Janna's Reading Profile
I love to read, and I read a variety of types of books. My go-to genre is mystery, and I have read all of Agatha Christie’s novels, many of them more than once. I love the way she creates a puzzle, I love the glimpse into life in the 20's and 30's (and later) in England and other countries. I love her characters, even though some people say they are quite flat. They never seem to be flat to me.
As I read about the different aspects of novels in The Secret Language of Books (Coleman, 2020), I was able to analyze my reading tendencies some. I tend toward cozy mysteries because I like solving a puzzle and getting to know characters. I love books that show good character development. I also love history and learning about other times and places, so I read historical fiction and historical mysteries. I am currently working on writing a novel set in 1910 in NYC, so I’ve been reading books set in that time period.
I do enjoy reading non-fiction, and generally have a fiction and a non-fiction book going at the same time. I love to learn and non-fiction feeds that desire. I love science and have a background in biology (my first career), but I also love history. Connected to my love of history, I also enjoy reading biographies, and I have more recently started reading some memoirs. Memoirs sometimes seem to mix a little fiction into their non-fiction.
I am not a huge fantasy or science fiction fan, but recently read “Fourth Wing” and enjoyed that, as well as Ursula Le Guin’s “The Left Hand of Darkness.” I liked that last book quite a bit – but I liked when the characters were having conversations more than the descriptions of the action, which seemed rather tedious to me. I do try to stretch my reading interests, especially as I embark on my library career. I am trying to read some young adult fiction because that is the area where I have the least knowledge. I currently work in the youth area much of the time and would like to have a better handle on what is available there.
I'm curious to know if any of you have particular favorites in the historical fiction/mystery area. If you have some, be sure to mention them in your comment!
Coleman, E. (2020, December 7). The secret language of books: A guide to appeal. Novelist.
Hi Janna! I really enjoy getting to know characters as well. I can relate to you on that last book you mentioned - I just finished Laura Ruby's "Bone Gap" for another class, and it mixed in some magical realism and adrenaline that I was hoping would hit the spot, but instead I mostly enjoyed getting to know the characters and the town setting. I like that you used the word "tedious" - that is exactly how the last 1/3 of this book felt too.
ReplyDeleteWell maybe I won't put that one on my list! :) It's interesting how many people are interested in fantasy (more than science fiction). I think some magical realism works for me - I read "The Master and Margarita" and really liked it. But yes, the characters matter!
DeleteHi Janna, I love a good historical mystery too! Have you read The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish? Also, Ariel Lawhon's works would fit the category and I enjoyed them all!
ReplyDeleteKaris, I have not read those - I'll put them on my list! :)
DeleteHey Janna! It looks like I might learn quite a bit from you this semester, because I am definitely inexperienced with mysteries and historical fiction. Those are two of the genres I chose to read for this class, and I'm eager to learn more!
ReplyDeleteI have only read 4 Agatha Christie novels but I really want to read more. I also love character driven novels. Great job on your reading profile!
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