Merphy Napier created this tag, but I found it on Brendan’s channel. I highly recommend checking them both out if you are into Booktube!
Which perspective is your favorite?
I think it really depends on the genre, but I lean more towards first person. Something about that feels more personal and it is easier to form a connection with the characters. Some of my favourite books are written in third person, so the perspective isn’t something that I think too much about or has a huge effect on my reading. Also, I have read a few books where second person was used in such a clever way! You by Caroline Kepnes and The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin instantly come to mind.
Which format is your favorite (hardback, paperback, audio, e-book, etc)?
I couldn’t choose between paperbacks and audiobooks! A few years ago I may have said hardback, but I have really come around to a floppy paperback. Audiobooks make up for a pretty significant portion of my reading these days, so I would be remiss not to say they were a favourite. Listening to audiobooks makes cleaning, folding laundry, and cooking much more enjoyable!
Do you prefer a character or plot focused book?
This is an easy one- definitely character-focused. I don’t care how exciting the plot is, if the characters aren’t well developed I will not be invested in the story. However, if I have formed a connection to the characters, the plot itself isn’t as important to me. I am one of those people who actually prefers the start of a book when all of the set up is happening!
Do you care about prose?
Honesty. not really! I know that a lot of people don’t like lyrical or flowery prose, but I really do if it feels authentic and not pretentious. I am also a fan of straight forward prose. As long as the book is well-written, I am open!
How introspective do you want your characters to be?
I think there has to be a balance. I am not a huge fan of books where the character is so in there head the entire time- it can become too tedious. I do want some introspection though because I find that often leads to character growth!
How do you like your relationships?
I love a platonic relationship! I am drawn to family sagas, books that focus on sibling relationship, and books that have the found family trope. I don’t mind a romance, but I prefer to read about a romance in a romance novel that I picked up because I am in the mood for a love story. I am less likely to enjoy a romance when it is a subplot, but of course there are exceptions!
Do you like a lot of description?
It really depends on the genre! I appreciate more description if I am reading fantasy or SciFi because it is important to the world building. There are cases where the descriptions can be over the top and tedious. I am also not one for a ton of character description. For some reason I never remember a character’s hair colour or height anyway!
Do you prefer standalones or a series?
Standalones! But I am starting to embrace series more and more. I love series where each of the books could stand on its own.
Single POV or multiple POV?
I really appreciate multiple POVs because I feel like it allows the author to further develop the story! That said, it is important that each of the voices is distinct, which I imagine is very difficult to pull off! I have been reading more and more romance lately, and I have noticed that I much prefer multiple POVs in my romance, but in some other genres I understand why a single POV works best.
Do you prefer a strong start, middle, or finish?
This is a hard one because ideally the book would be strong all the way through! I think a strong start is most important because I may put down the book otherwise and I will never get a chance to experience the strong middle or end.
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