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| Connection? Yep! Couldn't put this one down. |
Chapter one of any book is the Decision Point for me - either I'm hooked or I'm not. And if I find myself preferring to turn the light off than read any further, I'll fling the book aside and pick up another.
It's pretty straightforward, except that sometimes this decision is made for strange reasons. Or even a complete lack of reason. Books are somewhat mysterious things, with a lack of science that defies all logic. There are books that are perfectly well written, with what sounds like a great storyline - but I just can't get past that first chapter.
For a child, page one is Decision Point. There are some books I choose for Abbey that I'm sure she'll love - they have gorgeous pictures and a good storyline - but she'll fling them aside by the end of that first page if they don't grab her. And then there are books that I try to hide from her because they're so awful (don't judge unless you too have been subjected to some of the horrible books out there!), but she'll track them down and demand them again and again.
To me, it's all about connection.
It's the reason that a publisher can't tell you what they're looking for in a manuscript, that intangible factor that eludes all description.
Some capture our imaginations, and others don't. Some we can see when we close our eyes, we can feel as we read the text, and whether we love or hate the characters they feel real to us. Connection is not something that can be forced or contrived. If it's not there, it's just not there. End of story.
I'm in need of new books to feel a connection with. I have some reading space wide open and nothing to fill it.
So tell me - what are your current favourite reads?
(I've kickstarted things with my latest fave, see the picture above - Kylie Ladd's new book, Last Summer. Love!)
14 comments:
I'm desperate for some book suggestions too! I'm going to Fiji in a couple of weeks and need something to read by the pool.
Like you, I'm impatient and need to be hooked from the first page. Or, I'll flip to a random page in a book, and if it doesn't intrigue me, it's not the right book for me.
Will be having a read through the comments on this post later in the week, then visiting a bookshop ASAP! xx
I must go get me that book! xx
Oh my god, how amazing is Last Summer? I am such a huge fan.Have you read Kate Morton, 'The Distant Hours'? It blew me away. Everything tied into neat little bows at the end!
Well...I'm working my way through the Harry Potter series (I know, it's all over bar the shouting, but better late than never!). I'm up to the 4th book, HP and the Order of the Phoenix. Recent books I have loved are: the Millenium trilogy by Steig Larsson; The Red Tent by Anita Diamant; Midwives by Chris Bohjalian; The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.
Kelly, did Kate Morton also write The Shifting Fog? That's another one I really liked.
Kate xo
She did indeed Kate! Next one on my list actually :)
Thank you gorgeous!! How lovely to see it there :) Really appreciate it... have you finished the book? (No pressure! Just interested)
Also interested to know if Kelly is Kate's siter. Or IS Kate... ;)
Hahaha - no relation I am afraid. I must confess though sometimes I cover the 'ate' from 'Kate' with my fingers on the cover and try and imagine what my name would look like on a book cover ;)
I've just finished reading One Big Damn Puzzler by John Harding.
i won't spoil it by telling you anything about it, just that I think everyone should read it.
Another just finished read is The Provence Cure For The Brokenhearted by Bridget Asher. It was good, but not quite what I expected.
For by the pool - Fall Girl by Toni Jordan, smart, witty, great read.
I've just started reading a short story collection by Raymond Carver. Fantastic.
Sometimes I need to hide my Master's books too...I too hope to see my name on a book one day too!
1. We Need to Talk About Kevin - only read if you don't have boys.
2. Anything by Alexander McCall Smith. La's Orchestra is sweet and a good read.
3. A Special Relationship by Douglas Kennedy
4. Inside Story by Peter Lloyd. About an Aussie journo who goes to jail on drug charges in Singapore.
I've just finished The Chrysalids by John Wyndham as I had never read it before and loved it.I'm anxiously waiting for Room by Emma Donoghue from the library ( both anxious to get my hands on it and anxious because I feel it's going to be a gut wrenching read. The book's website is what has really suckered me in for it, but I had to check out Amazon for the synopsis).
What a great topic! I always love to hear what others are reading! I have recently read "Left Neglected" and "Still Alice" both by Lisa Genova and I thoroughly enjoyed them both! "I came to say goodbye" is another one I've just read and enjoyed! My mum had just introduced me to Di Morrissey I have just finished "The Plantation" which I loved!It was a light and easy read! Now I want to go for a holiday in Langkawi!
I also sypathise with you and having to hide some picture story books! The exact same thing happens in this house! Some books just shouldn't have to be read aloud!
Goodluck finding something to read!
Oooh I love book posts! I'm about to start reading Geraldine Brooks' new book - Caleb's Crossing. I love all of her other books - beautifully written historical fiction, full of meticulous detail. Not sure if that's your cup of tea? Am also enjoying Jasper Jones at the moment...
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