Discussion: The Starting Line

As all of you know, I read many books. Many, many books. And as you also know, I quite enjoy reading those novels. But the thing about reading a book is you have to start it. Now, I may be the only one who feels this way but I'm just going to say it: I don't like starting novels. Nope. Never. Not at all.

I can see why people would like starting a novel. The mystery of what's to come and falling in love with the characters and just the newness of it all. But the truth is I would much rather read when I already like the characters and I have already gotten used to the author's writing style. I've discovered that I am way more likely to read when I have some down time if I'm in the middle of a book rather than starting a new one. And since I mostly read books in one sitting this has become a problem.

I don't know about you, but I put a lot of emotional investment into the novels I read. And I don't just develop that attachment on the first page right of the bat. It takes a lot of energy for me to develop that emotion. Again, I just like books so much more when I'm already invested in it. I also find the beginning of books to be boring more often than not. I probably shouldn't, but I do.

I know most of you probably haven't thought about this much, but I would love to know that you think about this topic!

Under-appreciated Books

If you spend any time in the bookish world you know that some books get a lot of buzz, and some don't. Well, today I'm here to tell you some of my favorite books that didn't get as much credit and buzz as I believed they deserved. Some of them are more heard of than others. Some are even my all time favorites.

 Willow by Julia Hoban

One of my favorites ever. It was so heartbreaking and beautiful.

John Belushi is Dead by Kathy Charles

This is one of my more recent favs. It has some of my favorite things that we seldom see in YA these days (old movie and celebrity references) and it's just awesome. It had both heartbreaking and fun moments. Plus, look at that awesome cover!

Read my review here. 

Once dead Twice Shy by Kim Harrison

This may not be a favorite, but it's still really fun and unique. It's a series that I started reading right when I started really getting into reading. Who doesn't love reapers?

The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti

This is another favorite of mine. It's so good! I loved everything about it. 

Girl at Sea by Maureen Johnson

Okay, this may have gotten a lot of buzz just because it's Maureen Johnson. But, it gets nothing compared to Suite Scarlet or 13 Little Blue Envelopes. This is one of my favorite books that I've read this year, and it may have even earned a spot on my favorites shelf. It was so good! Diving and Italy and treasure hunts: there may not be a better combination. 

Read my review here.

Soul Screamers series by Rachel Vincent
Again, this may not be exactly not well know, but it is definitely under-appreciated. It's one of my favorite series. It's so amazing and it gets ten times better with every book!

And there are a ton more. 

Let me know, what are some books you think don't get enough credit?