Comparing is a popular pastime for bookworms.
Where would we be without our skilful analyses of which-book-is-the-best and is-this-the-next-Hunger-Games or which-book-about-dragons-is-better? Compare and judge. That’s what we do.
But do you ever read several books from the same author and compare them?
I don’t mean series. I mean standalone books.
For Ally Carter: Do you compare the Gallagher Girls to Heist Society? Both are about crime (though basically fighting on opposite sides.) Both are about geniuses.
For Dan Wells: Do you compare Partials and I Am Not A Serial Killer? There’s about zilch in common with them…except they have Dan Well’s awesome writing style. Partials is apocalyptic while I Am Not A Serial Killer is about…(I know this is a hard one to grasp): serial killers.
For Matthew Quick: Do you compare Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock and Boy21? They’re both contemporary and take a close look at mental illness, but Boy21 puts a sporty spin on it, while Leonard Peacock is a countdown to a murder/suicide.
I think it’s kind of natural to smush an author’s work together and compare it all.
Particularly if it’s a favourite author, right? Take Marissa Meyer for instance! She’s hard at work on her Lunar Chronicles, but she also has an Alice in Wonderland retelling coming out soon. Am I going to read it? HECK YEAH. I loved her previous work so of course I want more.
Will I compare it? Well, probably.
On purpose? Maybe not. It just happens.
But I feel sort of bad about comparing one author’s books.
I wouldn’t normally compare, say, apocalyptic books and paranormal thrillers. That doesn’t make sense! Yet, I’ve definitely done that with Dan Well’s books. And then there are expectations. If I love a book by an author and go to read more…I want that second book to be just-as-good or better!
But what if it’s a different style? What if it uses a subject I’m not normally interested in? What if it’s so different to the original work I read by that author that I just don’t like it not. at. all?
With your Sherlock skills, you’ve figured out I just finished reading a Matthew Quick book, right?
I read Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock earlier this year. Then, just now, I’ve finished a review copy (thanks Hachette Australia!) I read Boy21. I was freakishly excited for my 2nd Matthew Quick book, because I rated Leonard 5-stars!
But…Boy21 was about basketball.
I hate basketball.
This is what happens to me when I’m subjected to sports:
Absolutely hopeless, I am.
So, naturally, I spent my whole time comparing these two books and feeling very let down because Boy21 wasn’t meeting my expectations.
But maybe I shouldn’t be comparing them, right?! They are both hugely different books, with different story-arcs, different social dynamics, different character developments. THEY’RE DIFFERENT. But I compared them. And I got let down. It was tragic and I took a moment to wipe a tear of self-pity from my eye.
Don’t get me wrong! Boy21 wasn’t a bad book! I really enjoyed the characters, and seriously, let me be best friends with Finley (the narrator). He’s the kind of quiet but steady dude, who puts others first and volunteers to quietly take the backseat. He’s freakishly amazing. (And usually I get mad at characters who seem so “perfect”, but you can’t be mad at Finley. You can only love him.)
Maybe it was the pace? Leonard Peacock took place over ONE DAY. I know, right?! One day of freakish tension that reached a pinnacle and then — ha. I’m not going to tell you what happens. Whereas Boy21 took place over months, and was quite reflective. It was a quiet book. Even though the ending was rather dramatic.
Maybe it was just that: I don’t like basketball.
I’m probably always going to compare an author’s books together, even if I don’t mean to.
And do check out Boy21 by Matthew Quick sometime, okay?! I want to hear your opinions on it. And you can read my full review on Goodreads if you want to know the nitty gritties of what I loved and what made me twitchy.
It’s never been easy for Finley, particularly at home. But two things keep him going: his place on the basketball team and his girlfriend, Erin – the light in even the darkest of his days.
Then Russ arrives. He answers only to Boy21, claims to be from outer space, and also has a past he wants to escape. He’s one of the best high school basketball players in the country and threatens to steal Finley’s starting position.
Against all the odds, Russ and Finley become friends. Russ could change everything for Finley, both for better and for worse. But sometimes the person you least expect can give you the courage to face what’s gone before …and work out where you’re going next.
Cait played soccer once upon a time. Not properly. Just regularly, with friends in a backyard. She enjoys DOING it, just not watching other people do it. (Although, she did bust her foot once and bruised it sooo badly it swelled up twice it’s size. Did she limp off the field? No. She kicked with her other foot.) She now has a hankering to read Silver Linings Playbook by…you guessed it! Matthew Quick. Mm…let’s add it to the towering TBR.
I usually do yeah. It happens that I really really loved this book by some author and then I read another book by that author and it's just disappointing. The thing is that if I would read the second book first I would probably love it and then love the other one even more. No extremely high expectations.Order is actually really important…I just discovered in this comment.Anyway I haven't read anything by Matthew Quick but I hate sports with a burning passion (at least when I'm playing or reading it) so I'll probably read some other book by him :P.
