Remember how yesterday I said I was going to do a happier post today because it’s the holidays damn it? Yeah… I forgot I planned this book tag next. Whoops. But whatever, I’m in the mood to have some fun.
- What is a popular book or series that everyone loves but you just did not like? A Court of Thorn and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. So so many people talk about how great this series is, how wonderful the characters are, and how it is the new standard. Well, if this is the standard, I think the YA world needs a new one. This book bored me to tears in some places, and pissed me off in others. Badly written characters, contrived plot lines, and over done tropes. Yeah, in the discard pile for this one.
- What is a popular book or series that everyone seems to hate that you love? Seven Deadly Shadows by Courtney Alameda and Valynne E. Maetani came out, and it seemed like everyone had it out for this book. But I REALLY enjoyed it! I read it right when everything was starting to go downhill in February, and really liked it. Is it the perfect book? Hell no. But it didn’t force the romance, and actually gave me a main character that felt almost real. But alas, people still don’t like it. Meh.
- A love triangle where the main character didn’t end up with who you wanted them to end up with, or an OTP you just don’t like? … I was a secret Harry/Hermione shipper for like the first five books. I’m fine with Harry/Ginny and Ron/Hermione… but I really think Harry and Hermione have more in common. I have nothing against Ron and Ginny! They’re great characters. Just in a romantic pairing, I just don’t really see it. But then again, I skipped my last reread because JK Rowling is a transphobe, so… I can’t say for certain if rereading it for the the umpteenth time would change my view. Maybe… Maybe not.
- What is a popular book genre that you hardly reach for? Historical fiction. I know it’s so very popular, but it just doesn’t do anything for me. The same goes for high fantasy. Nope.
- What is a popular or beloved character that you just don’t like? Since I’m on a HP vibe today, why does everyone like Dumbledore? He uses people like chess pieces, put children in harms way I don’t know how many times, locked a man with severe mental issues inside the house that caused most of them, encouraged a mentorship between a teacher and student who had a mutual hatred for each other without dealing with said hatred, or even mitigating it… I could go on and on. Yeah. Not a fan.
- What is a popular author that you just can’t get into? Marissa Meyer. I have read several of her books. Usually, I’m totally on board with her writing, until I get to the last fourth of the book. Then everything seems to take a right turn, and it goes from good to nope. Sorry, I’ve tried with her stand alone Heartless, with Cinder and the beginning of Scarlet, and with Renegades. They just don’t do it for me.
- What is a popular book trope that you are tired of seeing? There’s a couple that really bother me. The nerd that the most popular/hottest boy immediately falls for after ignoring her for x years. The “I’m so weak but I have to save the world” girl. And honestly, just the whole “I’m the chosen one I am the only person that can do it” teenager, when there are perfectly capable adults right there. Now, there are of course subversions of these tropes that I can get behind, but on the whole…
- What is a popular series that you just have no interest in reading? Most of them. At this point, I read what I want when I want to. I’ve given up trying to follow and support the popular series, because I usually just can’t get behind them. I think my tastes have very much changed.
- The saying goes, “the book is always better than the movie.” But, what book to movie or television adaptation do you prefer more than the book? As I’ve said many many times, Nerve. Originally written by Jeanne Ryan, the book is fine until the end of the second act, when a whole slew of minor characters are introduced in a contrived way, and you’re supposed to understand every one of them and care about them. The ending just doesn’t work her either. The movie does away with that little plot twist, works in a more modern message, and makes the new ending work well. Minus a few plot holes, it’s a lot of fun and I like it.
Hey look, I’m done with a book tag, and I didn’t shoehorn a mention about the Old Guard into it. Oh wait. Haha.
Anyway, I hope everyone has a safe and healthy rest of the holiday season!
Until next time!