Anything Goes discussion

Has anyone noticed their reading habits changing?

Mine certainly have! Right now I seem to be sticking to historical, crime or fantasy, and yet, not so long ago I was a bit of a literary snob, only reading books I considered worthy! Further back still, I would often read my grandmothers Mills and Boon Romances! I have also recently found that I really enjoy some of the books aimed at younger readers, they are often full of imagination and colourful characters.

I would like to open a discussion to explore our preferences, new and old..................

I used to read almost anything. Now, I'm a tiny bit selective. Honestly, I got a little tired of books that relied on too much sex to move the story along, or stories that seemed to have been told too many times. I think that sounds snottier than you, Chris.
Oh, and I shy away from a lot of 'bestsellers' unless they're written by an author I really enjoy.

I will give just about any thing a chance. I used to only read certain authors, but now I will hardly look at the authors name when choosing a new read!! I just recently stumbled across the author Marie Force & I love her books....In the past I probably wouldn't have. I also enjoy young adult stories...

Chris wrote: "Has anyone noticed their reading habits changing?

Mine certainly have! Right now I seem to be sticking to historical, crime or fantasy, and yet, not so long ago I was a bit of a literary snob..."

I used to read mostly non-fiction, but in the last two or three years, since giving up editing and reviewing for an Arthurian journal, I've (re)discovered the joy of fiction. As well as SF and fantasy (many of the latter aimed for young adults, which I'm not!) I've enjoyed children's classics and more mainstream fiction, along with the odd thriller and ghost story. Still yet to get into romance though...

I'm with you Chris when it comes to Romance. I don't mind a romantic element within another genre, but full on Romance fiction reminds me of (probably quite wrongly) "boy meets girl" books written for teenagers, or weak women looking for a hero to change their otherwise miserable lives.

Before I get irate posts, PLEASE, please don't think I'm suggesting Romance Novels are inferior, but they are not for everyone.

BTW - I'm always up for a challenge, if you know of a Romantic Novel to blow my socks off (I'm talking romance not near-porn), please feel free to post here and I'll read it.

I have noticed it seems to take me longer to read a book. I still prefer historical fiction and historical romance as long as it doesnt take four to five pages for sex.

I used to read a lot of chick lit while at school, now it will make the odd appearance but only when I want an easy read and don't want to tax my brain.

Romance as part of the storyline is fine but not as the be all and end all, can't stand the fact that some of these books can have a successful woman as their lead character but she is still seen as a failure if there is no boyfriend/husband and children.

Give me a juicy crime novel, fact or fiction. Also like history and science.

I used to read just chick lit(mostly still do)but now read crime, and serious women fiction.

When I was younger I used to read virtually anything, from factual books about dinosaurs, Famous Five books, Gone with the Wind and a multitude of Science Fiction. I think that general mix has sort of forged my reading and writing impulses. The main change between now and then is that I actively prefer books with leading ladies and so search out female authors. I still focus on Science Fiction but also like Romance. I guess Scarlett and thouse dinosaurs hooked me!

Chris wrote: "Has anyone noticed their reading habits changing?

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Mine have since I joined goodreads. I hope I haven't already posted this, sorry if I have.

I go through genre phases. Right now I am in Thriller mode. Before that it was Historical Fiction, and before that, Young Adult. The phase usually lasts for five or six books, then I shift gears.