A Good Thriller discussion

And I dismissed THe Hot Zone of taking advantage of the Ebola scare but it is not a recent release. Have take another look at that one!

Perri wrote: "And I dismissed THe Hot Zone of taking advantage of the Ebola scare but it is not a recent release. Have take another look at that one!"

On the plus side, it is probably the most informative book on the subject that is easily readable by laymen, even though much has happened since it was published.

On the down side, his style of writing (his brother is Douglas Preston of Preston & Childs fame) doesn't really apply itself to a calm, dispassionate discussion of the disease. Even though it's nonfiction, Richard writes like he's writing a thriller. Fortunately, it doesn't mean what he says is incorrect.

I find these days many books are really hard to classify genre wise (and many belong to more than one genre). I don't really have a particular genre I completely avoid just some types of books that are less likely to attract me than others. Within each genre there are great variations in writing styles, approaches.

I admit Harlequin romance and similar style books I am most likely going to skip over. I noticed that certain type of book covers (I guess the ones I associate with these type of "romance" stories) turn me off that book from the get go. Oddly enough I do like humorous chick lit (Bridget Jones style) even though I discriminate between writers in that genre too.

Also modern erotica holds no appeal to me mainly because everything I crossed paths with was poorly written. (I think I'm still traumatized from reading 50 shades of grey - and I only managed to read/suffer through the first book)

Horror and sci-fi I am also very picky about, there are only certain writers/writing styles I will go for. Anything to do with the modern wars (especially WW2 for some reason) I kind of have to be in the right mood in order to read. That's my personal issue though, having lived through the war I find those types of stories frequently painful to read.

I can't think of anything I would simply refuse to read. I am glad that over the years I've come to recognize easily books I am more likely to enjoy and I've gotten good at picking the right book for whatever mood I'm in at the time.

I also understand that people have different selection criteria and different preferences and I don't think there is anything wrong with that. There is no right or wrong way to approach reading and/or book selection. It just matters that we read and we enjoy it :)

I won't read Westerns, war stories, or sports stories. Also, I used to read historical romances (bodice rippers) but am no longer interested in them. And I'm not into YA books. I prefer books for grown-ups. I don't like paranormal romance. I like my vampires to be scary.

Tom wrote: "Pat wrote: " I've read "In the Garden of Beasts" by Erik Larson (on Hitler's rise in Germany) and "The Hot Zone" by Douglas Preston (about ebola - ugh!) Both are excellent. "

I almost suggested [b..."

Thanks Tom - I added Isaac's Storm and The Devil in the White City to my TBR list. I liked In the Garden of Beasts and thought Larson's writing was excellent.

Another nonfiction writer that I enjoy is Nathaniel Philbrick. He has made a name for himself by taking many of our country's most renowned events (Bunler Hill, Custer's Last Stand, the Mayflower) and basically showing us that everything we know about them is wrong. One of his early books, In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex, tells the story of the actual events that inspired Melville's Moby-Dick; or, The Whale.

Tom wrote: "Another nonfiction writer that I enjoy is Nathaniel Philbrick. He has made a name for himself by taking many of our country's most renowned events (Bunler Hill, Custer's Last Stand, t..."

I knew I would learn about books and authors from this group. I'll check it out.

Romance like Nora Roberts, but I am not bothered by things like Georgia Cates. So books with the lovey dovey romance is out, but books with a little sex? A little mommy porn? That does not bother me as much.

I think with Nora Roberts, a books are romance but with also some good suspense/thrillers aspects.

Sean wrote: "I think with Nora Roberts, a books are romance but with also some good suspense/thrillers aspects."I agree for example
Naked in Death by J.D. Robb which is a pen name of Nora Roberts writes a very good thriller/mystery series which still has elements of romance, but it's more of a police crime/mystery/procedural series.

Won't even attempt to read a "Romance" work!

I do not read any science fiction nor do I read the adult comic books.

I pretty much stick to mysteries, thrillers, but I don't like political books or spy stories.

For a change of pace, I will read romantic suspense. That being said, I don't read sappy romance, but I do like a bit of spice in some books ... but nowhere near the spice of something like 50 Shades of Gray ...which I haven't read, nor do I want to.

One of my recent 'likes' are books about psychics ...not werewolves, shapeshifters, or those kinds of things.

If it's a good story and holds my interest - I'll read anything.

Based on my voting in the GR Best Books poll I read: Fiction, Mystery & Thriller, Historical Fiction,Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, Humor, Nonfiction, Memoir & Autobiography, History & Biography, Graphic Novels & Comics,
Debut Goodreads Author,Young Adult Fiction

I DON'T read:Romance,Business Books,Food & Cookbooks,Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction,Middle Grade & Children's
Picture Books

I generally don't read pure romance with heavy-duty sex content; I also don't care much for sci-fi or dystopian novels. I read my way through the Canon in college; consequently, I read for pleasure. Some memoirs are great, some classics are brilliant, and I adore mysteries, suspense and thrillers, but I am stuck in one mode.

Addendum: romance as an 'element' is fabulous in a genre not touted as a romance: Michael Connelly's affairs, Alex Delaware's adventures, Kinsey Millhone's hit and miss rendezvous; I love an ongoing romantic undertone.

