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?
Wow, this a great question! I feel like I always answer these, and then read everyone else's answer and wish I had said something completely different. Maybe I should read other people's answers first! But oh well.
I would say the book I read that was the furthest from my normal reading genre would probably be the Twilight series. Yes, I do read YA books, but I don't read too much fantasy and that was probably my first book about vampires. I read Twilight honestly because the cover was so gorgeous. I'd heard something about it here and there, and that people liked it, but I didn't really know what it was about. It was one of those things where I was at the library and needed a few books to read, and it was on the "Popular Recent Titles" shelf. Since the name rang a bell and I was in a hurry, I picked it up without reading the jacket flap. Once I got home and I did read it, I was extremely skeptical, but decided to give it a try. And I thoroughly enjoyed it! (That being said, it's by FAR the best of the series).
I wouldn't say it's kicked off a new obsession, but Twilight definitely taught me to stray outside my comfort zone every once in awhile.
By the way, did anyone else have a difficult time answering this question? Maybe my brain is just dead this morning, but I was having trouble thinking through all the books I've read!
14 comments:
lol Ah yes, I had to think a bit before I answered! And then, while leaving a comment, I realized that the comment HAD to be added. So, I did; yep, I went back into my post and my addition is now my first paragraph!
You are among friends!
Well, after reading Dracula years ago, I decided that was enough vampires for me. I once tried reading something by Anne Rice, but didn't get very far. Yes, I had a little trouble getting started on this topic, too - I guess I really tend to stay inside the old comfort zone.
I don't really have a specific genre i adhere too..it's merely if the book looks good...but it did take me a second to think of what book to write about. thankfully, not too long. lol
I'm glad you liked twilight and simply decided to give it a shot. I'm not a huge fantasy reader either.
-Lauren
I love fantasy, but I haven't read Twilight. It just doesn't call to me and it's pushed even further back thanks to all the so-so reviews of Breaking Dawn.
I thought of my main one immediately because I didn't read it too long ago, but I couldn't think of any other weird ones. After going around other people's posts, I have read a bunch of odd ones. So I'm like you - I always think of things I wish I'd said after I've visited everyone else!
I had a hard time answering this- I actually wrote out a response, posted it, and then changed it completely!
Yup, I was brain dead, too. I was trying not to talk about weirdest books read, because I think we've done that question. I pretty much just rambled on...
I didn't have trouble with this one at all. Flowers In The Attic instantly came to my mind because it was truly out of my comfort zone and I felt uneasy reading it given the content. That said, I think I read it in record time because I didn't want to stop! Maybe it had such an impact on me because it was early 80's and people didn't talk about things like incest back then. I've never read any of the Twilight series. I may give it a go tho.
I've never been tempted to read the Twilight series. I think because most people tell me that Twilight is as good as the series gets. I'd rather read a series that gets better with age.
I had a hard time answering but my brain is always a little fuzzy. I have read other Vampire books when I was younger. I had read the LJ Smith series Vampire Diaries and I love. I want to say it is similar to Twilight but I just picked it up and try to read some of it to see what I remember and I remember nothing from except that it is a love triangle.
I have never been into vampire stories. I do like paranormal romance, as long as it stays away from blood-sucking creatures! :) A friend of mine, however, is obsessed with vampire stories and recently told me I should read this series of books. I'd heard a lot about it before her recommendation and pretty much decided not to. But maybe one day. My TBR pile is too long at the moment.
I have the Twilight series in my TBR and heard wonderful things about it. Eventually I will get to it.
Good call on Twilight -- I stepped out of my "box" to read it, too, and really enjoyed it!
Yes, I read so many books that it's hard to remember what I thought was different at the time!
Sorry I didn't respond to this sooner. I meant to come on Thursday. Anyways, I too had to think a bit and I'm not into Vampires either.
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