Monday, September 05, 2011

I *Do* Read Other Things...

Happy Monday! Hope everyone had a fantastic weekend, and to all my North American friends... have a great Labo(u)r Day. Just a quick announcement: if you'd like the chance to win an ebook copy of Watching Willow Watts, just head over to Chick Lit Reveiws and fill out the tiny tiny form. :)

I talk a lot about how much I love chick lit, but I didn't spring from the womb as a fully formed chick lit reader. (Surprising, I know.) In fact, it wasn't until my late twenties and after I'd moved to London that the chick-lit bug really bit. I remember wandering into bookshops and being surrounded by lovely pretty covers... sigh!

But as much as I enjoy chick lit, that doesn't mean it's the only thing I read. Growing up, I loved science fiction by Monica Hughes and historicals by Janet Lunn. As an English Literature student, I read -- and enjoyed -- almost everything from every era (a big BLAH to Restoration comedies, though. Not my kinda humour.).

Now, I have a particular fondness for non-fiction. I'm currently reading and loving an ARC of Backpacked by Catherine Ryan Howard, I've got Karen Walker's Following the Whispers on my list, and I enjoyed Ann Best's In The Mirror.

This year, I've also read and enjoyed Alex Cavanaugh's science fiction novel CassaStar, Stephen Tremp's action-packed book Breaththrough, Karen Jones Gowen's House of Diamonds and Jessica Bells' literary fiction, String Bridge.

So, yes. I love chick lit. But I do read other things!

How about you? Do you stick with one genre, or are you open to most anything?
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63 comments:

  1. Unknown5 September 2011 at 02:06

    I have very diverse reading tastes. Although I love reading romance, I also read all kinds of other stuff like fantasy, mysteries and even serious thought provoking stuff. Although not TOO much of that. lol

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  2. Anonymous5 September 2011 at 02:09

    Oh yeah, I'll read pretty much anything that's good ;)

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  3. Jenny Beattie5 September 2011 at 02:13

    Definitely open to a wide range. My natural choices would be psychological thrillery type books - I'm drawn to female writers more than male but that isn't exclusive. I get bored if I read only one genre. Book Club has been brilliant for encouraging me to widen my tastes. I've been made to pick up someone else's choice, I've read the back and my heart has sunk and then I loved it. ('Flowers for Algernon' springs to mind.) I also read a bit of YA to keep up with what Son is reading. We've both enjoyed Louis Sachar, Julia Bell and John Green. I think there are very exciting things happening in YA writing.

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  4. Unknown5 September 2011 at 02:26

    I used to read a lot of non-fiction. Mostly political. But then I was in a bad mood for the most part. Not good. I guess I have a wide range of reading interest, but I must admit, I tend to lean towards all things paranormal the most. After that, it would definitely be chick-lit and romance. Ah, I'm a sucker for romance.

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  5. Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy5 September 2011 at 02:33

    I used to stick to fantasy and scifi only but now I branch out and read all sorts of genres from literary, crime, historical, thriller, chicklit, YA, MG etc. I think my writing is better for it too.

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  6. Alleged Author5 September 2011 at 02:47

    I very much like nonfiction (i.e. MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL). True events are sometimes more gripping and interesting than fictional events.

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  7. Nas5 September 2011 at 03:04

    Hi Talli,

    I read almost all types of books. But Ann Best's Memoir, In the Mirror, was a first memoir I tried. And I was blown away by it.

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  8. Sarah Tokeley5 September 2011 at 04:44

    I read anything I can get my hands on. I like to describe myself as a genre tart :-) (actually, the word I use begins with S but I toned it down :-))

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  9. Maurice Mitchell5 September 2011 at 04:53

    "Chick lit." LOL I'm going to start using that.

