Beth F
Sandy
bermudaonion (Kathy)
Stephanie
Trisha
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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I probably tend to stay inside my comfort zone a little too much. Sometimes it’s good to shake things up a little!
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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.
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I haven’t read much sci-fi, but I’m trying to branch out a bit!
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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.
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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.
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Sally, Fahrenheit 451 is fantastic, although I always considered it more dystopian than science fiction, although I suppose they are sort of related genres.
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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
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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!
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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.
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Dawn, you should definitely give “Zoe’s Tale” a try, it was great.
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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.
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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.
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I’m not big on sci-fi either as I mention in my BTT answer.
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