(If you hate sports, like moi, go with Leonard Peacock. But bring tissues. Perhaps some chocolate cake.) I won't totally dismiss an author if I hate one of their books, because honestly? Authors change how they write, and they experiment with different styles. But if I LOVE the author, I think it does give me huge expectations that maybe aren't always exactly fair??? BUT I TRY TO BE OPEN MINDED. Sports always fail me, though. Just share the ball, peoples.
I don't compare books by the same author, but I am more likely to read a book by an author I've loved before.For example: Julie Kagawa. The Immortal Rules and The Iron Fey are very different, but I assumed I was going to like The Immortal Rules, because I loved The Iron Fey. And I'm assuming that I'm going to love Talon for the same reason.Then there's Cynthia Hand. I really enjoyed the Unearthly trilogy, but her new book is a contemporary about a girl who's trying to cope with the death of her brother (by suicide)…at least, I think that's what it's about. I want to read it, because of Unearthly, but it's definitely not the kind of book I usually read.
*whispers* I'm seriously wanting to read something by Julie Kagawa, now that you mention her. I'm dying for Talon, but kind of thinking I should read The Iron Fey while I wait?I think authors try different things when they write books, too, and their styles aren't always the same, so it's not 100% fair to assume that you'll love/hate them based off just one book. Unless, of course, they've only written one book. I'm looking at you, Harper Lee. *ahem*
This definitely happens. I'm always like, well this book wasn't quite as good as the author's other books. Even with the same series, I might read book 2 and think, well..that definitely wasn't as good as book one. I think this is something that inevitably happens in every aspect of life- it's hard to tell just how good one thing is without comparing to other things.On another note, this reminds me that I really need to read Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock…
It's pretty natural to compare them, right?! I mean, they're by the same author so you've got an expectation set from reading the first book. IT MAKES SENSE. But it bugs me that I always do it, even when the books have zilch in common. Yes, yes you do need to read Leonard Peacock. You don't like your emotions intact, though, right? GET READY TO SHRED SOME FEEEELS.
I wonder if that's the reason some authors use pen names for other genres; to make sure that people won't compare their work. I think it's only natural to compare it and I don't think it's something you can stop. Without realizing I think everyone is having thoughts like 'wow, this is different from X!'
Yes! I do compare authors books and it's a terrible thing I do because I don't mean to at all, yet I do it. Like Cassie Clare, Infernal Devices, BOOM YES, Mortal Instruments? Err.. I even compare Ally Carter like you said and my problem is that Gallagher Girls is a little better than Heist Society, and I want them to be equally as good, but alas, no, it's a shame. I only really getting into the habit of reading more by authors, OMG KAGAWA IS AN EXAMPLE. Iron Fey I really enjoyed, Immortal Rules, I would throw at the wall many times if I wasn't worried about the condition.. But yes, as I was, reading numerous books by one author can affect your love for them sometimes, which is why I'm choosy in that way.
Yes yes yes. *raises hand* I do this. Since I read so much contemporary, most books are standalones and I can't HELP but compare them. I've done it with John Green, Kasie West, Rainbow Rowell, Erin Lange (we agree about her books) and Meg Cabot. Plus a bunch of others I can't think of right now. It's funny how some authors deal with very similar subjects/styles/genres etc, while others change COMPLETELY. PS WHEN is Marissa Meyer's Alice in Wonderland retelling coming out because *grabby hands* I NEED THAT BOOK IN MY LIFE.
The only author whose books I have compared with other books of theirs is Jodi Picoult. She writes about moral, social and personal dilemmas that although are very different in themselves as books, can sometimes have the same feel, especially ones that have court scenes. I haven't read enough of other authors really. I have just finished reading My Summer of Love by Helen Cross… Batshit crazy read! It has left me wanting to read more of hers but I feel that I won't compare them as that was such a one off, out there book. Next on my pile is The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks, apparently another crazy read… Maybe I'll compare that with My Summer of Love…
I want to read Jodi Picoult! I actually..*coughs nervously* watched My Sister's Keeper before reading the book. But I plan to fix that…eventually. 😉 I think a lot of authors do stick to, like, a similar strain of thought too, you know. Like Jodi Picoult goes in for those family dramas and lawsuits (doesn't she? It's what I've heard, but I'm not going from personal experience obviously so tell ME IF I'M WRONG) while some writers like totally change. I'd say Matthew Quick has a very similar style across his books (well, the 2 that I've read).
