The Many Flavors Of Books
Just like ice cream, books come in an assortment of different flavors. Now, I’m not talking about genre but rather mood, which seems to transcend genre. Here are a few of my favorite reading flavors:
Comfort (chocolate): These books are so happy and fun they always give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. Ironically, I fell in love with a lot of them as an adolescent. Examples: Harry Potter, Ella Enchanted, Anna and the French Kiss, Can You Keep A Secret?
Beach (coconut): Books that keep me entertained while I’m in a happy vacation buzz. They tend to be shorter and more dramatic without getting too intense. Examples: The Legend Trilogy, The Rosie Project, The Thirteenth Tale
Thought-provoking (non-fat frozen yogurt): These reads open my mind or challenge my world view in some way. They can be classics, beautifully written with complex themes, or highlighting a different culture or important issue. Examples: Great Expectations, The Master and Margarita, The Reluctant Fundamentalist, The Reason I Jump
Morning (Ben&Jerry’s Phish Food): These books are so emotionally heavy or invoke such horrifying images that I can’t read them right before bed. But it’s important that I read them, hence I do so when there’s plenty of daylight out. Examples: The Shining, 13 Reasons Why, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Inspirational (milkshake): These reads make me think anything is possible. They might be traditionally inspirational books or, for me, writing-related books that ignite hope. Examples: The Alchemist, The Secret, Writing The Breakout Novel, Plot & Structure
Like the perfect ice cream sundae, a combination is sometimes best. Which is why I like to read a couple different flavors at one time. If we take this analogy one step further, the sundae toppings could represent the perfect atmosphere: a rainy afternoon with a cup of tea, a glass of wine and a cat purring in your lap.
Now I really must end this post because I have a, uh, meeting with Ben&Jerry…
Do you have different flavors of books? What are your favorite flavors?
What I’m reading: An Abundance Of Katherines by John Green
What I’m listening to: OneRepublic — Love Runs Out
Okay I’ll play! I am reading bubble gum right now. Fun, predominantly light hearted, a book that makes you laugh out loud every few seconds. ‘Paddle your own canoe’ by Nick Offerman. Hilarious guy who plays Ron Swanson on parks and recreation. Married to Megan Mullally.
Lori, bubble gum is such a fun flavor, and sounds absolutely perfect for that book!!! Ron Swanson is one of my favorite characters on Parks & Rec, maybe all of television! Let me know what you think when you’re done reading it… I may have to add it to my TBR list 😉
I LOVE this analogy! I’m reading Moloka’i by Alan Brennert for book club. It follows the life of a Hawaiian girl who contracts leprosy in the late 1800’s. I would categorize it as relevant and current to the ongoing discussion of diversity in characterization and culture in writing. Interesting and a bit of a protein smoothie with pineapple and coconut. 🙂
Thank you, Deidre! I read Moloka’i for my book club as well and that is the *perfect* flavor to describe it. There were really interesting themes and a rich history which made for excellent discussion, but at the same time it was an engrossing story. The perfect blend 🙂
I just started Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver. It has a lot of biology/nature in it and so I am thinking of Coldstone vanilla bean with pecans and fudge.
Oh, that’s a wonderful book! I especially loved how Kinsolver spoke to climate change in the context of such a beautiful story. And what a great ice cream pairing — earthy and delicious 🙂