Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
What we're reading

Find your new favourite book or recommend one on our Book forum.

Original poster

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.

OP posts:
MarkWrightsLonelyBraincell · 07/09/2014 21:24

Look at this pile of shit. I haven't even read the blurb, I don't need to.
In answer to the op, twee, stupid pop culture references make me want to commit arson in the aisles of Waterstones.

Are there key words on the jacket that puts you OFF a book?
carlajean · 07/09/2014 21:19

anything with a 'recommended by the Richard and Judy Bookgroup' on it

Badvoc123 · 07/09/2014 21:17

Anything liked by the daily mail

Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 21:11

Kooky"
Yes Insant Turn-Off!

OP posts:
Trills · 07/09/2014 20:53

Kooky

geekaMaxima · 07/09/2014 20:52

Sweetnessandlite - if it's all about avoiding misery lit or lazy stereotypes, I totally get that.

Funny, but I've never actually read a book set in Ireland that was all nuns, priests, convents, etc. I'm now pleased I managed to avoid them Grin

For modern Irish fiction, John Banville (definitely lit fic) and Paul Murray (darkly comic) are great.

NickiFury · 07/09/2014 20:01

Grin Beertrickspotter.

Me too, someone told me that "Bad Neighbour" was the funniest ever film and that I wouldn't stop laughing throughout. I sat there with a Po Face throughout.

Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 20:01

geekaMaxima,
A lot of authors use the old cliches- Nuns, Seamus, Nuns, Priest, Convents, .....
That's what puts people off!
We want fiction about Ireland, thats' NOW.

OP posts:
SanityClause · 07/09/2014 20:00

Sorry, rogue "the" in there.

I've never seen a book reviewed by The Who, though. Hmmm!

SanityClause · 07/09/2014 19:59

I look at the who has reviewed it. If it's the daily mail and a load of women's magazines, I usually wouldn't bother.

geekaMaxima · 07/09/2014 19:57

Surprised to see so many people listing Ireland as a hated keyword. It's kinda weird to want to avoid a whole country. Sad

What is it that you think the book will be about??

Back2Two · 07/09/2014 19:47

This reply has been withdrawn

This post has been withdrawn due to privacy concerns

BeerTricksPotter · 07/09/2014 19:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BeerTricksPotter · 07/09/2014 19:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Kimaroo · 07/09/2014 19:32

I agree Eliza. "New York-London-Tokyo, this book takes you on a thrilling race across 3 continents!" Aaargh!

The other thing I hate is the reference to other authors. "As good as Grisham!" "Reichs, Cornwell and Childs all rolled into one!"

Oh and books are never funny if there are reviews like "I laughed on every page!", "Don't read this on a crowded train!".

Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 19:28

English! Blush

OP posts:
Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 19:27

In The Stand, where he goes into detail about a Sarah Lee Cake of all things!
Genius! He knew how to reach people with his writing - he spoke in PLAIN Enlgish.

OP posts:
BeerTricksPotter · 07/09/2014 19:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 19:22

Speaks to you as if it were written just for You

This is where Stephen King scored, in the early days - he had the common touch.

OP posts:
BeerTricksPotter · 07/09/2014 19:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 19:13

Going Off Tangent a bit:-

What makes a Great Book?

OP posts:
mineymo · 07/09/2014 19:12

Anything that implies only simpering idiotic women will like it: cappuccino read, chick lit... I would also like to hit anyone caught reading this bilge round the head with it, preferably the hardback version.

Original poster
sweetnessandlite · 07/09/2014 19:12

Fullpleather, all of those things!
Costanza, the name alone puts me off!

OP posts:
Costanza · 07/09/2014 19:08

DH bought me One plus One for my birthday does he even know me? Really struggling. Does it stay awful? Maybe I could get away with telling him it was so good I read it extra fast?

Fullpleatherjacket · 07/09/2014 18:53

Ireland
Spy
Cupcake
Knitting
Strong Circle Of Women
Heart-warming
Country
Historical

It's amazing I can find anything I do like Grin