This week we can go back and do (or re-do) an old topic. See the full list here. I chose a recent topic I though was very interesting, but didn't have the time to do that week.
This week's topic is
Bookish Pet Peeves
1. Stickers on books
From small price tags to big ugly "2 for 1 offer" stickers; I don't like them. If they are new and possible to peel off I can live with it, but too often they leave glue residue or don't come off at all. Stop ruining my covers!
2. Over-use of the same word or phrase
I once read a book where one of the characters was scowling so much I was afraid it would be a permanent expression on his face. In another book the detective was constantly "gloving up with latex". When the same thing is repeated too many times you start to notice and it disturbs the reading flow.
3. Characters who suddenly change names
I guess this is an editing mistake, but it always amazes me when a character suddenly is referred to by a different name. You would think the author knows the characters well enough to at least remember their names.
4. Book snobs
People who look down on you for reading genre books or think you must be less intelligent if you don't read the books they consider literature. While I can certainly appreciate classics or highly acclaimed literary fiction, I also like reading fantasy and fluffy chick lit. Don't judge me on the book I'm reading.
5. Gender labelling of fiction
I don't understand why some novels should be labelled as being for boys or girls, or men or women. Granted, some books are geared more towards men or women, but that doesn't mean the other gender won't enjoy it just as much.
6. Different e-book formats
I understand the reasoning behind this, but I can't help thinking one format that works on all e-readers would be beneficial for everyone in the end.
7. Blurbs that give away too much
Especially blurbs on books in a series that give away what happened in a previous book. Gee thanks, now I don't have to read it.
8. Dog earing
Use a bookmark, or a scrap of paper, or write down the page number, or anything really; just please don't dog-ear a book that isn't yours.
9. Too much detail
Detailed descriptions can be great, but when you spend three pages descibing how the main character takes her tea, you lose me.
10. Bad editing
There really is no excuse for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, factual errors or continuation errors in published books.
