What are you Reading Now?

[Devor]

It's one thing to debate the merits and impact of romance or erotica on our society - I would dread such a conversation, but there's certainly room for it and fair points to be made all around - but it's quite another to become hostile just because somebody mentions that they read or write it.

You may have and express whatever opinion you want, but do so in a way that invites sharing and discussion, not in a way that seeks to shut other people down.

 

[DragonOfTheAerie]

Interestingly enough, I love a good romantic subplot in a story not otherwise focused on it. I think of it as an important component to a larger story. But...that's me.

 

[TheCrystallineEntity]

And human sexuality is also something that is an important part of many people's lives

A lot of people, for sure. But not me. But, then, I'm just being redundant.
Um...is it alright then, that I stay far, far away from erotica and sexuality? Is that looking down upon others who like it? I don't think so, but I really don't want to make mistakes here! Or am I being sensitive, as usual, since I don't want to upset anyone if my opinions aren't so good. Then again, I am an amateur [a word which in my mental dictionary means, drawing from the original Latin meaning, 'one who does what they love'; and has nothing to do with a new working person]. Though that simple definition makes me seem arrogant, right. I'll be quiet about that.

Here's something kind of interesting: when does romance move into pure, possibly universal [depending on your definition] love, if that happens at all? But, of course, that might be untrue and that sort of thing rarely happens.

[Am I always this insecure, trying to please everyone at once? Quite likely.]

 

[FifthView]

Perhaps the topic(s) of romance and erotica ought to be discussed under a dedicated thread, maybe under Writing Questions, if only because the subject is huge, heh, possibly complex, and even not 100% defined the same way by everyone.

In the book I'm reading (mentioned above), various writers, readers, and publishers of m/m romance are surveyed, and even among those who like the genre, not everyone looks at these things the same way. One went so far as to separate porn, erotica, erotic romance, and sensual romance. The author of the book I'm reading stresses that "m/m" is a romance genre, so romance is the key regardless of whether there's much sex or very little: intimacy and sex are only important insofar as the character development and/or plot (and these are very closely tied in a romance novel) are advanced. But he also mentions the fact that not everyone who writes m/m approaches the genre in that way. (He's a bit critical, negatively, in this regard.)

Then there are the subgenres of m/m, like mystery, historical fiction, and speculative fiction, in which those elements need to be developed just as much as the romantic plot. (Although some I've read in the fantasy genre skimped on developing the fantasy elements...not in a great way.) Once you consider these and the many possible approaches, discussing personal preferences re: romance novels might become complicated.

 

[La Volpe]

Well that escalated quickly.

To (perhaps) get this thread kind of back topic: I've started reading Stephen King's On Writing for the fourth or fifth time. I find that it motivates me to write when I'm in kind of a slump as I am now.
I'm also busy with The Dinosaur Lords by Victor Milán, but despite how awesome it is, I find it hard to stay interested by it. Sigh.

 

[T.Allen.Smith]

...I've started reading Stephen King's On Writing for the fourth or fifth time. I find that it motivates me...

Fantastic book. One of the very few craft books I've read more than once.

 

[TheCrystallineEntity]

I'm sorry, everyone. I'm overly cautious about upsetting people, so I was tying myself up in knots trying not to seem mean.
I've just finished rereading the whole Thursday Next series.
I might reread Sabriel, Lirael, and Abhorsen again, as well. I do hope Gareth NIx writes more.

 

[T.Allen.Smith]

I'm sorry, everyone. I'm overly cautious about upsetting people, so I was tying myself up in knots trying not to seem mean.

This shouldn't be a concern. People are free to express opinions, but they're expected to do so with tact & grace.

Even heated arguments, between people with vastly different opinions and backgrounds, can be handled with respect.

 

[Addison]

I'm reading "Six of Crows" for the nth time while I wait for the sequel, "Crooked Kingdom" to freaking get to my mailbox. Anyone who's a fan of Lord of the Rings, the Mistborn series, or Leverage, will finish this book in one night and never forget it. It's my new favorite, and I grew up on Harry Potter. That's how good it is!

 

[Mythopoet]

I'm reading "Six of Crows" for the nth time while I wait for the sequel, "Crooked Kingdom" to freaking get to my mailbox. Anyone who's a fan of Lord of the Rings....

