I want to start this post off by saying my goal is to not be mean about anything. I personally do not like these particular things in the books I read. I’m sure others have no problems with them or even love them…of course that’s fine! You’re allowed to like and dislike what you please and so am I. I’m posting this on Valentine’s Day…bad idea? I hope not.
Off the top of my head without have to do much thought, there are a few things I adamantly avoid in deciding which books I want to read...I probably could think of others as well. I’ll admit, even though I avoid them, there are times when I still do read books with such things and I enjoy them. Like always, I’m hoping a certain book will change my thoughts about my dislikes. You’re probably wondering what they are…
1. Dual Narratives
I’m sure there are many readers out there who have NO problems whatsoever with getting two different characters perspectives while reading. When I was obsessed with fanfiction, I hated it when the stories had this, but other readers were requesting Edward AND Bella’s points of view and their thoughts…I hated it! I’m probably in the minority here. My reasoning for wanting one one narrative is I want…surprise. In my opinion, we get less surprises and OMG moments with a dual narrative. Of course there are exceptions to every rule. Certain authors are able to still spring surprises. A couple of books I still enjoyed were Will Grayson, Will Grayson and Graffiti Moon.
2. Dialogue
I don’t avoid dialogue in a book, don’t get me wrong. I actually LOVE dialogue! My problem is when the dialogue is “hidden.” Hidden you might be asking? I’m not sure what the actual name is (if you know, please tell me) for what I’m speaking about since I’m not a writer and my English language skills are lacking, but I will explain what I mean with two examples I’ve seen.
Example #1
I love you Anthony.
Example #2
-I love you Anthony.
The author puts the dialogue in italics or after a dash throughout the entire book. There’s no typical dialogue. I’m not sure what the reasoning behind doing this is, but I don’t like it. I find it rather confusing and not needed. Again, I could be the only person who is bothered by this or who even pays attention, but it does bother me. I will still read a book with the dialogue in the form, but I think I enjoy it less…which is said.
3. Religion
I can handle some religion in books. I mean, many characters in novels think about God or something else on occasion or they even pray. That’s all fine. What I’ve learned to avoid are books I think of as preachy. I don’t want anything religious forced at me and there are some books (yes, young adult) that I think have done this. These are my thoughts of course. I’ve talked about this before on the blog.
4. Dialect
I feel sorry for my sister. I complain about this ALL the time her. I tell her all the time I started a book, read the first page, and didn’t finish it. Out of all of the above things, this is the one I really can’t get passed. Anymore, I don’t even give the books I shot. Why don’t I like it? It slows down my reading and is difficult to follow. I’ve only ever finished one book with a different way of talking/thinking-The Knife of Never Letting Go. This was before I knew some dialects in books bothered me, but I remember in this novel I wasn’t bothered by it. I also have plans to finish the series. When a book has that “Southern Twang” that is just over the top, I can’t read it. Also, many post-apocalyptic novels and dystopians have weird ways of speaking and thinking, so I have to avoid those as well.
With avoiding the above things I’ve noticed that I can’t trust a blurb to tell me if any of the above things will be in a book or not. I’ve picked up books on occasion and only read a page or less and have set it down. Also, I have enjoyed the occasional book which I’m happy I didn’t avoid…but it’s rare.
I want to thank Lisa from Lisa Is Busy Nerding for chatting with me on Gchat and leaving a comment on my blog that started this post. The comment and the chatting with her were two separate conversations and thoughts, but what she said made a light bulb pop on in my head.
So I ask you…
Do you agree or disagree with me on these?
Do you have any thoughts of your own on what YOU avoid or dislike?
i hate dual narratives, too, when they are repetitive. If they are not repetitive, I don't mind them. I don't like preachy books either - it's okay of the book makes me think about religious issues, but not if it wants to force a belief on me, as you say.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing that turns me off is dirty language for no purpose - I can handle characters swearing or talking dirty if it serves the plot/situation or character building but when it's used just for its own sake (I guess the author thinking he/she is bold in that way) I stop reading the book.
Great post!
I should have added repetitive to my post! I knew I was forgetting something :) Plus I think it takes longer to get to the "good" stuff in a book with a dual narrative...at least that's my experience with it usually.
