This Week's Topic
Reading Relatability
Happy Friday! Last week, I found myself really loving all the Let's Talk Bookish posts, and they had me thinking about my own thoughts on finding books relatable.
The short answer is no. I don't need a book I am reading to encapsulate my life for me to enjoy the story. I struggle to even write a paragraph about my week in my Sunday post. I could not imagine a whole book of, "I went to work and read." Seriously! I am all for a slice of life, but I need to be entertained.
I have found that I am drawn to stories featuring older characters these days. Once upon a time, I read mostly young adult, but now, the majority of the books I read fall into the adult age group. So, maybe I want to relate on some level? But regardless of age or martial status or economic status, I always find I can relate with well crafted characters on a human level. Even if the character's struggle is not my struggle, I can relate to experiencing hard times or simply empathize with what they are experiencing.
Most important for me is that I am invested in the character. Usually, this means I like them and want to root for them. It's hard to want someone you hate succeed. I will admit, I very rarely hate a main character unless that is the author's intention (i.e. the bad guy), so this is not a huge issue for me.
I won't say that I don't delight in seeing more older characters getting the main character treatment. It's wonderful to think that someone my age still have some living and learning and loving to do. I enjoy reading about other single moms to see how their experience compared to mine. A STEM heroine will always own my heard as well, but is it necessary? Not at all, though extra points for bookworm characters.
Now it's your turn!
Does relatability affect your enjoyment?
Let us know in the comments!
Let us know in the comments!
I definitely don't need to have a relatable character or book, particularly right now even though in the past I certainly have (it's funny how our tastes change!). I'm reading book two in the All Souls trilogy and love it!
ReplyDeleteI used to read more paranormal/fantasy, and I still could find something to relate to. Even if I am not a centuries old vampire, they usually have some struggle that makes me care. It's good you don't need that though. It probably increases the reading options for you.
DeleteI don't think relatability always affects my enjoyment of a book, but it does help. I actually searched for "relatable" on my blog and found I do mention it quite a bit in my reviews. I like that feeling that the author really gets it, maybe even gets ME, and is able to articulate things in a way that maybe I can't. Even if it's fiction, it can be nice to see a character go through some of the same things as me or feel the same way about something, because it can make me feel seen and understood.
ReplyDeleteLook at you doing some homework. Now I am curious if I word-dropped in my reviews. I agree that it is nice to see a character share my feelings or experiences. It makes me feel more normal - HA!
DeleteSeeing how I usually read paranormal romance I don't see how a succubus or vampire can relate to my life so no, I don't try to find books that are really relatable.
ReplyDeleteI feel like if the author crafts the character well, there will be something relatable - even if it's as basic as just being alive and trying to get through it. I always connect to something with the characters I read if they are well drawn.
DeleteLOL! I’m with you. I read books because the characters actually have a life and do things. I also enjoy older characters but really like books that have a couple age groups in them.
ReplyDeleteI should hope they do more than I do if they are carrying a story. The multigenerational books have been winning my heart as of late. It's nice to see old and young interacting in stories.
DeleteRelatability is not necessary for me to enjoy a book but having a likable character or at least a character that I don't hate is maybe a little necessary. I read to live other lives, not to get a realistic view of the world although I think even in the fake-real world, we can understand feelings even if we might not have feel those exact feelings.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day.
I love that - I read to live the lives of others, and it's why so many readers are known to have high levels of empathy. We read about these people and learn about their lives. And, I also do not need it to be 100% realistic. That's what the news is for.
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