I have to admit that the name of this thread worries me. It could almost be restated as Subjects about which I choose to be closed-minded.

Tom wrote: "I have to admit that the name of this thread worries me. It could almost be restated as Subjects about which I choose to be closed-minded."

I disagree, Tom. I am not closed-minded. I have read almost every genre there is. Some I like, some I don't. Those I don't, I won't read because I don't find them enjoyable or entertaining. And I won't spend my time reading books I don't enjoy.

Quillracer wrote: "I disagree, Tom. I am not closed-minded. I..."

My attitude is that there are good and bad works in all genres and that to blindly refuse to read a whole class of books just because of one's preconceptions runs the risk that you will miss out on works that you might otherwise find enjoyable. Granted, there are genres that I am more or less likely to tap into based on past experience but I am very reluctant to use the word never.

Tom said: My attitude is that there are good and bad works in all genres and that to blindly refuse to read a whole class of books just because of one's preconceptions runs the risk that you will miss out on works that you might otherwise find enjoyable. Granted, there are genres that I am more or less likely to tap into based on past experience but I am very reluctant to use the word never.

I agree that there are good works in all genres. But after being disappointed - not engaged or entertained - by several books in genres I no longer read, I chose not to read them. Just as I will no longer patronize a restaurant that served me disappointing meals. They may in fact serve many excellent meals but if my meals are disappointing, I won't go back.

I have read all genres; consequently, I have decided what I like to read in my spare moments.

Hhmmmm but then couldn't that principle be applied to other areas? Music, Films, TV shows, etc. They all have genres too. I know without doubt there are some areas that I will not go to. That's not about being close minded, that's about choice. Time isn't infinite for anyone therefore choices have to be made everyday. If I miss out on something, then I'm afraid that's just the way it is. But that doesn't make me close minded I don't think.

Nicely stated, Janet.

I read a little of everything,and I have always been like that.Anything from the classics to sci fi dystopian.But for me,its the tone and the writing that interest me,bascially.BUT..the one genre I do not read is flat out..romances or steamy stuff.You get that anyway,in all the other books.Its like the author uses 5-10 pages on a scene alone.

I'm not a spring chicken anymore.... life is too short for me to read things I don't particularly care for. So many good books .... so little time.

I don't think I'm close-minded ... just a matter of taste.

Horror. I did read the first two Lestat books by Ann Rice, but no horror since then. I stopped watching horror movies many years ago. I never could understand why people told scary stories around a camp fire. Just not my thing.

Cynthia (The Garrett half of Garrett Smith)

I would not say I am being close minded, because I have read these romance books that have been forced upon me by kind co-workers. I do not care for the genre. Do I shut out every single type of romance? Nope. I clearly said I enjoy books that are on the risque side. But they have to be well done. I will read just about anything, but like anyone I like quality literature. I even want my trash to have some level of class.

Marian wrote: "I read a little of everything,and I have always been like that.Anything from the classics to sci fi dystopian.But for me,its the tone and the writing that interest me,bascially.BUT..the one genre I..."

That could be my take to the letter, Marian.

Also, I completely agree, Janet! It's all about choice. Having freedom. I am also open to all types of music, except techno (because I just do not care for it), and all kinds of film. But I feel it is kind of rude to judge me based on what I do or do not read, watch or listen to. Am I classier because I love foreign films and documentaries? Am I lower class because Wedding Crashers is one of my all time favorite movies? Am I smart because I love Ansel Adams? Or am I dumb because I have never read a classic? I hold three degrees, one in Library and Information Sciences, which I hope to get my PhD in, but I have never read Faulkner, Hemingway, or Steinbeck. My time is important, my likes are important. I have come to learn over the past 33 years what I do and do not like. I will give anything a go at least once, but then once I do and it does not tickle my fancy, eh. Call me close minded if you will, but I feel that is being a little judgemental and snobby. You are only close minded if you never experience it at least once.

I don't think any one of us should have to defend ourselves to whatever books we wanna read or not read.Just be darn glad were allowed to read whatever we want.There are some countries still,that ban certain books to this day:(

Exactly. Freedom. Freedom of choice. Thank goodness!

And as far as I know here in Canada..there are no banned books at this time.BUT..you guys remember that book..Peyton Place?It was once banned here..same as Lolita,thats another book that was once banned here,at one time.Silly,if you ask me.

Well, that comment sure livened up the conversation a bit!

Ha, that you did Tom. So what's your take on it-do you read books in every genre?Or are you saying you are open to well written books in every genre? I suppose there are many well written business books, but I can't see myself reading one voluntarily. But never say never, maybe that's what you are saying?

Tom wrote: "Well, that comment sure livened up the conversation a bit!"

Are you saying the conversation was dull before, Tom?!! Lol! ;)

Perri wrote: "Ha, that you did Tom. So what's your take on it-do you read books in every genre?"

