I have a dilemma: I’ve started reading more space opera books and I’m really enjoying them and thus want to read more epic fantasy. The problem is I despise the enemies to lovers trope. I truly cannot stand it to the point that even books that use the trope very well, i.e Gideon the Ninth, can turn me off for a long time (I ended up loving that book but only after the first 130 pages in which Gideon and Harrow really hated each other). It seems that all of the popular fantasy books ada good amount of popular space opera use this trope and I have no clue where to turn, send help!!

Hi Bookaholics!!

Its been a while but I'm back 😉

How is everyone doing? Whats your weeks been like?!!

Here is your question of the day....🥁

Is there a type of story you think you've outgrown? And do you think you would ever get back into it?

I know I have outgrown some of the more teen based books, but I know that if I ever need an easier read, I could get back into them 😌

Context: I work at a climbing gym as a routesetter, so I and my coworkers put the holds on the walls that people climb. My gym recently adopted the use of this one app where we upload our routes and boulders that we set so people can log their sends in the gym and rate the climbs. A week ago, my coworkers and I were lamenting the app because one customer consistently rates everything 3 stars, and it’s bringing our gym’s rating down. Like, to the point of the higher-ups scratching their heads at it.

It got us on the topic of ratings about books. My boss said 3 stars isn’t a bad rating, it’s average, although most people likely wouldn’t think the same way when looking for a route to climb in the gym. I said when I rate book, 3 stars is generally a decent rating. It may not be a book that I loved or that I would say was for me, but I would still likely recommend a 3-star book to a friend. Another coworker agreed with that sentiment.

This whole conversation got me thinking: at what point do you start to consider a book “bad”? As in, when would you stop recommending a book to someone? Everyone has different metrics they use, and I’m curious to know everyone’s thoughts. For me, I start thinking a book is bad around 2-2.5 stars.

hi all!! i was just thinking of a very painful read i had recently where i was so tempted to dnf it 70% through (i didn’t because it’s for a cute badge :>) and i gotta know- what’s the furthest you’ve been in a novel and dnf’d? i think for me it’s probably around halfway, i can’t remember what book exactly though. id love to hear everyone’s thoughts, and if you don’t dnf how do you get through those tough reads?

I am participating in the reading challenge set up by the Reading Glasses podcast, and one of the prompts this year is "Give an author a second chance". The idea is to not immediately write an author off if you did not like one of their books, but to try a different book by them, and maybe discover you like that author after all! So I was wondering: have any of you done this successfully :)? Which author did you try this for, and what were the books that made you think you didn't like the author vs. the ones that made you change your mind?

I am still looking for a book to complete this challenge myself. I am thinking I might be willing to give Sally Rooney another try. I didn't particularly like Normal People, the characters didn't grab me and I do not like the miscommunication trope. Did any of you dislike Normal People but love one of her other books?

Calling all romance readers!! I’m curious for your thoughts 💕

I’ve been trying for years to find a good rhythm with romance novels, and I notice it’s very hit or miss for me (which can happen in any genre ofc). I think it’s the writing / plot in general, which feels so awful to say, because so many incredible, talented, kind-hearted people write romance but sometimes it can be so cringey and repetitive? I WANT TO LOVE IT SO BAD!! I truly am a lover girl at heart 😭🥺

For romance readers, what draws you to the genre? What do you love about it? What keeps you interested?

For people who can relate to me, but found their rhythm in romance reads, what changed for you?

For the record, I have enjoyed some books by Tessa Bailey, Casey McQuiston, & Anna Huang, but haven’t enjoyed many others sadly 😥😥😥

Recommendations + advice fully welcome 🤗

p.s. this does not include romantasy!

Mmmmm starting with a Taylor Swift quote is a big no from me. It just heightens my expectation for cringe. I’m gonna try and push that from my mind and enjoy this book for what it is.