You you are TOTALLY right! Well done! I love her style and, for me, her books always seem to get stuck to my hands and my eyes just seem to take on a whole mind of their own and just won't stop reading… I don't get much housework done or work work done when I'm reading her! I would particularly recommend The Lone Wolf, The Storyteller (which I LOVED) and The Pact… In fact, all of them… Ha! Keeping the Faith is also a good one… Just read them all! I haven't read Matthew Quick so I will look out for him!
Oh and about My Sister's Keeper… *sigh* …. We've all done it at some point!
I definitely do this, especially when an author switches from adult to YA or vice versus.
I'm tempted to read something by Abigail Haas/Abigail McDonald now. I love her YA so I'm curious about her adult.
YES THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. It's only natural, right?? (Or at least that's my excuse…) I mean, I'm going to compare the same author's books because if, for example, I happened to love one of his/her books–then my expectations for their next novel is going to be raised. And often it never quite reaches that expectation. I compare them because they're by the same author, and stupidly, I always seem to expect it to be just as good if not better than another one of their novels. Which I really shouldn't do because it might be about another subject matter altogether–and might revolve around a theme I'm not particularity fond of.
I think it's natural too!! *files away excuse because it is useful* Some authors never ever let me down. (Like Maggie Stiefvater. No matter how many completely unrelated books I read of hers, I still love them to smushy pieces.)
CAIT. After reading this I am not sure we can be friends anymore. I PLAY BASKETBALL. AND FOOTBALL. I love sports. Why is it that most bookworms I meet hate sports?*le sigh**trudges away*
I definitely get what you mean. Most academically inclined and bookish people hate sports. I am a bookworm that takes school very seriously, but at the same I love running and I'm really competitive when it comes to cross country. It can be hard to fit in to either grouping when you're in the middle of both the bookish people and the athletic people.
I'M SORRY. I'M SORRY GUYS. I RUN. I DO RUN!! *waves wildly* I run every single day but I don't think of htat so much as a sport more like training for The Hunger Games, kind of thing (stahp laughing).*sobs* DON'T ABANDON ME.
I always compare books by the same author, even if they are drastically different. I love seeing how the author improved and trying to find similarities in characters. For example, when I read Stay Where You Are and Then Leave by John Boyne, I could see so much improvement in his writing compared to The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. Yet at the same time I found so many similarities in the two books. Alfie and Bruno are similar in that they are both innocent boys that take matters into their own hands. Even the titles are similar in their long length! Even though it might not always be "fair" to compare books, I naturally do so.However, from a writer's point of view, I get afraid that if I get published and I want to dabble in a bunch of different genres, people will start saying negative things when they compare my books.
Oh yes, John Boyne! Although…*coughs nervously* I have to admit I was absolutely detached from Stay Where You Are but absolutely involved in The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. I think it was miles better. 😐 But see! Personal taste plays a bit in this too! I agree that Alfie and Bruno where hugely similar though. I want to dabble in a lot of genres too, honestly. So far I've written paranormal, apocalyptic, sci-fi, and high fantasy…and I can't make a decision! I love them all! I think it IS an issue when authors touch on different genres. Like Dan Wells? I mean, dystopian addicts will love Partials…but probably hate his serial killer series. It's a quandary.
I compare books all the time by authors. Because, I don't know why, maybe because I don't want them to let me down? But yeah, I've never read any of the books you've mentioned, BUT I do compare Meg Cabot's books a lot. She was my favorite YA author, and also The Mediator was one of the first series that got me more into reading. And then I really liked her other books too (though I didn't read Princess Diaries). BUT THEN, her recent work now just wasn't as good. And I'm not sure if it's because I've grown, or that it's the book itself. So yeah, then I start comparing them, and asking "why couldn't it have been like this book", and then yep, that's how it goes. lol
Oh I totally know what you mean. I DO IT TOO. I sometimes wonder if it's fair on the author though…like especially if they experiment but we just want to hear them write the SAME way. x)
I guess it depends on the author whether I do or not, I'll automatically read another book by them because I loved one I read, so I'll read it because of that, I probably will compare it, even if it's totally different genres, but it's about the characters and writing style more so than the subject matter. It's a little unfair otherwise, and I mean, it's hard to compare two completely different genres to one another. Sometimes it is all on higher expectations though, which is why we get disappointed when you think it didn't reach it's potential based on another o the authors work. I do judge my favourites though, like Jennifer E Smith, Richelle Mead, J.K. Rowling…
Me too! With the automatic read-more if I liked the author. Although I do like to give authors I don't like so much a 2nd chance. Like I wasn't really impressed with Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell but I ADORED Fangirl so so much. You never can tell, right?!
