Top Ten Tuesday -- Outside My Comfort Zone
Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We’d love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don’t have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can’t come up with ten, don’t worry about it—post as many as you can!
This week's Top Ten is an interesting one. I had some trouble thinking of specific books without listing about 50. Instead, I thought I would list the new to me genres and my thoughts. Previous to this year, I read mostly classics and nonfiction. Because of my reading challenges and following bloggers, I have really branched out.
1. Christian Fiction -- I picked up a few Christian Historical Romance books because I wanted a bit of romance without all the graphic sex. Some I liked and some I found way to predictable and preachy. To me, there has to be balance between the plot and the Christian elements. I don't think this will be a genre that I actively pursue, but I might pick one up here and there.
2. Science Fiction -- J's influence. I've always tended to fall on the fantasy side of the divide. J convinced me to join a scifi reading challenge and gave me recommendations. I have to say that I haven't delved completely into the genre, but I have found some great books so far. I still have four to read for this year and I'm contemplating doing another challenge next year.
3. Young Adult -- Definitely a prejudice from my own young adult time. Then one's choices were Christopher Pike and Sweet Valley High. I'm oversimplifying, but in reality very few actually enticed me. Now, I am finding so many great books. I will definitely be pursuing this genre. I already have a ton of books my TBR list.
4. Mystery -- Other than Sherlock Holmes, I've never read much mystery. I tried a few contemporary mysteries out earlier this year and just wasn't impressed. I think I'm going to have to try and get some recommendations on this one.
5. Contemporary Romance -- I was never excited about the girl meets boys yada yada. I joined a reading challenge this year and have had mixed results. Some good, some bad, some I couldn't even finish. I'm really on the fence about this genre...
6. Historical Romance -- I am a history teacher by trade and have always loved reading history books. This just seemed like a natural progression for me. And I love this genre! I'm definitely reading more this year and going to add this challenge next year.
7. Graphic Novels and Comics -- Again, J's recommendation. And I am loving his choices. I was always very wary of this genre, but now it's one of my favorites.