March 23, 2012

TGIF (25): Bookish Trends

TGIF at GReads is a feature by the fabulous Ginger, who asks us a fun question to answer every week. It's always a joy to be a part of this, and I think everyone certainly should try it out!

What are some bookish trends you are noticing in the literature world today? Is there a particular trend you'd like to see more of?

This was actually a question that I had to stop and think about, since I normally just appreciate each book as a solid story on its own. But I guess that, after much thinking, there is one trend in particular that I'm enjoying - and that's the novels featuring strong female protagonists.

When I think of a strong, female protagonist, immediately, the females who kick butt (like Katniss of The Hunger Games, Katsa of Graceling and Eona of Eon/Eona) will come to mind. But I think there's also something to be said for characters with strong personalities, assertive natures and an innate intelligence and sensitivity also count for something (like Cassia of the Matched trilogy, JJ in Destined to Fail, and Alera in Allegiance).

(As a side note, I love that they're revamping all the covers of my favorite classics. That's a fun bookish trend that I think is really smart - it updates the look of books, making them more attractive to readers!)

What's your favorite trend in books these days?

10 Comments:

  1. That's quite true! It's nice to see female characters who aren't wusses or shallow or, you know, stereotypically female. I hope we see more of it!

    Happy TGIF! :)

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  2. You're so right about the strong female characters! I love to see my characters kick some butt as well, but like you, I appreciate them having a sensitive side as well :) (bookish twins, your answer proves it yet again! ;) )

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  3. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE strong female characters. I don't even need them in a position that requires them to kick (literal) butt, kill, wield swords, etc. I like how you worded it, "strong personalities, assertive natures and an innate intelligence and sensitivity."

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  4. Michelle@FabbityfabbookreviewsMarch 24, 2012 at 1:20 PM

    Also liking the strong female characters! I also think that the paranormal/urban fantasy genre is getting better- new voices, different concepts, etc. Or maybe that's just because I've read some awesome books in the last while!

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  5. Katsa! Katsa! Katsa!

    Yeah, I agree that the recovering of classics is a smart move and an AWESOME trend.

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  6. Yay, a fellow Katsa fan! I love Graceling.


    And yes, it's awesome how pretty the covers are nowadays :)

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  7. Ooh, that's another great trend! I have yet to really read any paranormal/urban books, but I'm definitely going to try that soon.

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  8. Strong, female characters certainly have a special place in my heart as a reader. And I'm glad it's the same for you! TWINS!!

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  9. I love having bookish twins - and we are TOTALLY alike in this.

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Thanks for leaving a comment! I love seeing what you have to say, and will try to reply (here or on Twitter) as soon as I can :)