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Are there key words on the jacket that puts you OFF a book?

189 replies

sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 15:58

Me?

As soon as I read the words 'Cornwall' or 'Painter' or 'tea shop' or 'young mother'
I immediately Put The Book Back.

Why do a lot of female authors set their story in Cornwall? It's so boring and predictable.

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Oakmaiden · 07/09/2014 16:05

"King Arthur"

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NickiFury · 07/09/2014 16:08

"Planet Zurg Year 3029" with accompanying futuristic cover art.

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 07/09/2014 16:09

Ireland
Family
Saga
Journey (unless it really is about a journey - a real one, ideally involving ice and mountains)
Memories
Haunted by her past


I tend to dismiss most things if the central character is a woman, or if it's written by a woman, tbh. In fact, I dismiss nearly everything - which is why I'm always running out of things to read.

Oh and if it tells me that the book is funny - it invariably isn't - unless it is by Bill Bryson.

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Flangeshrub · 07/09/2014 16:10

'Kate Mosse'

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sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 16:12

Thought of another -
...... Moved to Cornwall after her relationship finished and Opened a 'Tea/Coffee Shop
and if the 'Tea/Coffee Shop is in Cornwall? NO! Shock

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DuchessofMalfi · 07/09/2014 16:14

Tea shop, sweetshop, cupcake shop, cafe, love story, hilarious (if you have to tell me it's funny, then it most likely isn't), spy story.

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sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 16:14

Remus, I like Bill Bryson.
His books are strangely hypnotic. They are one of the few books I will read and re-read.

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DuchessofMalfi · 07/09/2014 16:14

Grin @ sweetness.

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sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 16:15

Tea shop, sweetshop, cupcake shop, cafe, love story,

Exactly!

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MrsDavidBowie · 07/09/2014 16:15

Jodi Picoult recommends this book

Heartwarming

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VikingLady · 07/09/2014 16:15

Thought provoking
Harrowing
Controversial

Generally mean the book will be a miserable read. If I want to be depressed I'll watch the news!

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NerfHerder · 07/09/2014 16:15

"Recommended by Daily Mail/Mail On Sunday" Grin

"Post-apocalyptic Dystopia"

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MsMessyandtheTidyBoys · 07/09/2014 16:16

Really want to read 'Planet Zurg' Grin

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Rivercam · 07/09/2014 16:16

Cookery books with recipes containing rocket

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GameOfScones · 07/09/2014 16:17

"Irish childhood" has me wanting to throw the book as far away from me as I can possibly get it. Especially if it's set in the 1950s and has photographs as the cover art. Angela and her Ashes hold no interest for me.

Annoying character names. Cressida in particular.

Anything talking about 'no greater love' etc.

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Lifesalemon · 07/09/2014 16:17

I don't like books set in America, I don't know why, but I don't even give them a chance. So for me its when i read the words, New York, Chicago etc. on the jacket. Sometimes I've downloaded a book and not realised its set in america until the character mentions the 'mall' or the 'sidewalk' etc a few pages in and then I very rarely read any further.

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sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 16:17

Is there a book called Planet Zurg? Shock

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 07/09/2014 16:18

Beautiful
Evocative
Intoxicating
Haunting

Usually means they attempt poetic language but have probably never heard of a semi colon and can't punctuate to save their lives.

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sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 16:18

GameofScones, one of the best holidays I had was in Ireland. I love the place.
But, I can't stand reading about it! Confused

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Grammar · 07/09/2014 16:19

' Richard and Judy book choice'

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MrsDavidBowie · 07/09/2014 16:19

I would definitely read a harrowing disturbing book set in America Grin

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sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 16:19

Annoying character names are top of the list as well.
Is it really necessary to have an Alan, Alana, Alaine and Aleysha in the same story?
There's nothing worse than having to constantly backtrack to try and remember 'who's who'.
Authors - Please make your names Different.

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RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 07/09/2014 16:21

Another literary masterpiece - usually means it is by Ian McEwan and therefore shite.

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PicandMinx · 07/09/2014 16:21

Quest
Code
Lengthy
Victorian style
Saga
Now a film!

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Krakken · 07/09/2014 16:21

Saga
Spanning across 3 generations

Those kind of books are just prolonged dullness.

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