I'll read anything, except. . .

I am a pretty adventurous reader. While I have my favorite authors and genres, I will try anything, except. . . science fiction and horror. I have no desire. I still remember watching my first (and nearly last) horror movie in junior high. I refused to take the trash out alone for weeks afterward. I hate horror. . . I don't mind an occasional sci-fi movie (loved the Matrix and X-men series), but I have never read sci-fi. I have long held the theory (recently confirmed) that only REALLY brilliant people read science fiction. My husband, one of the smartest men I know, reads sci-fi almost exclusively. Our G/T coordinator at school prefers sci-fi (she was an astro-physicist in a former life), and my brother-in-law (very brilliant mind) reads sci-fi (he also reads other books - that I would consider textbook quality - for fun). Like I said, brilliant minds. . .

Last month our book club re-convened. Bigger, more diverse and better than ever. In hopes of keeping our few males members interested, we all agreed to read their book of choice. Hyperion by Dan Simmons. I half-heartedly started the book, and by the second page, I was so confused, I nearly quit. In all honesty, it took almost 100 pages for me to enjoy the story, but by then I was hooked. We all were. Only one member of our club quit, the rest finished, though for most, it was really outside of our comfort zone. It was a cleverly crafted story and most members of our club are already on the second book. In October, we're reading a mystery (a Nero Wolfe novel) and in November/December we are reading a western by Cormac McCarthy. Anyone want to join us?

I picked up a new YA book this week. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan. It is a horror story about (wait, brace yourself. . .) zombies. Seriously. I read the whole book on Sunday afternoon and enjoyed the story. It has a strong female character, which I love, and is an easy, entertaining read. I thought the book ending somewhat abruptly, leaving me to wonder if there would be a book two. . . If so, I will read my second horror story.

So, now as I wander the stacks in search of the perfect book for a student, I can no longer say, "Well, I will read anything, except. . . "