This is one of my favorite posts to do at the end of the year! And I always do them on my birthday. Lol. I just feel like that's appropriate, you know, looking back and reflecting on the year. (It's very convenient that my birthday is at the end of the year, too 😆) And here is the post from last year, if anyone is interested.
However, I don't quite know what makes one work and another not. A Dragon Rider's Guide to Retirement is a cozy fantasy with a fun cast of characters and an idyllic setting. The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society is a cozy mystery set in this little town. Except, I feel like the titular demon was not mentioned nearly enough. Idk. I don't think I've read nearly enough cozy books to gauge what works and what doesn't for me. Although a big part of me liking that first book might have a lot to do with the fact that it was written by Julia Huni, who I love. Lol.
For the longest time, I did not like historical books. I just found the setting boring. But as time goes on and I get out of my comfort zone, I've noted that I've picked up a historical book from time to time, and I actually enjoyed them! The caveat: They have to have fantasy elements. Lol.
It is very rare that I find a book genuinely scary. Maybe that's why I decided to give splatterpunk a chance, but yikes! I was okay with all the violence and gore. In fact, I was expecting it. But I draw the line at sexual violence against children. That's what made this book vile.
Actually, I think most cozy books are like that, just like any book - they can be for you or not. I had read The Village Library Demon-Hunting Society and find the demon part lacking. I guess since they wanted to be a cozy, we don't get any dark glance into this demon character.
ReplyDeleteI also used to dislike historical books until I started reading historical murder mystery - sometimes books find you and you find it. I don't really like to categorize books anymore because a lot of books have more than one category.
I'm too much of a scaredy cat to read horror but I understand we have tolerance level that may tip even when we are not aware of it.
Have a lovely day.
Cozy books are so popular right now and I just did not understand why. Lol. But it's good to know I'm not the only one who feels this way. Lol.
DeleteDefinitely some interesting things to learn! I learned this year that things I once could read no problem now that I've had some experiences I guess I hadn't had before, like the death of a parent, it changes how stories hit me and makes it so I don't necessarily want to read them if it hurts too much or comes too close. In the past I would delve into and connect with books that shared past bad experiences in my life, but it seems loss of a parent just hit too hard for me. Maybe in the future I'll get some space and be able to go back to those more, but for now I have to take a break. Thanks for sharing your lessons!
ReplyDeletehttps://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2025/12/25/top-10-of-2025-top-10-book-boyfriends-characters/
Oh, definitely! Especially if it's happened recently, I can definitely see why things like that would be hard to read. But I agree, one day in the future you'll be able to read those books again. But take your time getting there so you can heal. There's no hurry.
DeleteI think cozy books might be hit or miss for me too. Some feel a bit too slow, but not all of them.
ReplyDeleteExactly! Plus, I'm just a fan of action in general, too. Lol.
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