-hearts, the only reason why I wanted to read the series wasn't because I thought I'd be interested in them or enjoy the books, but because I wanted to be able to say I'd read them and somehow "fit in" because I'm "up to date". So personally I don't think I will read the series, and I certainly don't criticize people who do, but that's just what I felt like the Lord was leading me to.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I loved reading our answer! :) Have a great weekend!
Bethany
www.giveawaysofblessing.blogspot.com
Thanks, Bethany! I read them mainly because a blogging friend was raving about them and loaned me her copies. :) While I did like them (the first book the most), they aren't my favorite books and (personally) I think "Corridor" by Robin Parrish was better and far less gruesome. Plus Corridor is Christian YA. :) I did realize, though, that I do like dystopia fiction - which makes me really excited to read Lisa T. Bergren's new dystopia series when it is released! :)
DeleteThanks for commenting! :D
Oh, I didnt know Lisa Bergren is working on a new series! I will have to look out for them! Im also eager to see your review of her book Glamerous Illusions since Im thinking abouut reading it and would love to hear your thoughts on it!
DeleteIve seen a lot about Corridor, I will have to see if the library has it! :)
Bethany
Ha! I didn't realize there were Christian books that went viral. I actually don't read a lot of Christian-type books, although I definitely like to read books that are clean. Which are your favorites? What titles would you recommend to a newcomer in the genre?
ReplyDeleteGlad to have found you via the Hop!
It depends on what genres you like to read, but here are some of my favorite books:
DeleteRegency: The Maid of Fairbourne Hall by Julie Klassen
Suspense: Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins
Fantasy/YA: Waterfall (book one in the River of Time series) by Lisa T. Bergren
Historical: Out of Control (book one in the Kincaid Brides series) by Mary Connealy
Romantic Suspense: Prince Incognito (book three in the Reclaiming the Crown series) by Rachelle McCalla
YA/Action: Corridor by Robin Parrish
Amish: The Keeper by Suzanne Woods Fisher
Historical Romance: The Earl's Mistaken Bride by Abby Gaines
Those are just some of my favorites - there are a lot more. :) If I missed a genre that you like please let me know. Hope that helps. :)
Thanks for commenting!
Melanie
This looks like a great starter list. Thanks so much, Melanie!
DeleteSometimes I'll read a book that has gone "viral." I read Twilight mainly because some of my friends kept telling me I'd enjoy it. Hunger Games, I was recommend those by several people who don't normally read fiction, and I was like, ok.
ReplyDeleteI refuse to read 50 Shades. I just flat out refuse to. While I do read a lot of secular books, even some secular romances that have sex scenes and things in them, I still try to be careful with what I read. And to me there's a difference between romance with a little sex and something that is borderline vulgar for lack of a better word.
I have also made a decision to not publicly review on my blog a book that I would not feel comfortable with others reading. There are several books I've read this year, that I may review on Amazon, but not on my blog because it's not something that I want my readers to read. Most of the books I review are Christian (fiction or non). There are a few young adult and a couple that I've been asked by the author to review, but even if those are secular, I'm careful in telling about the book. One book in particular, Thirteen Hallows by Michael Scott, I put a strong recommendation that it is not for fans of his Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series and that it contained very adult content. Normally I wouldn't have reviewed that on my b log, but because I have some followers who enjoy his young adult fantasy series, I needed to review it.
Soapbox over.
My recommendations:
Short Straw Bride by Karen Witemeyer
Angel Eyes (YA/twilight alternative) - Shannon Dittemore
Linda Windsor (any of hers)
Lori Wick (any of hers)
Robin Jones Gunn (my personal favorite author)
Liz Curtis Higgs - Here Burns My Candle & Mine Is the Night
I could keep on, but there are just so many!
Most of the time! I just like to see what everyone is talking about. I did read the first book of Fifty Shades, and wanted to burn it after and refuse to read the second or third. But I am so glad I picked up the Hunger Games, because that series was really good! Same thing with Harry Potter, my life would be incomplete without Harry Potter.
ReplyDeletei shy away from the popular novels, but have read The Shack and Heaven Is For Real. There are just so many awesome books out there without those, why waste time reading something i'm not comfy with?
ReplyDeleteI usually try to make my decision based on what I've heard. I don't read them just because they are popular. I read all of the Harry Potter books, and like Brit said, life wouldn't be the same without Harry! I refuse to read 50 shades because I HAVE heard how bad it is. People say the plot is very good, but I just don't want the images from it in my head. There are so many books to read, so little time. Why waste it on trash?
ReplyDelete