DeleteI know of MANY other readers who hate curse words that aren't needed.
Oh, and thank you!
DeleteI so agree about dialect! It takes me forever to read a page of dialogue when the dialect is so thick. I've read a few books that do it effectively. One that comes to mind was set in New Orleans, and the male character had a heavy Cajun dialect. But there were only about 2 words that the author spelled out in dialect, and the rest of his speech patterns were just implied. I think that's why it worked effectively... because my mind filled in the rest of it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
I haven't had to deal with a Cajun dialect before, lol. It probably doesn't matter though because I probably wouldn't have given the book a shot, horrible I know.
Delete...and thank you!
I love alternating POV if they are done well. I also don't mind alternating time settings, which is not what you mentioned here, but since you used the word "alternating" I'm throwing it in...I do tend to mention these things in my blog posts because I know tons of my readers don't like it. But it doesn't bother me at all. I like it. Two perspectives in one book, I think. Ha!
ReplyDeleteAbout the dialogue...I have a problem when I can't pick out the dialogue because there are no quotations marks. Is that what you mean? I don't mind if the author uses italics to show a character thinking if it isn't used excessively or if it is used for emphasis (Lord knows I do that plenty because that's how I talk IRL) but I can't stand no quotation marks. I've DNF'd a book or two before because of this. (looking at you, Cormac McCarthy, which hurts, because Cormac is AWESOME)
Religion doesn't bother me at all. But since I know it does some of my readers, I do tend to mention it in my blog posts. I don't like it cheesy, though, so let's keep it non-cheesy if we are using religion in our books, please!
And oh my Lord the dialect. This is where I'm doing the Home Alone-hands on face thing right now. I HAVE THE DIALECT. Jacinda, you might hate me if we ever meet in real life. I am Southern to the max. I have the twang down, my friend. I can add extra syllables to a word and not even realize it. It's just a part of who I am and where I'm from. Sometimes it's embarrassing, but I'm learning to embrace it about myself and that I can still speak correctly and sound Southern. It is annoying reading it when it the words are spelled wrong on purpose (exploshuns, etc.) but OMG you might hate me IRL. And I might cry forever. Because I just love you to pieces. I think my Southern Twang might be over the top. Oh dear. I realize I'm talking about myself here and not a book. But oh dear!
I knew I'm one of the only people who doesn't like dual povs...oh well.
DeleteYep, no quotation marks. It just doesn't seem right to me...And I'm glad I'm not the only one who is bothered by it!
And I've already touched on the language with you on Twitter. :)
I agree with some of your thoughts, but have to disagree with a few others too. The dual narrators is usually a win for me (when the author does it right). I love getting both sides of the story because I feel like I am getting more out of it. As for the religion comment, I agree with you there. I can't handle preachy books. In fact, in my Foundations of Literacy class this semester we were discussing what makes a "good book" and one of the topics mentioned was when an author gets a point across, or a "lesson" but does it in a subtle way - so much that you almost don't even realize you just learned something from the book. As for the dialect, I see what you're saying - but I have to disagree with this. I know some people stay away from Aussie books because the language is SO different from ours. However, for me.. I LOVE IT! I think it adds to the richness of the book. Another reason why I adore their contemps so much because it's DIFFERENT, it's REFRESHING.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Jacinda!
I love Aussie books! I just don't like when the dialect/language is SO overpowering it takes away from the story itself. Little bits of it here and there that let you know a book is set in a different time or place is alright with me. Like that book Breathing I mentioned to, I can't believe I even finished it.
DeleteDual or multiple points of view can be tough, especially when the characters don't have distinct voices. I remember reading Phillip Roth's Deception (not necessarily shifting POVs but the whole book consisted of unmarked dialogue between two people) and I had to re-read passages over and over to try to figure out who on earth was speaking!
ReplyDeleteAs for dialect, well, it depends on the quality of writing. Vernacular embedded in dialogue is much easier for me to read than a first-person narrative written entirely in a native dialect.
GREAT post!
You shouldn't have to re-read anything! I hate when I'm reading a book and I have to do this because I'm confused.
DeleteAnd thanks!
