Today’s BBAW subject is to share a book or genre that I have tried because of the influence of another blogger. Blogging has greatly changed my reading patterns and choices, and in the past year I think blogging has brought me the unexpected treasures of graphic novels and classics.
I don’t read many graphic novels (aka comics), but it was certainly blogging that introduced me to them: I had never heard of them, in terms of full length books, before I began blogging. Dewey was the first blogger to mention it, and Nymeth‘s regular reviews of graphic novels have certainly kept the format in my radar. I’ve read a few absolutely excellent graphic novels since last BBAW. One was the nonfiction Understanding Comics which really puts the format in perspective. The fictional I Kill Giants is a fairy tale and a drama at the same time, and I love how it all fits together. It’s touching and yet it’s also fantastic. I love how the art matches the subject. It’s one I hope to revisit some day. I wouldn’t have found either of these books, and I may never have tried the format, if it weren’t for book bloggers.
And then classics. Someone who has been reading my blog for a long time will probably roll their eyes. How have bloggers introduced me to classics in the past year?! I’ve always read and reviewed classics. And yet you bloggers have made a difference. I had never read or even heard of Wilkie Collins before and then, after I’d seen a few reviews, I was intrigued. We ended up hosting Wilkie Collins for the first ever Classics Circuit. Same story for Elizabeth Gaskell, who I’d never read before I saw notes on a readalong at Age 30 Books. She also ended up in the Classics Circuit. Teresa at Shelf Love hosted the Golden Age of Mystery Classics Circuit tour, and while I’m still not crazy about mysteries, I do intend to revisit Dorothy Sayers some day.
In short, the past year has reinforced to me that there are hundreds of bloggers out there who love classics. It’s shown me that it’s okay if I don’t want to be completely electic and read a little in every genre: it’s okay if I just stick with the old stuff because that’s what I like. There are plenty of people who enjoy hearing about it. I am glad I’ve been able to focus my reading on those old classics and I hope I’ll continue to do so in the future!
There are other books that bloggers have intrigued me with, but those are the two genres that have been pleasant surprises in the past year. Thanks for your posts. I’m looking forward to seeing what you read next!
It’s hard to I’ve been pondering which
I agree, we can learn so many new classics out there from each other! I never would have tried Shirley Jackson, Wilkie Collins, Gregory Lewis, Elizabeth Gaskell, Daphne du Maurier, and more without blogging influence.
I was never a big fan of Dorothy Sayers before when I read a few things and went on to others I liked better, but she’s definitely hovering at the edge of my tbr pile this next year!
I’ve still only read a couple of graphic novels, but I keep meaning to try some that you have suggested.
Before blogging, 90% of what I read was classics. The whole phenomenon of book blogging caused me to read a lot more and read a lot of different genres and I really enjoyed that aspect. But I think after blogging for a while, things have come full circle. Knowing how many gazillions of possible book choices are out there, we tend to get to a point where we realize we need to prioritize and read what we love most.
“it’s okay if I just stick with ______ because that’s what I like” – that’s exactly the sentiment that expressed in my post today. Not everyone agrees, but I want to really enjoy what I read and this is the best way for me to do it. 🙂
Although I do enjoy some new books from time to time, I *love* reading and blogging about classics, and I love reading posts about the classics. Over at The Literary Omnivore today, Clare posted about how bloggers help her sift through the many books out there and find the great stuff, and I sometimes think that the great thing about classics is that the sifting has been going on for decades, so the stuff that’s still around is bound to be worthwhile (even if not all of it floats our particular individual boats).
I’m glad your faith in classics has been renewed! It never occurred to me that people wouldn’t be interested in reading about them. 🙂
You know, I’ve come to the realisation this year that it’s ok for me not to be eclectic too! I’m sticking with the genres/topics that I love and not worrying so much about ‘staying in my comfort zone.’
The Classics Circuit is definitely a wonderful way to read new books!
It’s fun to see that book bloggers turned you on to Wilkie Collins, since you in turn turned me on to him through the Classics Circuit! I had owned The Woman in White since college, but had never read it. I had bought it for a class and we ended up running out of time before getting to it and I didn’t pick it up until the Classics Circuit did a Collins tour.
I love this! Read anything and everything you like. I love seeing each individual blogger’s reading tastes shine through.