Let's Talk: Authors That I Can't Help But Read

Friday, November 1, 2013




Let's Talk is a weekly feature here at i swim for oceans. I think it's important that we all have our say, and there's something to be said for raising our voices. Simply put, here on the little old blog, I like to host some of my very own discussion posts because, well, I like to converse with you all.

And so, Let's Talk will feature questions or prompts, which I will answer, too. Love it or hate it, weigh in or don't, it's my hope that Let's Talk will at least get you thinking...and maybe even get you discussing with the rest of us!
Do you ever read books simply because they're from an author you love, rather than because of the book itself?

The sad (but very true) answer to this question is, simply. yes. But let's be honest. I'm sure I'm not the only one. It doesn't always work in my favour either. Some authors make a big impression on me the first time I read their books. It doesn't matter what they write after that initial book, but I will always pick up their books, simply because they sold me on their prowess and skill as an author the first time around. 

A great example of this is Susan Beth Pfeffer. When I read Life As We Knew It, I was really blown away. The story, the premise, the to-die-for cover - all of it made for a solid hook, and I knew from then on that I would read anything by Ms. Pfeffer because the woman can write. Now, the rest of the series hasn't worked for me, yet I keep coming back for more. That, in a nutshell, is a beautiful example of reading simply because of an author. When she released Blood Wounds, you'd better believe I got it while it was hot off the press, too.

I can guarantee I will always read anything that Michelle Hodkin writes, too. She's not only an incredible writer, but she's a great person and an awesome friend. She could write pure gibberish, and I'd still pick it up, simply because it was written by her. Jennifer Brown is another example for me. Contemporary notoriously hasn't worked for me in the past, but Ms. Brown made me see the error in my ways with Hate List. Yeah, it's perfection.

There are more authors that I'll do this for, too. John Green, anyone? Rainbow Rowell? Laurie Halse Anderson? Way back when, it was Brian Jacques. It didn't matter what he wrote...I'd read it because it was him. So, yes, I do read books for this reason, and I'm totally okay with it. 

13 comments:

  1. Yeah, I have like a mental list of auto buy authors like Patrick Ness, Rick Riordan, John Green and Courtney Summers (just an example).

    Fabulous list there, I need to get reading some Jennifer Brown books! <33

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  2. I have auto boy authors too, but sometimes they do end up disappointing me (Richelle Mead + Bloodlines anyone?) Rachel Caine as well but love everything she does. Great post Mel!

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  3. I have to agree with you Melissa, authors which have time and time again left a great impression with me, I always have to read their books, even if the initial reviews are disappointing. This is the case with Meg Cabot, I've read so many of her books, but I'm always eager to get my hands on her latest releases. I have especially become addicted to her series, so always have to pre-order those. Thanks for sharing your list with us Melissa, there's quite a few on there that I need to check out!

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    Replies
    1. I love Meg Cabot's Missing series and her Mediator books, but I've never quite felt that anything she's written since has quite matched up. Her Persephone series was good, but not as good. :-(

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  4. YES, definitely. Maggie Stiefvater, Melina Marchetta, John Green, Rainbow Rowell, Kristin Cashore, Jandy Nelson, Megan Whalen Turner, Libba Bray, Sarah Rees Brennan, Stephanie Perkins...you get the picture. I read an author's debut and love it so much and even if the sequel isn't as good, I know I've found that perfect author I can count on. There are SO many for me! Love this post, Melissa!(:

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  5. YES. Yes, I do. Definitely John Green and there are a ton of UF authors where I'll buy their book before I even read the blurb. Usually, I love it. There've been some rare instances where I wondered if the author was on drugs or had a personality transplant but those are few and far between.

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  6. I definitely do this, even if it means crossing over into a different genre. I picked up Tracey Garvis Graves latest book recently even though it deals with cheating, something that's usually taboo for me, because I enjoyed her first novel. Sometimes this will pay off, sometimes it won't. But usually if I enjoy their writing style in one book I'll enjoy it in another. ;-)

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  7. Oh I've definitely done this Melissa! There are a handful of auto-buy authors for me who could write the telephone book and I would buy it. I love them that much:) Michelle Hodkin, Wendy Higgins, Jennifer Estep, and Katie McGarry are all on that list along with several others. All of them have consistently written books I've loved and I will continue reading their books as long as they decide to write them!

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  8. Among modern authors, I can't think of anyone. I wish Sylvia Plath had written more fiction, though.

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  9. Oh I definitely have auto-buy authors as well. Richelle Mead is the one who comes immediately to mind, but only her YA books. Her adult books don't really appeal to me.
    When it comes to historical romance, I'd say Lisa Kleypas is on my auto-buy list.
    Oh and also, I will read anything by R.L LaFevers!

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  10. I am completely with you on this! I have auto-buy authors as well. Like you, John Green is becoming an auto-buy author for me. I have only read two of his books, but loved both. I plan on reading more! Stephanie Perkins, Morgan Matson, Philippa Gregory are a few of my auto-buy authors.

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  11. I do it too! And I have so many books in my library from the same author because of this very issue. I am a new to your meme. I saw it on girlxoxo.com Master Meme List and decided to join in. Thanks and great topic.

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  12. Oh....I definitely do that. If my favorite author comes out with a new book, I read it. :)

    This is a nice meme. I am glad I stumbled upon it.

    Anything by Kate Morton is in my reading stack. :)

    Have a great week.

    Elizabeth
    Silver's Reviews
    My Blog

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