I'm so, so guilty of doing this! If I read a book and love it, my knee jerk reaction is to immediately go and look up the other books they've written! This, naturally leads to disappointment because I go into their new book almost wanting more of the old book which obviously, is not going to happen. BECAUSE IT'S A DIFFERENT BOOK. Yet, somehow, my brain is still weirdly hopeful.After years of doing the above, I now try to space out books written by the same author so I have time to get over my overwhelming feels.I also definitely read books where I go heyyyyy, wait a minute, this author uses the same tropes and themes over and over again. I don't know whether I should be judgy about that or not… is it bad if an author covers the same topics over and over if they're good at it? I'm undecided.Also, I LOVED The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick. Although there was football talk in it, (bleugh) I really loved it and I've wanted to read Leonard Peacock ever since. 🙂
Giving a little time between books is actually quite a good idea! It's a problem when you, like, binge-read books. I absolutely binge read Jackie French but I wasn't fussed on a lot of her older books and it kind of turned me off, even though I ADORED her newer ones. I like to see authors tackle different subjects, although, I mean, I don't mind if they write similar stuff. John Green covers similar topics in all his books, but his characters are awesome anyway. OH YEAH. Football. there was a lot of football in the movie, now that I think about it. >.> Maybe I'll just rewatch the movie. Hehe. Leonard Peacock is insanely good and insanely depressing. READ IT.
Oh yeah, I do this all the time! I understand exactly what you mean with comparing books from different genres, written by the same author. I mean, I wouldn’t compare The Hunger Games and Fifty Shades for example, but if a favourite author of mine wrote a YA and an erotica book, I’d probably be comparing both to see which characters I preferred reading about … It makes no sense, but I keep doing it!With my favourite authors, how harshly I rate depends on my levels of like or dislike. If I loved it, everything is all bells and whistles and easy five million stars with lots of gushing. But on the flip side, when things start bothering me, they REALLY bother me. My expectations are always so much higher for my fav authors, so that doesn’t help their cause!
I totally know what you mean! My biggest example is always Dan Wells, just because I've read his paranormal AND dystopian books and they're insaaaanely different. You can't help comparing them. Ugh, don't you hate it when your favourite authors just start writing completely different to how they started and they breaaak your heart?! I mean, I don't blame them for trying new things. BUT STILL.
Oh yes, I do it too. And I think it's both. I do have high expectations when it comes to a new book from a favorite auhor but at the same time I'm more forgiving too. Don't know if that's a good or bad thing. It just is :)Aaand it's interesting, I actually loved Boy21 but was underwhelmed by Leonard Peacock. Maybe because I have read Boy21 first…. Hmmm, noooo that' not it. I think I just didn't like poor Leonard.
Oh I have SUCH high expectations when my favourite author writes something new. Like Marissa Meyer's upcoming Alice in Wonderland retelling??? Words do not describe how FREAKISHLY EXCITED I AM FOR THAT.Ha! Isn't that funny though?! Like we're completely opposite. Reading is definitely subjective, that's for sure. Boy21 wasn't as depressing which was nice. 😉
I'm guilty as much as youXD I've read like 10 Tedd Dekker novels. I utterly hated two of them. And one more that I never even finished. I also own like 7 Patrick Carmen books. Two sit unread on my shelf. Of the 5 I read, three were amazing. I couldn't put them down! The other two started extremely slow and didn't get really good until about halfway through, but after that, I couldn't put those down either!
Slow beginnings are the worst!! Especially if it's an author you love. It's basically like, "GET TO YOUR AWESOME SELF." Maybe they have to warm up??!! lol!
I've had this issue once with kelley Armstrong her books, I loved all her books, but I didn't want to read her Nadia Stafford series as I thought it wouldn't be as good as her other series as it was a different genre. When I finally decided to give it a try I ended up loving it. And every time I start a new book by an author I loved previous books from I expect that same quality and when I don't get it I get disapointed. Actually I think disapointment is one of the worst things when it comes to books, I hate being disapointed.i think it's almost impossible to read a book by an author by whom you have read a book before and not compare them. And usually if I enjoy one book by an author i enjoy the others too, but I've had a few authors where I only enjoyed one or a few of their series and others not.
I reckon it's fair of us to want the same level of awesome, right?! Or it to exceed expectations. x) I sure do that. I know whenever a favourite author finishes their series I'm absolutely dyyyying for them to write something new. Being disappointed sucks. All those expectations and then BOOM. Sadness.
Now I'm interested in reading Leonard Peacock – it takes place in one day? I am always comparing books, but I do feel bad when I don't like a book by an author I really admire. Haha. I love that GIF! I can relate.
Yep, one day! It has a lot of backflashes to previous days, but the actual here-and-now plot is ONE DAY. That's insane! I've only read 2 books like that and I think the authors are pretty talented. ;)I was laughing my head off finding that gif. XD It's perfection!
