This was fun, looking for books outside my comfort zone. I believe that everyone can find an example of a book they 'don't like' that they will love, if they find the one written by a really good writer. I'm not a huge fan of horror, but I'll read Stephen King. I don't like a lot of cozy mysteries, but Her Royal Spyness is a can't miss series for me. I still haven't found a vampire/paranormal book yet that I can say I love. The Parasol Protectorate's first book, Soulless is close, and I might try the next one to see it it really does appeal.
Harry Potter books by JK Rowling
I really am not a fan of magical stuff, and yet, I loved Harry Potter. I've tried other HP type books, and none compel me to read further than the first book.
The Remains of the Day by Kazou Ishiguro
Introspective, quiet, not much really happening, reading between the lines. Not my usual fare, and yet, I adored The Remains of the Day.
This Blinding Absence of Light by Tahar Ben Jelloun
Philisophical, introspective, very little plot. Again, I should not have enjoyed this book about a prisoner in a jail cell in the ground in Morocco, but I did. Ultimately, a positive book which it shouldn't seem from the topic.
The Gathering by Anne Enright
Irish stream of consciousness is hit or miss for me, but Anne Enright is right in my head and I have really liked several of her books, especially The Forgotten Waltz, but The Gathering was first.
DeNiro's Game by Rawi Hage
Toxic male navel gazing during a war? I haven't read many of those type of books; I prefer a more Bridget Jones, or feminist view, and yet I really liked DeNiro's Game, set in Beirut and from a male pov.
The Bone People by Keri Hulme
Magical realism is a big no-no for me, and dreams when exposition could be used are never what I look for. And yet, The Bone People, about three awful people who ultimately were better together than separate, which pivots on Magical Realism worked for me.
A Corner of White by Jaclyn Moriarty
Fantasy/science fiction is really hit or miss for me, but I loved the Colours of Madeleine series by Jaclyn Moriarty. I can't even describe this trilogy, but it was delightful, and nothing was what it seemed.
Weetzie Bat by Fransesca Lia Block
Very few fairy tales make my 'best of' list but Lia Block has a style of writing that really just works for me. I've read several Block books, but Weetzie Bat is the best.
Redshirts by John Scalzi
Science fiction again, but this time combined with Star Trek? I've watched some of the original TV series, but not really any other Star Trek (or Star Wars for that matter). So imagine my surprise when I read and loved Redshirts. This one even has some time travel as well, another thing I don't really like. You have to read this book! So funny.
Cheryl Strayed: Wild, and Tiny Beautiful Things
Adventure and person learning how to deal with their choices and life, and a self help type book: neither is something I look for. And yet, look at me loving both of Cheryl Strayed's books. Wild didn't make me want to take a 500 mile hike in any way, but I liked reading her walk.
