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Reading “lite”

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Every now and then I need to read some "lite" fare. Most of you who visit here know I prefer to read thrillers, mysteries, and novels which are generally intense. Occasionally I break away for some reading "lite". That usually means a romance.

I'm very selective when it comes to romances because I'm not a huge fan of the typical formula for the genre. Characters are everything when it comes to a romance. If I can't work up a genuine empathy for the protagonist(s), the chances of enjoying the story diminish considerably. I tend to stick with faith fiction when in the romance market.

Do you ever venture away from your normal reading tendencies by exploring other genres? Do you need a break from your reading choices or do you tend to vary your genres?  

 

Father, thank you for all your authors who write to honor you with what you've given them. Please help us all to do what you ask us to do. Always. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

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6 responses to “Reading “lite””

  1. BK Jackson Avatar
    BK Jackson

    I’m in a different situation in that I don’t have to take a break from my usual reading because I rarely find what I’m looking for. LOL! A good, interesting historical that isn’t just a romance vehicle is hard to find. By default, I read thriller/suspense but those are spaced out enough that a break isn’t necessary.
    I did slightly break out of my norm by reading a historical set in the late 1590’s in Europe, which is not my usual fare. I picked it up because the premise was based on a thread that shows up a lot in my fiction—fathers. Unfortunately, I was doomed to disappointment. While the author was good at transporting me into place and time, the very subject of the story–finding her father, ended very lamely and wasn’t worth the time I invested in the book.
    Recently I started a book that I thought, unless I was mistaken, was touted as a light suspense, or at least the backcover blurb led me to believe that it was supposed to be a light suspense. It was so light it didn’t even register on the charts of suspense. I didn’t make it past more than 30% of the book. I will try to finish it one day because I hate not to finish what I start & I want to support the author, but not right now.

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  2. Nicole Petrino-Salter Avatar
    Nicole Petrino-Salter

    Those with limited reading time probably only have time to search for the things they want – in your case IF you can find them. No breaks necessary. Normally, I have the time to read and when the intensity of several novels – or even one particularly severe after a few moderately intense – gets to be a little much, I go the “lite” route.

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  3. Brenda Anderson Avatar
    Brenda Anderson

    I don’t know if I have a genre I stick to. The books I tend to get the most out of are often contemporary family drama, and that’s what I like to write, but I really like to vary my reading from book to book. Right now I’m reading a historical romance, my next book might be a spec, then I might read a thriller … it all depends upon what’s available.
    But there are genres I actively avoid: Amish, cozy mysteries, anything light (unless written by a friend. 🙂 ) I definitely want to read meaty material that makes me think, not turn my brain off.

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  4. Nicole Petrino-Salter Avatar
    Nicole Petrino-Salter

    I know you’re well versed in different genres, Bren. We both prefer contemporary drama, but you indulge historicals now and then when you know I try not to. 😉 That variety probably provides enough relief from the more intense thrillers (i.e. Every Crooked Path).
    And I only say “lite” for romance because that’s how most people think of it. I shoot for the more meaningful novels in the genre. Sometimes successful. 😉

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  5. Debra Avatar
    Debra

    I enjoy a variety of reading genres, including good romance. But I know what you mean about sometimes needing to read a “happy” book, and good romance novels fit that bill. It’s good to read one of those after I’ve read something intense or sad. “My Stubborn Heart” by Becky Wade comes to mind. And I’m with you – I need to have empathy for the protagonists when I read romance. Also, when it comes to romance, I prefer contemporary. Though I enjoy well-written historicals, I prefer them not to be so big on the romance with more intrigue or mystery. My favorite is The Zion Covenant series by Bodie Thoene. I too refuse to read Amish!

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  6. Nicole Petrino-Salter Avatar
    Nicole Petrino-Salter

    Loved My Stubborn Heart – great romance. Filled the bill on all levels. There’ve been a couple well-written (language-wise) romances I’ve read in the last year or two which failed to elicit any empathy from me for the characters. That makes those a “fail”. Yeah, definitely no Amish.
    (Glad you’re here. 😉 )

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