Definitely a thought provoking post. I think it is in our nature to question and compare when we see the author as the middle point of comparison, especially when we really like one of their previous books. Unfortunately I think it means we sometimes bring along unrealistic expectations for another book or project ideals onto another book that shouldn't be there and we ruin our own enjoyment, or because we love the author we pick the book up despite not liking the subject matter. Take Rowling and Harry Potter and then The Casual Vacancy, very different books but one beloved author!
Thanks, Livvy. 😉 I like to poke at thoughts. I think we can be a little unrealistic, too, I mean, I know I can! And plus what if the author experiments with different styles or something?? And we're just expecting them to be the same as they used to be? That's when I always get let down, like here. It just wasn't anything like Leonardo Peacock.
Marissa Meyer has an Alice and Wonderland retelling coming out??? WHERE IS THIS AND WHY HAVE I NOT HEARD OF IT. I usually compare an author’s book to their other works; it’s kind of hard not to. Like Morgan Matson: she writes about friends and romance and summer and healing. All things I love, but of course I have my favorites over others, just because I related to one more than the other.
WHAT?!! YOU HAD NOT HEARD OF IT. KAYLA. SHAME. GO TO GOODREADS RIGHT NOW AND ADD IT TO-READ. IT'S HEARTLESS AND IT LOOKS AWESOME.
Comparisons really are in human nature, whether it be about what others have and you don't, past experiences etc. etc. You see a lot of comparisons made in the marketing within YA for sure, such as "________ is perfect for those who enjoyed The Hunger Games. It's these clear comparisons that make your hopes go up and when ______ isn't nearly as good as The Hunger Games you feel cheated and disappointed.While I've though about books being compared to each other, I've never really thought about it in the way that two books by the same author are compared. I have definitely done it though! Sometimes it works out when you didn't enjoy one book by the author, but end up loving the other. However there's definitely been times where I loved a original book (Jodi Lynn Anderson, I'm thinking of youuuu) and found their other story mediocre in comparison of my overall enjoyment. Something that makes me different from you though, is that I'm okay with reading stories that revolve around a subject I may not be interested in. Though reading about something that makes me feel passionate may be easier, I actually enjoy reading one about something I dislike/not really into as I feel like I learn more about the subject and develop a new found appreciation of it. Orrrrrr, I can finish the book and still dislike it :PWonderful post girl! 😀
Errrr to Hunger Games comparisons. -_- Half the time I swear the person doing the comparing just hasn't read any YA books so they just list the most popular ones off the top of their head.ohhh YES I'm the same with JLA! I loved Tiger Lily and fell asleep for The Vanishing Season/The Moment Collector. That was sad. 😐 I don't particularly like the fact that my brain automatically compares things…but it does. I try not to compare unrelated books, but when it's the same author, it's uber hard, right?! And sometimes you go specifically to read a book because you loved the author's previous works, so that's a plus, right/!
YOU HAVEN'T READ JULIE KAGAWA!?!?!?Yes, you should read The Iron Fey. While I thought the first book wasn't the greatest, my love of the series definitely became greater with each book.Also, I just realised the Maggie Stiefvater is also an example of when I compare books, even though Shiver and Raven Boys are so very different (and Lament as well, but I wasn't really a fan of Lament…and I think the book knows it, too, and is punishing me by hiding somewhere I can't find it, because I'm trying to return it to the library, because it's so overdue I owe money, and I can't find it anywhere).
I agree with you completely – I don't INTEND to compare books by the same author, but it happens. And sometimes I think I have unrealistically high expectations for a book because the author's previous stories were so good. But… each story is its own thing, so I really shouldn't compare as often as I do.But anyway, one good example is Kirsten Miller's books. She's a FANTASTIC author, but because I read her Kiki Strike books first, I keep comparing her later books to those stories! Also, I've noticed that all her books (Kiki Strike #1, 2, and 3; How To Lead A Life of Crime; and The Eternal Ones #1 and 2) have something in common: they're all about criminals of some kind, and they're all set in NYC. They're all really good, and even the ones I don't like quite as much are at least three stars, but I find myself comparing her stories all like "But noooo, she did [insert some kind of plot twist] in that book, so she should do it here too!"
I want to read Suzanne Collins' Gregor series, but I am a little worried it won't meet my like super-unrealstic-expectations. 😐 But I'm still going to try them and see, for sure. Aw, I'm sad about that with Kirsten Miller, because I ADORED HTLALOC and I want to read more of her books.
Yup, totally do it. Even if I'm not trying to or purposely doing it, it happens, You are always going to compare. I have all Jodi Picoult's books and I get each new one, read it and then usually compare it against her others. Did I like it more than A, or was it too similar to B, or was it the best/worst yet. You just can't stop yourself from doing it. I think I do it more if I loved the last book I read by the author and then the next one isn't as good.
Imagine us when Sarah J Maas' new fantasy series comes out??! WE ARE GOING TO BE COMPARING IT INSANELY MUCH TO THRONE OF GLASS.
