The types of books we read and the way we learn about books and consume them have changed in the past decade. I've jumped on board some book trends, while others haven't been for me.
Here is how I've responded to various recent book trends.
- Deluxe/Collector editions - I've fully embraced deluxe and collector's editions. Most physical books that I buy nowadays are deluxe editions with sprayed/stenciled edges or collector editions that feature special features such as author signatures or leather binding. The only "regular" editions I buy now are used books or surplus/wholesale books that are discounted.
- Audiobooks - Sadly, I haven't been able to get into audiobooks. Listening to someone read a book just feels different to me than reading it myself. The narrator makes a difference, but even the best narrators I've listened to don't provide the same feeling as when I read the book on my own.
- BookTok/Bookstagram - I love the rise in bookish social media. This has become my predominant method of discovering books. I also find it soothing to scroll through pictures of books and bookshelves. Some people can stare at art for hours. I can stare at books.
- Romantasy - I've discovered that romantasy isn't for me. Even the most praised romantasy books haven't made much of an impression on me. I haven't quite figured out yet if it's the predictable romantasy tropes and plots or something else.
- Cozy fantasy - On the other hand, cozy fantasy has worked for me. I'm a fan of fantasy already, and cozy fantasy is like the comfort food subset of fantasy. I haven't read as much cozy fantasy as I'd like, but I'm open to trying more.
- AI-generated content - It's scary how well AI can write, and I've probably read AI-generated content without knowing it. However, as a general principle, I'm against books written by AI. Books are like art IMHO, and I feel that both art and stories should be created by humans as they are an expression of us, not just products to be churned out by a machine. I'll get off my soapbox now.
- Book bans - A hard NO on book bans. No one should control what someone else is able to read. I'll get off my soapbox for the second time.
What are some recent book trends that you've embraced or not embraced?
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