Last weekend I attended the Provo Children's Book Festival. Because I had announced the festival to my students, I ran into a good number of them while there. One of my AP Literature students, who is an avid reader, pointed out to me that her FAVORITE author was there and would I take her picture with him. I did remember her talking about these books that were so special to her, and that I "had" to read them, but hadn't put two and two together that it was Brandon Sanderson. You see, I don't know what my problem is, but I really struggle with mystery and science fiction. That doesn't mean I simply don't read them or haven't ever enjoyed these genres, but admittedly lose interest because I think I lack some sort of imagination necessary to build the plotline in my head! Standing in line with my student, she told me all the reasons she loves his brand of science fiction writing, how he's different from all the others she's read, and how he captures a scene or storyline and carries it through. Her passion for his books really caught my attention, so I went downstairs and bought two copies and had him sign them. Brandon was very kind in mentioning how one of his own teachers first encouraged him to start writing, and asked me to email him my thoughts after I finish reading Mistborn: The Final Empire. I haven't yet started it, but it is definitely in my TBR pile now! Thanks to my student and Brandon, I'm going to give science fiction another hearty shot!As part of my renewed excitement to try Sanderson's first novel, I have an extra, signed paperback copy to give away. If you would like the chance to win this much talked about novel (really, my student couldn't say enough), then please do the following:
1. Post a comment, telling me if you have struggled with a genre. Maybe it's one that you don't necessarily dislike, but simply don't read very often. Earn three points for posting your tastes in reading! (Please include your email address.)
2. Twitter the giveaway, or post about the giveaway on your blog (sidebars are fine). Let me know that you've added it to your blog. (My twitter account is: @mjmbecky)
***The giveaway will close on Sunday, May 31st...yes, it's quick, and I will post the winner on Monday, June 1st so I can get it off in the mail before I leave for the summer!
As a side note, if you want to follow me, I'll be tickled, but won't ask you to do that as part of the contest. :) Honestly, I want you to follow only if you want to. I love adding to my circle of friends who like to read, so please...follow and join in if you'd like!
For more information on the novel: The Final Empire (Mistborn, Book 1)
or Brandon's website at: http://www.brandonsanderson.com/
Hmm, I don't really have any genre that I dislike. I guess the one I read least is mystery, although I do enjoy mysteries. Most of my favorite authors are either in science fiction or romance, though.
ReplyDeleteMy email is kitty fischer at gmail dot com.
I love Brandon Sanderson! I'd consider his work more fantasy than science fiction, and he does a fantastic job of explaining what's what without making it feel like an info dump or confusing. I can't wait to see what you think!
ReplyDeleteIf I struggle with anything, it's mysteries. I often feel like they're forcing me to "guess" whodunnit, and I hate that. I only like the ones which feel more like historical fiction. I prefer to read an unfolding story, not guess who the culprit is.
(No need to enter me, I already own the whole series)
I am not a big love story fan it makes me well gag ;)
ReplyDeleteajcmeyer at go dot com
I guess my least favorite genre would have to be biographies. Usually they are pretty boring to me.
ReplyDeletei struggle with spy mysteries sometimes. maybe because it's hard to relate to the character at times, but i love regular mysteries.
ReplyDeletepksanddancer@yahoo.com
I really find myself avoiding Sci-Fi!! Yet, I read and loved Ender's Game!! I would be willing to try this author and you never know I may find that I do like Science Fiction after all!!
ReplyDeleteThough I consider myself a fan of both fantasy and science fiction, I read a pretty limited selection of both. Once I find an author I like, I tend to stick with them, and I don't read a lot outside their catalog. To my mind, they're difficult genres to write plausibly, so there is a lot of substandard work out there. Maybe I'm too picky?
ReplyDeleteI've been meaning to check out Sanderson, however, since he was selected to continue Jordan's Wheel of Time, which is one of the series I read and re-read.
I will also confess to having difficulties with mysteries. I just do not read them, ever.
Also: I twat (tweeted?) the giveaway! @fisty is my name.
ReplyDeleteThere isn't really any genre that I dislike, but I find that historical fiction can be a bit tedious at times.
ReplyDeletersgrandinetti@yahoo.com
I don't read a lot of romances... though I sometimes find that my definition of romance isn't wide enough!
ReplyDeleteI struggle with nonfiction. Even if I'm completely fascinated by it, I can only read it at about HALF the speed I read fiction! It drives me nuts!
schriftstellarin(at)hotmail(dot)com
I struggle with Science Fiction and Fantasy. Always have.
ReplyDeleteI'm not that crazy about Science Fiction. I have read a few good ones, but the ones that are really out there lose my interest.
ReplyDeleteI struggle with Sci Fi. I love fantasy and a good mystery though.
ReplyDeleteI would have to say romance is not something I enjoy reading.
ReplyDeleteI have a problem reading postmodern works. I can handle semi-postmodern, but if it gets too postmodern, I have a hard time following. I tend to just get lost in my own thoughts. I do like science fiction, but I don't know much about this author. I love to check out new authors, so this would be a great win for me!
ReplyDeleteI love fantasy, detective novels, romances, and historical fiction. I guess I have a hard time reading horror and overly violent books - I get scared quickly and have to keep the lights on!
ReplyDeletethis sounds fun though - please count me in!
gaby317nyc AT gmail DOT com
I have always struggled with romance novels. Just can never get into them.
ReplyDeletemadamerkf at aol dot com
I'm flattered that you would you would take my word and run with it. I hope you aren't disappointed when you read Mistborn and that my inflated opinions my ruin your reading (not that it's bad (it's amazing), but sometimes when I go into a book with uber high expectations they always seem to disappoint). Your blog is awesome btw and am glad you decided to share :)
ReplyDeleteBodice-ripper romances are NOT MY THING. Some are totally laughable! But to each their own.
ReplyDeletedigicat{AT}sbcglobal{DOT}net
I love mystery/thrillers but I just can't get into legal thrillers anymore. I used to love them but they got old fast. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteeswright18 at gmail dot com
I struggle sometimes with science fiction -- for some reason I can do mystery and fantasy and romance but science fiction often leaves me lost :-)
ReplyDeletemarielay@gmail.com
I love every kind of book, but the ones I least read are Sci Fi. I don't necessarily dislike it, but I prefer other types of books.
ReplyDeletelovinfitch(at)aol(dot)com
This sounds interesting - I generally like mysteries, thrillers and sci-fi. I'd love to be entered. msbookishreviews (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteI can never read sci-fi. I'm not sure the exact reason but I can only watch sci-fi, whether movies or television. I love this kind of sci-fi but completely avoid it in book form. I think I just had bad experiences with it because I read some star wars when I was a child. I prefer to read fantasy instead.
ReplyDelete-Follow me: @flyleaffan -
And I forgot to give my email:
ReplyDeleteandrew.lavalley (at) gmail (dot) com
ok, i'm going to comment again
ReplyDeleteWithin the fantasy genre I always avoid anything that's been done before. This includes anything from dragons to elves and dwarves. If a character or world has already been created (besides our own), I hate authors who have stolen those ideas. I want to find something completely (or nearly so) original. Thus Brandon Sanderson attracts me, because it's different. So do Robert Jordan and Terry Goodkind. They invent everything, not just the plot and the characters.
Thanks all! I love to see what people like to read, and what they struggle with. Sorry if I mixed up the sci fi/fantasy bit. This book is in my TBR pile to head with me for the summer, so I'll know better after I read it! :) Can't wait though.
ReplyDelete