I ALWAYS compare books written by the same author. I don't mean to, but it would be logical that if an author wrote something I like, then the next thing they write I would also love, no? However I don't like comparing books in my reviews (I may do it without realising but I don't like it). I don't like being one to single out what they did right in book A versus book B, because it's all a matter of preference and whatnot.
I try not to compare them in my reviews…but I do. Sometimes. >_< I actually don't read a lot of multiple books by the same author so it's not always an issue for me. BUT IT HAPPENS. And I feel bad, because shouldn't the author be allowed to experiment??
NO NO I HAVEN'T HOW BAD IS THAT? I OUGHT TO FIX THIS ASAP. I'll remember that though, that the first book isn't the best. I felt that way with the Shatter Me series. Lament wasn't the best…I was a bit frustrated with Dee. Like how she just ignored James? I LOVE Ballad though. Did you read that one?? It's mostly by James and James. is. freaking. awesome.
I think it probably is! Especially if they go for different genres. Like I only just realised the author of Dangerous Girls is on the cover as Abigail Haas, but she also writes under Abigail McDonald for her adult books. It makes sense.
You and me both for Ally Carter! I so intentionally compare Heist Society and Gallagher Girls. Like you expect them to be the same or on par. 🙁 I'm totally going to go for Iron Fey instead of Immortal Rules. But you know me…I seriously want to try everything. 😉
We are like bookish-twins about Erin Lange, I think. It is funny how some author stick to the same sort of thought…like John Green? His books usually folllow a similar style AND topic. But people like Dan Wells. Gee, if I didn't know, I wouldn't even have guessed I am Not A Serial Killer and Partials to be by the same author. They're sooo different. PS. I NEED MARISSA MEYER'S NEW BOOK AND I THINK MAYBE 2016-17?? NOT SURE. BUT I NEED IT IN MY LIFE ASAP.
Yep. Without a doubt. Even if the books aren't a thing alike. I don't compare them bit by bit or anything, but I will think about whether there are similar themes, characters, etc; and I will definitely ask myself how it compares to the previous book I'd read in terms of sheer likability. It would be rather hard not to, I think.
I agree. And plus, often times we specifically search out more books by an author because we loved them. Regardless of genre, right?!
I try not to, but I know I do. It's something I don't really think I can help. It's the same as comparing dishes at a restaurant, I think. Shrimp and chicken might be two different things, but if you get them both on two different dates, you can't help but to say "Well it's not as good as the chicken." Books might be nothing alike but, I'm going to compare since they're from the same brain, the same source.
DUDE. THAT ILLUSTRATION. Exactly. (But chicken over shrimp, sorry, but always.) Exactly, though, with same brain same source. I find it insanely hard not to. I will probably do the same for Silver Linings Playbook even though I don't mean to.
I don't read many different books by the same author, I don't know why. J.K. Rowling and John Green are the only authors I can think of where I've read different books and I do try not to judge them but I'm afraid JKR will never write a book better than the Harry Potter series in my eyes which is probably an unfair state of mind when I read her other books. As for John Green I've loved the two books I read by him and I don't think I compared those really. I do however tend to compare books of the same genre. Rosie x | http://www.eatreadglam.com
It's actually not a super-common occurrence for me either. I'm hopeless at finishing series, but it's more like contemporary authors that I actually get around to reading multiple books from. Definitely John Green. Oh gosh YES do I compare all his books. I've read 4 books by him and I compared them all…loving 2 insanely much, and just liking the other 2.
I just think as readers we are going to do this. I will say though.. I am a big reader of Stephen King and most of his books are very very different from each other. But the writing style will always be the same to me. I think the same thing happens with directors of movies. JJ Abrams is someone I love.. in fact that is why I read his fictional book S. Which was totally JJ by the way.
I think when the books are TOTALLY different genres it's different. But for people like John Green where it's always in America and always features a dead-love interest…HAAAA. I'M JOKING. It doesn't always. 😉 But I do compare his books a lot.
Ballad is currently sitting on my pile of library books…I'll get to it one day.My main issue with Lament was with the fact that it was sort-of implied that Dee didn't know anything about the fey world (with the exception of what her grandmother said, but it sounded like she didn't believe her), and then suddenly it turns out that that guy (I've forgotten all the names) is there to kill her on behalf of the fey, and she doesn't even seem surprised. She took it all to calmly, in my opinion.
Tricky one! I think that it's easy to compare when the books have been read within a short-ish period of time between them, so you basically still remember everything that happens in the first book you read compared to the one you are reading…. if that makes sense. But then some authors (MICHAEL GRANT), love including a subtle wink from his other books in one that is completely different and in another completely different series. That's cool though haha, because it's Michael Grant 😀 Sometimes I can't help but compare books in the same genre to others, even if it isn't by the same author. I guess it's an automatic way that differentiates different stories in the same genre so I know what's better? I don't know hahaha. Great post!
