Books written in the present tense

[TheGirlOnTheLanding]

I'm currently reading (and hating) a book for my book group and realised that I was prejudiced against it from the start because it's written in the present continuous tense, which I find irritating. I've been trying to think of other books where I've persevered and got over the irritation and can't recall any I've enjoyed. Am I on my own with this or do any of you dislike it too? Are there any really good books written in the present tense? I know it's supposed to up the tension and feeling of immediacy but it feels fake to me.

[Caitlin17]

I can't think of examples but I really hate. It's so contrived and obvious.

[Finickynotfussy]

It's tiring to write like that too - I drafted a novel in present for some stupid reason and ended up converting it back into past. It works for action scenes sometimes but creates problems with flashbacks and other parts where you're not describing what's happening right in the moment. I read the Mabignion in translation a while back (Early Welsh saga) and they used present for action bits - so it's not just a modern thing.

[TamerB]

I hate it but it appears to be the 'in' thing in fiction writing.

[yourlittlesecret]

I thought it was just me. If I start a book and find it is written in the present tense I'm immediately prejudiced against it.
Two exceptions spring to mind. The Time Travellers Wife and Apple Tree Yard. Both of which I nearly put down 2 or 3 pages in but persevered and really enjoyed. That was in spite of the use of the present tense though. I still hated it.

[TamerB]

I feel as if the author wants to keep me away from the characters- I can't get so involved.

[eslteacher]

I was a sucker for Paula Danziger as a teen, all her books were written in the present tense. Kind of worked with the teen angst angle.

[TheGirlOnTheLanding]

YY Yourlittlesecret, definitely in spite of rather than because of. It's a hurdle to be got over.

So glad it's not just me, I am glad to be in esteemed company (thanks Halsall for the link, it was really interesting and I'd never have thought to link it with cinema as Pullman does, but it makes perfect sense.)

[ScentedScandal]

I dont like present tense books much either. I'm sure it's why I couldnt get on with Wolf Hall.