Here's what I posted earlier in this thread:

Tom Mathews | 54 comments My folks let me read whatever I wanted so long as my reading had a lot of variety. As a result, there are few genres that I won't read. While I might read and a romance book such as Pride and Prejudice but I'm not likely to pick up a bodice ripper. I also am not likely to read anything classified as Christian fiction. I don't have a problem with Christianity but I fond such books are often judgmental and overly sanitized.

I'm all for freedom of choice and definitely understand (and have) personal preferences. I just thought I would throw my rather incendiary comment out there after having read several posts that seemed to read like "I will not read..." I could almost hear the accompanying stamping of feet.

Janet wrote: "Tom wrote: "Well, that comment sure livened up the conversation a bit!"

Are you saying the conversation was dull before, Tom?!! Lol! ;)"

I wouldn't dream of saying anything as incendiary as that, Janet. ;-).

Tom wrote: "Janet wrote: "Tom wrote: "Well, that comment sure livened up the conversation a bit!"

Are you saying the conversation was dull before, Tom?!! Lol! ;)"

I wouldn't dream of saying anything as ince..."

Lol!! Of course not!! Perish the thought! ;)

Healthy debate is good for the soul, nothing wrong with that!!

Tom wrote: "Perri wrote: "Ha, that you did Tom. So what's your take on it-do you read books in every genre?"

Here's what I posted earlier in this thread:
Tom Mathews | 54 comments My folks let me read whateve..."

OK then, I'm off to find some good non-judgmental Christian F for you! :)

I would like to apologize for my comment. I guess I feel like you are all my friends and as a former teacher, you are all my babies. When my babies are picked on I take it personally. I do not worry so much about myself, because I can take care of myself, but I worry about y'all. I want to apologize if I was rude to anyone. I hope you can all forgive me for my comment. I meant it out of love for all of you and the other members. I can delete my comments. I just love you all so much, and I only know you all from here! Plus, I am a Serious worrier.

Autumn??!!!

Don't give it a second thought! You weren't rude. You had an opinion and you expressed it. The point of a discussion group is it not?! If we all thought the same, we'd all die of boredom and abandon ship!! And where would that leave Sean?!! All on his lonesome!! We're humans not robots, we're not programmed to think the same! So chill, your passion is commendable and lovely to see!! :)

No need to apologize Autumn; I was cheering you on.

Sorry to chime in but I agree with Marian. Lolita was one book I admired, and I admit this without shame. Yes, the content was preposterous and offending and sickening and everything but what made it subtle and not literally disgusting to read was the writing. I understand the reason it was banned but that doesn't make it not silly. Because honestly, I have seldom read a book where eroticism was expressed in such subtle terms.

Also, about putting a genre off? Well, as Janet said, it all really comes down to our choices. I wouldn't invest my time or money in genres or thing that I've had consequent bad experiences with. It's about personal preferences than judgements,

Ishita wrote: "Sorry to chime in but I agree with Marian. Lolita was one book I admired, and I admit this without shame. Yes, the content was preposterous and offending and sickening and everything but what made ..."

You're not chiming in Ishita, you're joining in!! :))

I must admit I am intrigued by the book myself, I'm sure I've read your review on it and that added to my intrigue. I've read some books that would sicken many, but I have to say in between the sickening parts of one particular book, there were flashes of brilliance and forward thinking. Each to their own!

Janet, you must read the book then! It'd be worth your while, I promise. The book is one of my favorites and I could not write a review for it except for that one sentence. And it said all that I had to about it! I don't think anyone could've written the book better than Vladimir :)

And I guess I like books that kinda make me sick! They might be hard to stomach but then it feels like.. "that's the real stuff!", and I always enjoy them so much! Lol, did I make sense?

Some great comments from everyone, and a great discussion is good.

Autumn, you do not need to be sorry for your thoughts, to me we all have our own thoughts and that is the whole point of subjects like this, we should not take it personal (I am guilty of this myself).

Janet I agree, I will not go to the pictures to watch Harry Potter, I don't like that type of film, so I just don't go.

But if Tom said to me this book is really gripping, fast paced action packed but is sci-fi, then I might try it.

So I guess I am saying " I don't like these type of books", as I would rather stick to want I know and enjoy the best.

This year, recently I have read two recommended to me, thought they were rubbish and went back to my favourites.

Life is precious so spend the time doing want we like to do best in all aspects of life.

I believe I read lots of various books, and love true story animal books (A Cat Named Bob), but then can read a autobiography, then read a strong Karin Slaughter, Linda Castillo book, that's varied genre.

But when I looked at the post, I thought great activity, comments that is why we have lots of different posts/threads.

I love active members.

Oh I loved Karin Slaughter! Although I wish she'd paid more attention to the girl than her mother at the end Fractured.

David wrote: "Marian wrote: "I read a little of everything,and I have always been like that.Anything from the classics to sci fi dystopian.But for me,its the tone and the writing that interest me,bascially.BUT....."

Yes, voice/tone, persona, point of view always count.

Sean wrote: "Some great comments from everyone, and a great discussion is good.

Autumn, you do not need to be sorry for your thoughts, to me we all have our own thoughts and that is the whole point of subjects..."
A nice, eclectic list, I think.

I get what Tom was saying 'never' is a strong word so I'm going to say less inclined in certain areas than others.

Great discussion! :)