I really enjoy dual narrative's. I was thrown when I first started reading them but now I find myself searching for books that have them. I feel I get a complete picture but I do see what your saying. Sometimes it doesn't work which leads me to one of my peeves.....over two narratives. I've been reading books lately that have up to 5 pov's. It takes away from everyone IMO. Whereas I love two to get a complete picture - 3 or more splits the story so much I don't feel like I get to know anyone.
ReplyDeleteThe dialects never used to bother me but I'm finding the more dystopians I read especially that I'm not enjoying it. I feel like I have to learn an entire new language and world for each book I read. I get the point is to escape from reality but somehow the themes are all so similar now but the languages are different.
My biggest peeve is the love triangle though. If I read one more I might shoot my eye out. There are a few good ones out there but overall I want to see just ONE relationship and all the trials a couple goes through before adding another guy tot he mix.
Also not a fan of insta-love or southern nosy family stories - where the whole town knows everyone's business lol
Happy Valentine's Day!!!
I knew I was the only one who didn't like dual narratives (or multiples) usually. After posting this post, I still find that true. I have to say though, that I do the the BDB series even though they are 100s of points of view :) There's just something about the books...or just the guys :)
DeleteYES! Dystopians! Blood Red Road I only read a couple of pages into it and set it down.
I understand the love triangles! I totally forgot about insta-love!
I like dual narratives BUT they have to be well done. I think it can be pretty interesting, and I like seeing the motives or thoughts each character has. I can understand why you'd prefer the mystery/suspense of things though!
ReplyDeleteThe one point I'd have to agree on is the religion bit. I'm proud to be a believer and everything, but it's one thing to subtly integrate that into a book as opposed to shoving it down a reader's throat. I often find myself feeling unnecessarily annoyed by books that come across as too preachy.
This is a really thoughtful post though, and it's actually made me think about what turns me off a book. I'll have to get back to you on that, as I'm still mulling it over...
I'm happy this post made you think! Something someone said to me go me thinking... :)
DeleteI do like all of these things you mention on your list, but like others have commented here, only when they're done well.
ReplyDeleteThe books that do turn me off are when I can't sympathize with any of the characters. When you try to imagine them from their point of view and you STILL don't understand their motives, that's a big red flag. Sure, I get it that people are going to complain about characters that seem whiny or not empathize with the mean girls, but it doesn't mean that they aren't being true to their character and motives. I've only come across it once in one book where I didn't connect with any of the characters, and that bothered me. I think as readers we're meant to connect with someone, at least ONE character in a story. Or at least understand them on some sort of level. It's a complete turnoff when I can't.
I've noticed by posting this, that some people agree with me and others disagree...which was the point of my post in the first place. I just wanted to discuss what I personally didn't wish to see in the books I read. Obviously there has to be readers who enjoy these things otherwise authors wouldn't write them, right?! :)
DeleteYou should be able to at least connect with one of the characters. I hate it the most though when I can't connect with a few of the key characters especially when other readers have been able to.
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ReplyDeleteI could go either way with dual narratives. It definitely becomes a bit grating when it's repetitive, but there have been a few books I've read (and LOVED!) where the narrators are from different periods in time. Kate Morton's The Forgotten Garden, for instance.
ReplyDeleteAnother commenter mentioned a character being described as having a particular accent with perhaps one or two words thrown in. That's the type of dialogue I can handle. It's when the author tries to write the accent/dialect that I become painfully lost and irritated. It completely takes me out of the story when I have to stop and re-read entire passages again just to figure out what on earth the character just said.
I agree with you on the dialogue/accents and such!
DeleteI don't have a problem with dual narratives, but I agree with all your other turn offs! And I can see why dual narratives can be a turn off - you're right, sometimes the surprise is totally taken away when you have a dual narrative.
ReplyDeleteAnd why do that crap with the dialogue??? Just use quotations like a normal person, please! ;)
And yes, over-the-top religion is a complete turn off for me. I really enjoyed Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan, which has a strong religious aspect to it, but at one point I was like, "Oh, no, is this a preachy book? Please tell me it isn't!" And luckily, in my opinion, it turned out to show both the good and bad aspects of organized religion and the good and bad aspects of atheism/agnosticism. I don't think the author was trying to say which one was right. So, yeah, preaching at me is a big no-no.
