LIS763-My Reader’s Profile
September 19, 2007
I don’t consider myself a disciplined fiction reader, because I mostly pick up non-fiction books pertaining to self-improvement, medical or history subjects. When I decide to read fiction my appeal primarily leans towards historical/literary fiction with a romance appeal. I enjoy inspiring stories with vibrant, detailed settings. I especially enjoy when authors vividly write about familiar family experiences and broad multi-cultural themes from around the world. I love a story that surrounds itself around art and history, the extra details makes the story flow faster, Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier. I also enjoy reading storylines about iconic/historical individuals. Great examples of this genre are, Sor Juana’s Second Dream: A Novel by Alicia Gaspar de Alba or Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk. I like to recognize the main character in the storyline and I find the time-frames are informative and the characters are evocative.
I especially, enjoy translated literary fiction with a touch of international flavor and integrated foreign words, such as Laura Esquivel’s, Like Water for Chocolate and Isabel Allende’s, House of Spirits. It fascinates me, to see recognizable literary work translated and shared in the English language. It’s important that the grammar in these stories be translated correctly. It’s not always easy to translate literary work. It’s a plus when some of the books include a brief glossary or include literary notes. I also appreciate first debut novels which include evolving characters, which explore and are in search of their personal identity, Amy Tan’s, Joy Luck Club or Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. The main character or characters have to interest me first. I like to identify with the main character and the plot has to intrigue me. I like to follow a good story with characters that struggle and confront obstacles and later improve themselves as strong people. Some examples of stories are Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love by Oscar Hijuelos or Eat, Pray and Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything by Elizabeth Gilbert. A common detail I recognize with all of these novels that I have read is that they are all written in first person and they involve family immigrant themes or personal struggles.
I like well crafted themes about women or men who share strong bonds between family and friends, Sandra Cisneros, Caramelo. I like to relate or identify with the characters, whether they are serious or humorous. I don’t mind reading about opposing traditions or powerful social issues between society or family generations. How the Garcia Sisters Lost Their Accents by Julia Alvarez, is a good storyline to use as an example to explore and understand the common social troubles.
A genre I don’t particularly read is fantasy or science fiction. I have read a few young adult stories, and I find, that I don’t enjoy the made up frame settings taken place in unknown planets or make-believe places. I don’t mind humor, it always make a story entertaining, but I don’t like silliness or excessive swear words. I don’t like extreme violence or torture, especially towards children or animals. Some excitement is good. I don’t mind a good spook here and there. Which means I don’t enjoy too many of Stephen King’s books. I don’t like gory violence, it seems to lurk in my mind and it makes me uncomfortable.
******Novels I Liked******
Laura Esquivel, Like Water for Chocolate: debut and translated novel, turn of the century Mexico setting, romantic tale/enjoyable love story, interpersonal relations and sensual, emotional and hopeful, culinary descriptions, family and folkloric tradition, mother and daughter relationships. First person narrative.Amy Tan, Joy Luck Club: rich exploration of Chinese and American culture, celebrates life, fast moving narration, female friendships, mother and daughter relationships, family values and tradition, personal reflection of growing up, writing is poetic, funny and heartwarming,
Kahled Hosseini, The Kite Runner: debut novel set in the mid-70’s in Kabul, historical setting, gripping coming of age story, good storytelling novel, relationship between father and son, family, culture traditions, emotional writing, first person narrative.
******Novels I Disliked******
Isabel Allende, Law of Love: science fiction and romance combined, magic hectic writing, too many settings, unpleasant deaths, distracting accompanying musical CD.
Stephen King, Misery: psychological terror story, too much torture detail, violent language and dark humor, paperback had very small print and minimal open space.
Toni Morrison, Beloved: complex storyline about slavery, disturbing violence, death of a child and animals, creepy haunting story, multiple narrated stories, too many flash backs, racial hatred.
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