Monday, January 25, 2010

Use A Measuring Cup

Monday, January 25, 2010


Happy Monday all. Let's make this a great week!

Today I'd like to talk about portion size. As always, keep in mind this is just my opinion and not meant to offend. I'm currently reading a book which will remain unnamed at this point in time because I haven't finished it yet and I feel it would be unfair to "review" it without having all my information. However, I'm having some major problems with this book and I'd like to share them with you.

1) Um, where's the plot? It is so barely there that I have to squint to see it. I realize that the focus is on the "romance" and I use that term lightly (I'll get to why in a moment) but I'd like there to be more behind said romance.

2) The romance is not romantic. This is all about the sexual/physical attraction to each other. There is nothing other than physical. No glimpses as to who these people are behind their physical attributes. I'd maybe get it if this was in the "erotic" genre, but it's not, so I don't.

3) Sarcastic much? Okay, we've talked about this before. Most of us use sarcasm but this is so over the top I want to scream. The banter back and forth between the hero and heroine is ridiculous. At one point, after first "meeting" each other she asked why he was chasing her. His response: "Um, because your bootylicious." Are you kidding me? I'm sure it was supposed to be funny but somehow it wasn't. Maybe it was because of all the other retorts that had me gagging.

I'm about a third of the way through the book and should just quit reading. I cant. I always finish the book. Maybe there's part of me that hopes it will turn a corner and somehow impress me. Maybe it's the part of me that wants to see how bad it can really get. I'm not sure. But I will finish it. I realize now that I won't ever give up the title or the author of this book because, like I said, this is just my opinion and I'm not into slamming someone for their professional work. They are published and selling quite a few books so some must like what they're reading, even if I don't.

My point is, I prefer a good mix, the right mix of plot, romance, intrigue, light, dark, sarcasm, wit, dialog, feeling and emotion. It's not easy, that's for sure and one good thing I can say about this book is that it's making me reevaluate mine. I plan to make sure I used my measuring cup and that I have the proper portion size for all of my ingredients.

How about you? Ever read a book that had you thinking, are you kidding me? Please share!

SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi

6 comments:

SIS BJ said...

Hi Barb,

I read a book not too long ago that started out really good then just turned bad. I finished it in hopes that it would turn for the good again. It didn't and I will never recommend it.

Elle J Rossi said...

I'm with you, BJ. I wouldn't recommend this one either. It happens to be the first in a series of 3. Suffice it to say I won't ever read books 2 and 3.

SIS Barb

Tori Lennox said...

I used to be from the "finish no matter what" school. But not long ago I decided life was too short to read books I hated. Especially when there were plenty of other books out there I knew I'd like.

Elle J Rossi said...

Good point, Tori.

I may have to adhere to your new way of thinking.

SIS Barb Elle J Rossi

Beth Ciotta said...

Hey, Barb/Elle,

Whatever you're reading doesn't sound like my cup of tea. As for reading to the end no matter what, I fall into Tori's camp. Life's too short and there are too many books in my TBR pile and more! I read for entertainment and inspiration. I usually give a book five chaps most. If it's not doing it for me by then, I move on.

AS you pointed out, everything's subjective. Just because I don't care for a book or an author's style, that doesn't mean it's bad... just bad for me. Countless others may love it. That's just one reason why I only blog about books I like. The others simply go unmentioned.


Great topic!

SIS Beth

Elle J Rossi said...

Beth,

You're right. I'm going to give this one another chapter or two but honestly, I don't think I can make it to the end. I'm very surprised. The blurb made it sound so interesting. It's anything but.

SIS Barb aka Elle J Rossi

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