I'm about to read a Michael Grant book that's totally separate from his Gone series. EXCITED. and nervous. See?!! I'm already comparing and hoping this new one is as good as his previous… *chews nails in nervousness*
I do, because I find it interesting. Some authors seem to have favorite themes and genres, while others are more experimental. I was thinking of doing a discussion post on a similar topic: have you ever loved one of an author's books and completely hated another. But I think you've covered that, so I'm going to do a different topic ;)Thanks so much for stopping by! Jen @ YA Romantics
Reading multiple books by the same author is actually a MAJOR dilemma for me.On the one hand, I can get annoyed when the same author uses the same style. Jodi Picoult is a good example of this: I loved the first few books of hers that I read, but subsequently I started feeling that they're all kind of the same: same style, same formula. She actually recently published a short novella set in Africa (not sure which country) and I couldn't get past the first few pages because her usual style and formula just don't suit the African setting.On the other hand, when an author I love tries something completely new I also get annoyed. I loved all the Harry Potter books, but I just can't get into Rowling's adult books. I loved Khaled Hosseini's first two books, but his historical And the Mountains Echoed just didn't go anywhere for me.So. You could say I compare and either way, it tends to bite me.
I don't think there's anyway to avoid it, really! Usually if you're going to read a book by an author you've already read, it's because you've had a good experience with that author. And it's hard to just not hope the next book you read by that author is just as good! And then when it's not, it's heartbreaking! I mean, More Than This by Ness, right? My favorite author! And I gave it four stars, which for any other book would be great and I'd be flaunting it around. But because it's him and I love his other books more, I don't recommend it to others and I sort of look down on it compared to his other books. BUT IT'S FOUR STARS! I mean, what is this madness?! I don't know how to explain it, I don't. I just really think it's impossible to avoid!But hey, the best thing about this post? I do want to read Matthew Quick's books sometimes. And now I know I should start with Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock when I do. (Which is good, because I already own a copy of it 😉 So thanks! :P)
I definitely do this. Doesn't every reader? I mean, I love Gallegher Girls but never even finished the first Heist Society (and I almost NEVER leave a book unfinished, no matter how boring.) Part of me felt like the books were too similar, and part of me spent the whole book trying (and failing) to like and/or connect with Kat. Plus I didn't really like Hale. Of course, I didn't like GG book one, either… but I mean 2-6 were epic.Also, I haven't read her adult book, but I've heard JK Rowling's adult book is vastly different from Harry Potter on all fronts and, generally, not as good/successful. Not to mention Twilight is probably the book I most hate in this world, but I could easily say The Host is my favorite.But there's also authors whose books turn out very similar. Cidney Swanson, for instance — two completely different series, one set in present-day Earth and one in like 2400- or 2500-something Mars — but both with very close writing styles, somewhat similar protagonists, and eerily similar villains (seriously her villains creep me out like no news report or crime show ever has.) Coincidentally, I'm convinced she's the best writer whose work I've ever read, and she's most definitely my favorite author.
You know I definitely can't help but compare them on an enjoyment scale and quality of writing and storyline but I won't let one bad book in general stop me from reading other books by that author that I am interested in unless it was absolutely awful….like Red Rain by R.L Stine ….now that book has now stopped me from ever reading him again lol.
I think that I do compare books by the same author, usually subconsciously. Sometimes if they're works are similar or in the same genre then their writing style is the same which can be comforting in a way. If I've loved their previous works then I'm always excited to see how their latest release compares. For instance, Colleen Hoover, Ginger Scott, Jessica L. Brooks and Jackie French are all authors whose books I've all loved – even with the heightened expectations that come with reading their previous works.
Oh gosh, I'd still definitely read your post on it! It's an interesting thought, right?! I have a really love/hate relationship with John Flanagan's books. I adored Rangers Apprentice but kind of threw BrotherBand as far away as I could. #awkward
I can understand that with Jodi Picoult. 🙁 I haven't tried her yet, but I've definitely gotten some of her book titles confused because they sound similar. I guess that might be an issue for authors?? Like, if you only have ONE very set style. I haven't tried Rowling's adult books yet, but I'm a little scared to. Although, gosh, she must be brave to write more after Harry's wild success. That takes guts for sure.
HA! Omg, I totally get that with Patrick Ness! He is quickly rising as like "OMG WHAT IS THIS AUTHOR'S SECRET??! ABSOLUTELY LITERARY GENIUS" in my opinion too. 😉 I feel kind of similar for John Green, though, like I'm thinking The Abundance of Katherines was a bit dodgy and not his best…but I gave it 4-stars. XDYOU ARE WELCOME. And I hope you like Leonard Peacock! It is depressing, though. Juuust sayin'.