And dialects are really hard to read! I remember first reading Harry Potter and Hagrid was so confusing! But luckily I haven't read too many other books with strong dialects.
Awesome discussion post!
I really wish they would just use quotes... *sigh*
DeleteI never finished reading Glow...only read like 20 pages, it just wasn't for me.
I forgot all about Hagrid!
I don't like dual POV when it's done in first person. I find it annoying. If a book is in first person, it really needs to be just from one person's perspective. I don't mind multiple POV's when it's in third person, for some reason, as long as we're not hopping from mind to mind within a scene or, shudder, within a paragraph. That's too jarring. But from scene to scene or chapter to chapter, switching POV, when it's done well, helps me get the full story. And I do like that.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree on your other points. BIG turnoffs. Though just a slight indication of dialect doesn't bother me. But when it's constant and gets in the way of being able to understand the text, that's a problem.
Great post!
Thank you! :)
DeleteI like dual narratives when they're done right (like anything I suppose!) But I avoid religion in books like the plague, it definitely puts me off.
ReplyDeleteOf course, I avoid religion as well. :)
DeleteGreat post! I actually really like dual narratives - the short story collection Girl Meets Boy, edited by Kelly Milner Halls, is a great example of how they can be amazing - and don't mind religion if handled well (which, to be fair, it rarely is!) but would definitely agree with you about 'hidden' dialogues and dialect. I find with dialect less is definitely more - a few words spelt SLIGHTLY differently can get the point across fine without making it hard to read.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read Girl Meets Boy...
DeleteI think it's rarely handled well, just like you.
I love the concept of this post, because of course I have things that completely turn me off, and I love hearing what other's are. I don't mind dual narrators, but I am getting a little sick of it, especially with the every other chapter set up that seems to be rampant. I don't mind dialects, in fact, I appreciate it in futuristic books as it makes it feel more realistic to me. Like in A Clockwork Orange, which I adore, but I can totally see why people can't get through it because of the dialect!
ReplyDeleteThings that irk me? Green eyes. I swear EVERY book has a main character or love interest with green eyes. It's gotten to a point where I get incredibly angry when the physical description comes up. Genetically, this just isn't possible. I also hate that I feel like every book has a character named Kai or Finn. I also totally agree with you on religion. I don't mind it being an aspect of the story, or even an important aspect, but I do mind being preached to. It can be hard sometimes, for instance, I really loved When She Woke, but I agreed with what was being preached. I can see how this is the type of book that could set people off, and would make me angry if I didn't share an opinion.
This is a GREAT feature and I'm glad you've got it going!
ReplyDeleteDialects can be hard for me too, unless I can get in the zone.
Sometimes I feel like dual narratives are a cop out.
Books that don't use punctuation bother me a whole lot.
I like dual POV if they advance the story and don't go back and rehash what you already know. For whatever reason they make for a quick read too. Short chapters. Can't wait to see what the other is thinking.
ReplyDeleteI do hate preachy and anything that slows me down. Language and/or dialect.
In a lot of ways, this post is connected to Ruby's about being the only one who didn't like a book, because what turns you off may make or break a book.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, I think everyone should have a post like this. Because it's important to know. I want to make one now. If I had the time...
Feel free to post something like this yourself in the future! :)
DeleteI would have said once upon a time that dialect bothers me but I have been reading the Downside Ghosts series by Stacia Kane and I've learned to let it go. The whole book has characters who speak in downspeak and yes it is annoying at first but I got use to it. I actually like one of the main character's way of talking now that I have grown to love him.
ReplyDeleteI guess sometimes these things work and sometimes they don't and it all depends on what is going on in the book and the author's writing.
How can you do it?! haha. The writing has tons to do with it sometimes. Plus the characters and such as well.
DeleteI really like dual POV when it's really well done. Like you mentioned Graffiti Moon and that was FABULOUS. But I totally get what you mean... it can be repetitive, and sometimes just annoying.
ReplyDeleteIt's weird, I'm sure there are things that really bug me, but for some reason I can't think of any right now.
I just noticed out of nowhere one day that I had a few things that bugged me while reading, I figured I would share :)
Delete