Looking for a good book.

 

Is anyone else having trouble finding new books to read? 

I try out books at library and when I find an author I like, I purchase books. I loved Boyd Morrison’s “The Lawless Land” which takes place during the time of the Black Death in England. The period is one of my favorites. Another one I fell in love with was “Starter Villian” by John Scalzi. His talking cats and dolphins are so insanely intriguing, I had to re-read the novel and get my own copy.

It seems like I don’t finish as many books as I check out. I do enjoy Nancy Atherton’s “Aunt Dimity” mysteries and just started “Come Shell or Highwater” by Molly Macrae.

I couldn’t get through a science fiction called “The Terraformers”. It started alright, but roughly half-way through the alphabet agenda kicked in. I am not a fan. Also, with world-building, I expect the author to explain things. For example: if you have a non-human society, tell me what it is. Tell me what the backstory is. If I don’t know what makes up the characters, why they are there, and how everything works, how can I get engaged?

Sorry, but it seems like the traditional (paper) publishers are sticking with “trendy” topics for the most part. They don’t branch out with multiple variations like they used to, and I do understand. Publishing is a risky and expensive business. They want to make money. Breaking into it as a new writer is very difficult – hence, the explosion of self-publishing and e-books.

Years ago, when there was multiple “big-box” booksellers, along with a laundry list of independent stores, it was easy to discover new authors and genres. For example, wandering through a Borders, I picked up a Vampire Huntress book by L.A. Banks. Her characters were vibrant and not the usual “white-bread” folks. Damali, is a hip-hop singer by day. Great series, and highly recommended (especially if you love the early Laurell Hamilton’s Anita Blake series).

Fantasy lovers had a huge choice. The book covers were unique, and stories ranged from dark to high-fantasy. Now, every fantasy book in the store is similar and the stories rehashed. Romance has the same problem now. The books are formula-driven. Would George RR martin or Tolkien have sold their first novels in today’s market? How

Much longer will Mercedes churn out her Valdemar novels? When will George put out “Winds of Winter”? Is non-romantasy fantasy dead?

We all giggle at the Harlequin books, but at least they had variety. Same with popular books seen in the stores. Romance lovers could pick from different time periods, anywhere from prehistoric, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, medieval, etc. Not now. The time frame is very restricted. I know she writes formula, but at least Lynn Kurland’s books are fun and in my preferred era.

Science Fiction? I could travel with an explorer to a new world and read about alien cultures. Robots, cyborgs, and everything in-between was there. Anne McCaffrey (Pern and more) and S.L. Viehl (Stardoc series) are still great reads. Where is the new Michael Chrichton, Pierre Boulle, Ray Bradbury, or Arther C. Clarke?

I have a large library at home and a list of favorites. Looks like I will keep re-reading the older books. Thankfully, we do have a decent used bookstore in town.

 

Thoughts?