Have you ever noticed that books can be slated for their
predictability? I know its not good when you can see things coming from a mile
away and everything turns out exactly how you expected it to and nothing deviates
from what you expected... However have you noticed how there are different types
of predictability in books? Or is that just me?
You get the books like those mentioned above... you can
see the end right from the beginning and you spend most of the book wondering
why you’re reading it. Usually the characters don’t interest you and the
writings a bit boring so you can’t be bothered finishing it. I often think I’m
going to give up with books like this and if I don’t it’s a miracle!
Then there are the books similar to the previous, the
ones which you know what’s coming but the characters and your invested interest
keeps you going, it may be that you really like one of the characters or the
world in which the book is set, but something keeps you holding on even though
you are fully aware of the ending!
Finally I think there’s the “I know what’s going on but I
don’t actually care because seeing X work it out is the best bit!” books. These
books keep me hooked because you are often working everything out as the MC
does and you can see where its going but you’re either not 100% sure or you
want to see how it gets there. I love a good detective story and these books
are like that sometimes, even if they’re an entirely different genre. I think
you can argue that the Harry Potter books are like this as in pretty much all
of them you know that Harry is going to discover something and will have to get
himself out of the situation in some way which often involves fighting Lord
Voldemort (we’re allowed to say his name now right?) but still they are an
amazing set of books.
What do you think? Have you ever noticed anything like
what I’ve mentioned above or am I just crazy! Haha
5 comments:
I know what you mean Raimy! I really only slate books for predictability is it's type 1 or 2 and I know everything thats going to happen (like the paranormal reads where theres a new guy/girl and they meet a mysterious love interest and then they get put in danger...). I don't care if it's predictable if I'm really interested in the storyline and don't know what hurdles they will have to face to reach the predictable end.
Do I make sense?
I started to reply and was three paragraphs in before I realised I needed to blog my response. I think I ended up waffling... but that's my method lol.
Here's my Readaraptor-inspired post
Thanks for the inspiration, Raimy!
I agree. The super obvious ones are more annoying to read, but I don't mind the ones where I don't know the "how" yet. Those are fun because they usually have some unexpected surprises.
Haha, I was actually considering writing a post on this! I totally agree there are different types of predictability. Personally, I like it when you KNOW a big plot twist is coming up and the apprehension and dread knowing that it WILL happen and the character doesn't know it yet...usually seen as a negative "I figured out all the plot twists" but sometimes I think it can actually have more of an effect than a surprise twist!
Great post =]
The Cait Files
It drives me mad when reviews of romantic novels criticise them for being "predictable" - by which the reviewer usually means that you know the main girl and boy will end up together. Well, duh.
My favourite film is When Harry Met Sally but I've never seen anyone complain that "it's so predictable when Harry meets Sally!" ;)
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