I’ve read a lot this year- an amazing 98 books. I’ll definitely hit 100 next month- if I read anyway, which I probably will. Knowing me, and my obsessively large (495 books and counting) to-read list, I’ll definitely read some number over 100. I need to start making a dent in that to-read list after all.
A majority of the books I’ve read this year can be classified as either children’s books or young adult books, and there’s something I’ve noticed.
Why does everything seem to have at least a sequel?! Some books have had a sequel, others are a part of some sort of series. Some of the “Adult” books I’ve read have been a part of series too, so it’s not just children/young adult arena that’s guilty of this. But children/young adult being the largest genre I’ve read…that’s probably why I’m noticing it.
*Random, but very important note: From here on out, a series will refer to books that have at least 2 books in it.
How hard is it to come up with an idea that’s contained in one book? Why is there a need to have so many series? It’s really overwhelming, especially since a lot of them don’t seem to have some kind of numbering or ordering system. Like, the Vampire Academy Series or the Pretty Little Liars series. There doesn’t seem to be any indication on the covers as to which number in the series it is. At least there’s a “here’s what’s coming next” at the end of each Pretty Little Liars book. But since I’m requesting a lot of books from other libraries, I’m utterly clueless as to which book is first and second and so on. I seriously need to have a list of the order right next to me. Google and Wikipedia help, since I can google the series to figure out the order. It’s really not that much work, but it’s still frustrating.
But back to why everything I’m reading seems to be part of a series. Is it because series are just insanely popular, or is it the types of books I’m reading? I am reading a lot of historical fiction/fantasy/historical fantasy and supernatural/paranormal books. Do these genres lend themselves to being a part of a series or are young adult authors really unable to wrap up their story in a few hundred pages? Some of the authors I’ve read or want to read seem to have multiple series. It’s like their mind works in series, and not in something that stands alone. A combination of all of these questions seem likely- a mix of reading certain genres, series being popular, storylines that can’t be wrapped up in one book, and quite possibly marketing. Honestly, I don’t want to think about the role marketing has.
And why is there a lot of title: a novel? Is adding a novel after the title necessary? I think not, because I feel like I’m pretty good at figuring what is a novel and isn’t a novel. Is it a way of distinguishing themselves from all the series out there? Or is there some other reason? I just don’t understand!
I think that’s enough ranting and raving for now…I’ll need to save up my ranting and raving energy for November, when I’ll need it the most!