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  10. Jamie Gibbs5 September 2011 at 06:16

    Hooray for sci-fi. Now all we gotta do is wean you onto some fantasy and we're good to go :)

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  11. LynNerdKelley5 September 2011 at 07:19

    I like all different genres, but I'm not sure I've ever read a Restoration Comedy. I'm not sure what it is! Thanks for the recommendations on these books that you've read. Happy Monday to you, too, Talli. I still have 40 minutes left of Sunday!

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  12. Sylvia5 September 2011 at 08:16

    I read all genres, just as long as the writing is good. I love a fast, pacy thriller, but would never attempt to write the genre. At the moment, I'm going through a phase of reading more romance, such as Nicholas Sparks, and Faulks' earlier books: Human Traces and Birdsong.

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  13. Hilary Melton-Butcher5 September 2011 at 08:36

    Hi Talli .. I've really had my eyes opened from bloggers with their books - which I'm loving .. a new arena.

    Cheers Hilary

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  14. RHYTHM AND RHYME5 September 2011 at 08:46

    I'm still reading Karen Walker.s book Following The Whispers. It is excellent, As well as that I'm working on my own book all time consuming as you may well know.

    Yvonne.

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  15. Eliza5 September 2011 at 08:47

    I read all kinds.. I suppose I prefer fantasy out of all the genres, but I also have a lot of non fiction too, biographies fascinate me.

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  16. Rosemary Gemmell5 September 2011 at 08:55

    I read a wide range of fiction - from historical, to contemporary mysteries, to cosy crime, with a spattering of children's and YA thrown in! Love the variety.

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  17. Amanda Y5 September 2011 at 09:25

    I enjoy reading all genres, and have been known to read chick lit from time to time. I read a lot of it when I was in uni, but now like to balance it out. I find after I read a heavy or intense book, I will relax with some chick lit....I'm also quite into travel writing these days...

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  18. Janice5 September 2011 at 10:13

    I have to thank my Kindle for getting me out of a 'one genre' rut. Now I'm really enjoying travel journals and other non- fiction and as well as new-to-me fiction. My Kindle is packed with books - and when I travel - no excess baggage.Yay!

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  19. Old Kitty5 September 2011 at 10:43

    Of course you read widely and eclectically!!!! Of course you do!! I'd cry if you didn't - real tears!!! :-)

    I love all things readable! I really do. Bring em on!!!!

    But not e-books. Na-ah! Print only please. LOL!

    Take care
    x

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  20. Words A Day5 September 2011 at 11:16

    I read women authors throughout my twenties ( a reaction to the male writer currilculum in our school), mostly literary fiction; then all of a sudden a couple of years ago I got hooked on crime (novels, that is:)... I love pageturners!

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  21. Tonya Kappes5 September 2011 at 11:19

    Thank you for the Happy Labor Day! We are at the lake which is a big tradition here:))
    Anyways, I couldn't start Labor Day without checking out your blog!
    I WAS an only chick-lit reader, but since I've been published I've been asked to read all sorts of genres by different authors to do reviews. I've found mystery is so enjoyable. AND I wrote one! Currently I've been reading easy thrillers. No guts/blood! And non-fictions.

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  22. jabblog5 September 2011 at 11:50

    My reading is fairly catholic, from books about animal behaviour and human psychology to chicklit, classics, modern and otherwise, some poetry. If something is recommended I'll read it.

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  23. Isis Rushdan5 September 2011 at 12:17

    If the story is interesting, I'm up for reading it regardless of genre.

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  24. Anne5 September 2011 at 12:58

    I am such an avid reader. I will read just about anything. I belong to a book club, so that does open the door to types of books.

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  25. Creepy Query Girl5 September 2011 at 13:01

    I know how you feel- I can't even nail down one genre to write, never mind read, I love historicall romance, chick lit, paranormal, urban fantasy and classic lit

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  26. Rhonda @Laugh Quotes5 September 2011 at 13:21

    Like everyone else here, I read a variety also.

