BTT: Well That Was Different!
What was the most unusual (for you) book you ever read? Either because the book itself was completely from out in left field somewhere, or was a genre you never read, or was the only book available on a long flight… whatever? What (not counting school textbooks, though literature read for classes counts) was furthest outside your usual comfort zone/familiar territory?
And, did you like it? Did it stretch your boundaries? Did you shut it with a shudder the instant you were done? Did it make you think? Have nightmares? Kick off a new obsession?
Well, first of all, my comfort zone is pretty broad. I’m not really a one-genre reader. I both to escape and to learn, so fiction, non-fiction, whatever. I like to read things that are difficult to deal with as well as (occasionally) books that are light and fluffy. Although I don’t particularly like horror or thrillers, I’ll read Steven King or the occasionally mystery/thriller if it is around and I want a change of pace.
There are a couple of genres that I don’t usually read, though, even if they ARE around. I don’t really read fantasy except that which is in the children or young adult’s section, I really don’t read science fiction, and I won’t read romance novels. Sure, occasionally there is historical fiction that is a little on the side of romance or fantasy, but I still stay away from science fiction. That is, until I requested an advance reader’s copy of John Scalzi’s latest book, “Zoe’s Tale.” Let’s be honest. I had no clue that “Zoe’s Tale” was science fiction when I requested it, I just heard a bunch of people say, “oooh! John Scalzi!” and went for it. Then, later, I found out the genre and did NOT want to read it. However, I have a strong sense of duty and responsibility, so I HAD to read the book, since the publisher sent it to me.
Let us just say that I was pleasantly surprised. So pleasantly surprised, in fact, that I picked “Zoe’s Tale” as one of my favorite books in the month of August. You can read my review here. I have even put some of Scalzi’s other books on my BookMooch wishlist.
I doubt I’m going to become a sci-fi fanatic, but perhaps I’ll read a few more…
What about you?
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Stumble It!
September 25th, 2008 at 8:45 am
I probably tend to stay inside my comfort zone a little too much. Sometimes it’s good to shake things up a little!
September 25th, 2008 at 9:16 am
For me this question was hard because I’m like you in that there are not many genres I won’t read. I know there are people who only read romance or only read sci-fi or whatever, but I think that would be so boring.
September 25th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I haven’t read much sci-fi, but I’m trying to branch out a bit!
September 25th, 2008 at 9:40 am
I should read Zoe’s Tale. I don’t like much science fiction, but I do like some and I’ve heard rave reviews about it so far!
I read most genres too. I don’t really let a label stop me from reading a good book.
September 25th, 2008 at 9:50 am
I don’t read much sci fi, but if you want a good one, be sure to get Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. It’s a classic.
September 25th, 2008 at 9:52 am
Sally, Fahrenheit 451 is fantastic, although I always considered it more dystopian than science fiction, although I suppose they are sort of related genres.
September 25th, 2008 at 9:58 am
I was not too excited about reading Special Topics in Calamity Physics but it was my book group pick so I felt obligated to give it a shot. I have never read anything like it but oddly enough, I enjoyed it.
Hey, I am giving you a bloggy award but if you have already gotten this award..no need to even post about it. I know it has been making the rounds.
http://bookchatterandotherstuff.blogspot.com/2008/09/and-band-plays-on.html
September 25th, 2008 at 10:15 am
My comfort zone with books covers lots of genres, too- but those I don’t like I rarely touch (romance, western, horror) and the few times I did, unlike you I wasn’t encouraged to go back!
September 25th, 2008 at 11:25 am
How great that you so enjoyed something you were resistant too! I shied away from *Zoe’s Tale* when I saw the genre, maybe I’ll reconsider it.
September 25th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Dawn, you should definitely give “Zoe’s Tale” a try, it was great.
September 25th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
I just started venturing out of my comfort zone. Especially with my new Contest every week where people Refer books to me and I pick one of the books to add to my TBR Mountain and that person who suggested it gets a book.
September 25th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
The i Tetralogy was definitely out of my comfort zone and I’m glad that I’ve read it. I doubt that I’d ever read it again, though. Sci-Fi and fantasy are definitely out of my comfort zone.
September 25th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
I’m not big on sci-fi either as I mention in my BTT answer.