Avoiding specifics

[dolorosa_12]

Today's book meme prompt asks a question that I feel a bit strange answering:

26. A book you recommend but cannot love


I'm in fandom, and fannish spaces — and, specifically, on Dreamwidth — because I want to talk about things I love, and, if possible, share the enthusiasm with others. Of course, every so often I read a book or watch a show that underwhelms me, and I'll say so. But I'm not here to wallow in negativity, or hate-read things, or spend all my time criticising works of fiction. Apart from anything else, the things I criticise might be deeply loved by others in these spaces, and I don't want to shove negativity about their favourite shows or stories in their faces.

For this reason, I don't want to talk specifics in this post. There are various things — whether stylistic choices, genres, tropes, or particular themes or character types — that I'm never going to enjoy (or only enjoy in rare exceptions). But I would recommend books that contained these elements wholeheartedly if someone asked for recommendations of such things: I can recognise the technical proficiency, even if I don't love the book in question.

As I say, I could be more specific and name individual books here, but it feels needlessly negative.



27. A book you love but cannot recommend

28. A book you adore that people are surprised by

29. A book that led you home

30. A book you detest that people are surprised by

Comments

[dhampyresa]

I won't say I'm above complaining sometimes, but I do try my best to signpost it in such as way as to not rain on anyone's parade. And I do try to spend most of my energy on positive stuff.

surely making fanworks and hyping up the stuff you like will do more to create a fandom for that thing than whining about its supposedly inferior rival?
Exactly! Someone shitting on Thing A to praise Thing B has never endeared Thing B to me, no matter my feelings on Thing A.

[dolorosa_12]

Someone shitting on Thing A to praise Thing B has never endeared Thing B to me, no matter my feelings on Thing A.

Same here.