I'm just curious, because I'm a huge fan of LOTR and I have read the synopsis of Six of Crows and it didn't appeal to me at all, what is it about the book that makes you think fans of LOTR would like it too? From the synopsis it seems to me like it would be difficult to find two more different fantasy novels. I am simply wondering because I always find it fascinating how different people react to books in different ways.

 

[DragonOfTheAerie]

I'm reading "Six of Crows" for the nth time while I wait for the sequel, "Crooked Kingdom" to freaking get to my mailbox. Anyone who's a fan of Lord of the Rings, the Mistborn series, or Leverage, will finish this book in one night and never forget it. It's my new favorite, and I grew up on Harry Potter. That's how good it is!

Oh, I love that one! O_O Sooooo good. I finished it in the wee hours of the morning and sent my book friend like 30 panicked fangirling texts, haha. And I haven't read Crooked Kingdom either, it keeps being checked out at the library...

 

[Garren Jacobsen]

Just finished Tjree Parts dead. Russ was right only an equity partner can revive a God.

 

[Addison]

I'm just curious, because I'm a huge fan of LOTR and I have read the synopsis of Six of Crows and it didn't appeal to me at all, what is it about the book that makes you think fans of LOTR would like it too? From the synopsis it seems to me like it would be difficult to find two more different fantasy novels. I am simply wondering because I always find it fascinating how different people react to books in different ways.

True, different readers attribute different parts of LotR or other stories to new stories. Where I draw the connection is the epic journey and life-risking task they've set themselves on. Add that it takes place in such a remarkable, beautiful, intricately created world, then definitely LotR.

I don't know if you're aware, but "Six of Crows" is a story happening in a world set in a previous trilogy. "The Grisha Trilogy". The plots of those stories could tie a little closer to a LotR theme than Six of Crows. Like I said, "Six of Crows" reminds me of Leverage. Seriously, Kaz- Nathan, Inej-Parker, Matthias-Eliot, Nina- Sophie, Wylan- Hardison. Add the whit and the intricate details of their plans, oh heck yeah.

 

[DragonOfTheAerie]

True, different readers attribute different parts of LotR or other stories to new stories. Where I draw the connection is the epic journey and life-risking task they've set themselves on. Add that it takes place in such a remarkable, beautiful, intricately created world, then definitely LotR.

I don't know if you're aware, but "Six of Crows" is a story happening in a world set in a previous trilogy. "The Grisha Trilogy". The plots of those stories could tie a little closer to a LotR theme than Six of Crows. Like I said, "Six of Crows" reminds me of Leverage. Seriously, Kaz- Nathan, Inej-Parker, Matthias-Eliot, Nina- Sophie, Wylan- Hardison. Add the whit and the intricate details of their plans, oh heck yeah.

Oh, the worldbuilding is intricate. I found the settings delightfully vivid.

I love this book, everyone read it PLEASE.

 

[Russ]

Just finished Mississippi Blood, the third book in Ilses' Natchez Burning trilogy.

From what I can tell this trilogy will be a permanent landmark in the thriller genre as well as an amazing look at both the south and race relations in the United States.

Fantastic work, cannot praise it enough. Might be the best non-spec fiction I have read in 20 years, other than my wife's debut novel!

 

[DragonOfTheAerie]

I FINALLY finished the Two Towers.

LOTR IS SO AMAZING I know people are obsessed with it but like why are they not MORE obsessed???

 

[Mythopoet]

I FINALLY finished the Two Towers.

LOTR IS SO AMAZING I know people are obsessed with it but like why are they not MORE obsessed???

You're clearly just not hanging out around the right people. But tbh around places like this I try not to talk about it too much so as not to annoy people. Otherwise every conversation about books and stories and writing would definitely lead to LOTR and Tolkien for me. lol

 

[TheCrystallineEntity]

^Me too, to an extent.

 

[Insolent Lad]

I'm rereading Kipling's 'Kim' and his writing is so gorgeous it makes me embarrassed to call myself an 'author' in comparison. The opening pages are a textbook on combining story and description. No laundry lists for Rudyard! But the story...well, kind of flat.

 

[TheCrystallineEntity]

I just finished reading Seraphina again. I felt like the main couple didn't have enough chemistry. If anything, Phina has more chemistry with her uncle than her lover.