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  27. Anne Gallagher5 September 2011 at 13:30

    I'll read anything as long as it's not too gory or too horrific. (Can't read Stephen King at all, he scares me too much.) I'm also not a big sci-fi fan but I also read Alex's book. I love cozy mysteries, especially when I can't figure it out, and political thrillers.

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  28. Luanne G. Smith5 September 2011 at 14:10

    I read widely. I love historical fiction especially, even though I write futuristic fantasy. And I just finished Karen Walker's memoir, Following the Whispers. Very well done.

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  29. Anonymous5 September 2011 at 14:23

    I must admit that Chick-lit is not my usual genre but (obviously) I will read that too! Except for teen fiction (that I'm currently writing) most books I've read this year have not been my usual genre. Supporting new authors has been the motivation behind my choices.

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  30. Ann5 September 2011 at 14:32

    I read many genres. The only one I won't read is horror. I have a weak constitution! In other words a a wus!!!!!

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  31. Bish Denham5 September 2011 at 14:40

    I'll read just about anything from SciFi to mysteries by Carl Haasen, non-fic, historical romances, true crime (like In Cold Blood) both adult and children's. But I really do like MG.

    The only thing I'm not all that fond of is horror.

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  32. Suze5 September 2011 at 14:42

    Talls, I saw your 'Marylin' pic on Charmaine's blog on her Facebook button.

    You look adorable!!

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  33. Carol Kilgore5 September 2011 at 15:44

    A couple years ago I would have said I stick to one genre. But I've been branching out and loving it. Still can't read much horror, though.

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  34. Anonymous5 September 2011 at 15:57

    I shall have to look up Monica Hughes. I like Sci fi but not usually by male writers :O)

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  35. Stephanie V5 September 2011 at 16:36

    I am pretty omnivorous when devouring books. But have to say my favorites are character-driven with the plot a close second. I enjoy almost any book - in any genre - with strong characters. I find that I am more drawn to female writers but that isn't a rule...just an observation.

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  36. Anita5 September 2011 at 16:48

    I have a hard time finding nonfiction to love...will check out the titles you mention!

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  37. Unknown5 September 2011 at 16:57

    I'm like you! Though I adore chick lit I still read several other genres... especially in the YA Market. I love hopping around to see what's around. It's just too much fun!!!

    Happy Monday Talli!

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  38. G Blechman5 September 2011 at 17:03

    I love pretty much everything, but I find that I go on genre binges often. Sometimes I like historical, sometimes romance, sometimes dystopian, and sometimes gritty YA, but whatever it is, I usually spend 8-10 books in the genre before I move on. (Though, of course, sometimes a new, delicious book comes out during that time and I just can't resist.)

    <3 Gina Blechman

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  39. J.L. Campbell5 September 2011 at 18:21

    The only genre I steer clear of is horror because I like sleeping at nights.

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  40. Laura5 September 2011 at 18:47

    I'm a pure chick-lit freak I'm afraid. I do make the occasional exception... I loved CassaStar and I'm just about to get my mitts on Breakthrough and Ann's 'In the mirror', but at least 95% is pure, unadulterated pastel-covery-goodness :)
    Lxxx

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  41. Olga5 September 2011 at 19:21

    I love all genres except for the boring genre!

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  42. Heidrun Khokhar, KleinsteMotte5 September 2011 at 20:03

    Glad you enjoy variety. Do you read foreign material too?? Other languages? or translations?

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  43. Sangu Mandanna5 September 2011 at 20:53

    I read an awful lot of stuff, but I find that recently I've been reading in my genre (YA) just because I enjoy the variety so much! That won't stop me reading something else, though: chick lit, thrillers, a historical... in fact, Watching Willow's next on my list :-)

    Oh and I'm totally going to put up a couple of bump pictures soon, so yay!

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  44. Rosalind Adam5 September 2011 at 20:53

    I try to make a conscious effort to read a wide range of novels but every now and then I creep back to my favourite, the detective novel. They're like a comfort blanket for me, very few are of any particular literary value but they're just a good read.

