created by The Broke and the Bookish
Top Ten (seven) Topics That Make Me Not Want To Read A BookOkay, I'm going to cheat on this a little. I try to be open to all books, give them a chance even if they have elements I'm not entirely interested in. So, instead of things that turn me off before I crack open a book, I'm going to list the things that make me not like a book while reading it (besides the painfully obvious ones like insta-love, unoriginal plot, stilted dialogue, etc.).
1) Moving to a new school/town for generic reasons.
Find a different way for your MC to meet a new cast of characters. Or, if you are going to have such a cliche inciting incident, at least add your own twist to it, make the cliche something something un-cliche.
2) Evil popular girl.
Especially if she's perfect and gorgeous and a cheerleader. It just grinds my gears. I don't even have words. Sometimes a person can be beautiful, talented, a cheerleader, and "perfect" and just be genuinely sweet. And, okay, this is kind of a completely different issue, but just because a girl is really feminine/preppy doesn't mean she's stupid or an awful human being in general.
3) The electric charge.
You know, that moment when the MC and his/her meant-to-be make physical contact and a pulse of electricity races through him/her.
4) LGBT Shaming.
I don't think I've ever run into a serious case of this, but if I were to--HOLD MY HOOPS, GIRL. I will not stand for it.
5) Making light of suicide.
Suicide is a tragedy, and it is all too common in our society. It's not something to be joked about. Ever.
6) All the insecurities.
I get that teenage girls have insecurities, obviously. But I'd like to see more girls loving themselves. It hasn't been easy, but I love myself despite all the things others may deem unlovable. Maybe, for once, the girl can be good enough for the smokin' hot guy. Maybe, for once, the girl can be beautiful even if her body isn't the traditional definition of perfect. Maybe, for once, her looks and her mistakes won't define her. And this actually applies to guys too, even though I said "girl" the entire time.
7) Over dramaticness.
If you're going to be shunned by an entire school, or whatever, at least make it something believable. LIKE OH NOEZ YOU STOLE YOUR BFF'S BF? WORTHLESS PIECE OF SHIT. No thanks. Oh, and an MC that cries all the frackin time--or better yet, feints? I'll pass. Every now and then, okay whatevz. I once read a book where the MC cried at least every other page. Too much.
Hi! Great post! I especially agree with number 7. It's okay if the MC is a total wuss in the beginning so long as they've changed by the end, but I've read a few books where that just didn't happen. Anyway I enjoyed reading that. :D Looking forward to your next post!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your entire list. I haven't come across serious LGBT shaming either, but most of the other points come up a lot in books I hate and I just roll my eyes.
ReplyDeleteMy TTT
Haha! I agree with the overreactions. I hate the whiny, fainty, MC's! Ugh! And I dunno, but I don't really believe in the cheerleader/feminine stereotype. I'M a cheerleader, and hey, I'm nice! Makes me feel bad :( I also don't get the spark of electricity thing, and its as close to instalove as I can take getting to (although sometimes I can't). So in general, agreed! Great post :)
ReplyDeleteNice ones! I can agree with all these as well! But like you said I might read one as well if the rest of the story is good. Sometimes these things just pop up on you too and surprise you while reading. Whether it's good or bad is 50/50 possibly. 60/40? ;)
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Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower :)
Nice list
ReplyDeleteI really, really like your list. And totally agree!
ReplyDeleteHere's my TTT!
Jess @ Such A Novel Idea