I kind of feel similar for Heist Society as compared to Gallagher Girls. I only read 3 GG but I'm meaning to read the rest! Aaaand I just felt like Heist Society was every-heist-plot-evvvver for every movie. So a little disappointed there. Wow, strong feelings towards Twilight. I had to read it to find out what the fuss was about and I didn't think it was too bad! I've got The Host but I'm not very enthusiastic towards it. I WILL fix that eventually though. 😉
Ha! I get that! And I usually want to give an author's works a "second chance" if I hated some of their stuff. I'm so nice like that. 😉
Jackie French YES. I read like all of her books that our library had in one month. Too much. I was absolutely overloaded with Jackie-French-ness and I just…ended up being "meh" about all of them. 😉 I do think her newer works are the best. I absolutely compared them. *sigh*
YES. We do this a lot because often the first book we read by the author will set a basis for their future books. Sometimes they live up to the expectations, sometimes they do not. I love it when authors can keep on topping their best books, like Colleen Hoover and Rachel Caine. Which is why they're my favourite authors 🙂
It's inevitable, I think. Especially if you love this author's work for her particular writing style, and if they change it in another recent book, it would come out as a surprise and I guess as a let down because where was that writing that you loved before? This kinda happened in Anthony Ryan's TOWER LORD, sequel to BLOOD SONG. Blood Song had a theme of camaredrie with only 1 POV… come the sequel it changed to multiple POVs and had more of a fast-paced style and it disappointed so many readers. Pretty much the letdown of the century for many fantasy fans lol but I still enjoyed it somehow.Faye at The Social Potato
I always compare books by the same author. I constantly compare The Infernal Devices and The Mortal Instruments. I compare all of Jennifer L Armentrout's books. I can't help it!! When you've read previous books by an author you form a certain opinion and when you read another book by the same author of a new series or such, you tend to compare them just to see if it lives up to your expectations. Lovely post, Cait 🙂
I think it's almost impossible not to compare books, even if it's unintentional. That's just how our minds work…we need to connect and compare and analyze. I find myself doing it a lot among the contemporary novels and authors I read, seeing if they've improved and honed their skill or if their writing is getting weaker with every book. I do it with series, too, which I find often start out really strong and then flatline. Not always, but yeah.
Oh YES. And plus I find that usually contemporary writers write just a little bit faster. 😉 I don't know why! Are contemporaries easier for publishers to sell maybe??
The first thing I thought of when I saw the title of this post was Dangerous Girls and Dangerous Boys. ;)Anyway, yes I do compare books written by the same author. I think, as readers, it's inevitable to do this. The reason I think that we're so prone to doing this is because we've read other works by the author, so we know what they're really capable of as writers; so when something evidently lies below what we know they're capable of, it's disappointing.Thanks for sharing Cait, and WONDERFUL post! <3
HA! YES! I hadn't read DB when I wrote this up, though, so that's why I didn't mention it. 😉 I was actually comparing DB to DG the whole time and I had to stop myself and go, "hey, if this wasn't by Abigail Haas you wouldn't even care about those little minor faults". I gave it 5stars in the end. 😉
Eeep, I love authors that just write better and better…like Marissa Meyer. Each time I'm absolutely sucked into her books and then FLOORED. She's amazing.
I wonder if authors change their styles because they like to experiment…or if they're still finding their perfect "fit"?! You know?? It's interesting. I understand why they DO change styles, but, like, often the reason I loved them in the first place is because their style is adjfkslafjsd worthy.
AGREED. I just definitely can't help it either. (Although I'm still working on reading TID to compare it to TMI. Augh, so many booooks I must read.)
I dunno, I'm one of the few who was indifferent to Iron Fey, so I don't know that I would be all in your face to read it. Kim's a big fan of her vampire series, though.I do compare books by the same author, and like your case with Matthew Quick, it's usually when a book lets me down. I have an enormously complex and intense relationship with Maggie Stiefvater, for example–some of her books are my all time favorites and make me cry every time I read them, and then others leave me cold. A lot of readers love everything by her, or love/dislike the opposite books that I do, so it makes for an interesting (and occasionally confusing) experience.Wendy @ The Midnight Garden
The only authors I have read stand alones from are Gabrielle Zevin and JK Rowling. I did compare the Zevin books in an off hand way. All of Zevin's books are devine. I really couldn't compare JKR's because Casual Vacancy was of course an adult book, but still very very different in many other ways. It was still five out of five stars for me.
I compare. Constantly. However… if a favourite author wrote a story about say, basketball (*looks at pointedly*) I'd likely skip that book knowing I don't really give two figs for basketball.