I like most of what I read, and even books with flaws are often enjoyable…but there are some things that just bug me.  A recent conversation with a friend involving a small amount of ranting on both sides about bookish disappointments (I have conversations like that a lot…) inspired me to write up a list of bookish pet peeves, in no particular order.

1) Instaromance: I get very annoyed by love stories where a couple meets and are madly in love all at once despite knowing nothing whatsoever about each other, or having any meaningful interaction.  Bonus negative points if this new life-altering love causes them to prioritize their new love interest over family, friends or comrades in arms.  Because that’s just not cool.

2) Slow-Burn Romances with No Transition: I love the opposite of Instaromances–Slow-Burn Romances (think When Harry Met Sally) but there are potential pitfalls here too.  A good Slow-Burn Romance has me eagerly awaiting the payoff–the moment when each half of the couple realizes their romantic feelings, and the moment when they communicate it to each other.  This could all be simultaneous or it could be three separate moments, but I get very disappointed if there’s no Moment at all.  (As Harry told Sally, “when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”  And I want to read the realization, and the moment the rest of their lives starts.)

3) Nonreacting Characters: This one comes right from my writing experience, trying to make sure my characters are reacting.  When the problem exists in a book, I spend a lot of time demanding, “But how do you feel about that?” as momentous things happen and the point of view character says/does/feels nothing at all (I’m looking at you, Woodcutter Sisters!) Continue reading “Literary Pet Peeves” →