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  45. Neurotic Workaholic5 September 2011 at 21:19

    I mostly read memoirs and chick lit. But I don't think I'd write a memoir at this point since I spend most of my time either working or watching crime dramas on TV. I tried reading horror novels for a while when I was younger, but Stephen King's writing is so scary and freaked me out so much that I had to stop. I'm interested in reading romance novels. I've been reading interviews by several romance authors and they make their work sound so interesting.

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  46. Ella5 September 2011 at 23:00

    I mix it up; I am reading Cassastar now, then Breakthrough, then Farm Girl then I need to get one of yours :D My daughter has a lot of YA floating around, so I will read those, too~

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  47. Alex J. Cavanaugh5 September 2011 at 23:47

    And I appreciate you reading my book! Yours is downloaded on my iPad. I'm sorry, seems all my blogger buddies have been writing like maniacs lately and I have so many to read!
    I also read Karen's book, and it was the first memoir I'd ever read. And it was excellent!
    Anne and Laura, I'm so happy you did read and enjoy it, and Ella glad you are now eading it.
    Madeleine's comment made me chuckle. That's all right, I didn't intend for so many women to like my book when I wrote it.

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  48. Sharon K. Mayhew6 September 2011 at 03:21

    I guess I mostly read YA, MG and PBs...I read adult books on occassion. They're usually ones written by my blog friends or writer friends. LOL!

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  49. Carrie Butler6 September 2011 at 05:47

    Hi, Talli! New follower here. Just saying hi. :)

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  50. Missed Periods6 September 2011 at 07:44

    I keep promising myself that I'll read more non-fiction so I can learn about the world, but I always pick up another novel.

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  51. Samantha Vérant6 September 2011 at 10:29

    As a writer, it's important to read outside your genre! Good for you!

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  52. Joyce6 September 2011 at 12:25

    I read a wide range of genres although I'm not a huge sci fi fan and I don't read Horror. I love mysteries but stay away from nightmare inducing horror.

    Have a great week!

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  53. Flowerpot6 September 2011 at 14:35

    Because I interview all kinds of different authors I read all kinds of books. Recently it's been horror (not my favourite!), Bill Bryson and Ian Rankin's thrillers. Oh and Jenny Colgan's latest - a real mix!

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  54. Kelley6 September 2011 at 17:09

    Chick lits are my reading vacations. I <3 them, and they give me a break from YA too :)

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  55. Ellie Garratt6 September 2011 at 17:35

    I think it's important to read a diversity of genres, but I do admit I tend to read science fiction most of the time. I do love non-fiction, though!

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  56. Unknown6 September 2011 at 18:17

    I read all sorts. Lately I've read mystery (of course), chick lit, a sweet historical romance, a sexy romance suspense and a brilliant paranormal romance.

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  57. Andrew6 September 2011 at 20:08

    Sure you do....

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  58. Jo Schaffer Layton6 September 2011 at 20:15

    I'm excited to read your new book-- I really liked The Hating Game.

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  59. Deborah Carr (Debs)6 September 2011 at 22:30

    I love chick lit, but also enjoy various other genres including historicals, thrillers, etc

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  60. alexia7 September 2011 at 01:18

    I try to keep things diverse, too! I think it stretches our reading (and therefore writing) muscles.

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  61. Hannah7 September 2011 at 18:30

    I don't think I've ever read ONE genre. Which is probably why it's so hard for me to put just one genre in my writings. I'm always blending and trying to incorporate all the things I love about fiction stories in general.

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  62. MTeacress7 September 2011 at 22:13

    I'm open to quite a few genres - but not all.

    I've been gone for the month of August, so I'm glad to be catching up on blogs. Good to 'see' you again. :)

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  63. Summer Ross13 September 2011 at 15:44

    Talli- ack! I accidentally posted my Watching willow piece a day early- I don't know my brains fried on homework LOL

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