Happy Sunday everyone!
On Friday I invited questions on all of the books I have yet to write posts about. I got some great questions and I’m slowly working on writing the posts (I wrote one very short one (I decided the one paragraph I wrote for Maus pretty much said everything I needed to say, so I called it good) and almost finished another last night, that’s how slow it’s going).
One of the questions asked by Care was “I see it (Blink) is the only male author on your list here. Are you intentionally reading mostly female authors or is it just working out that way. (I noticed that I am split even on my M/F ratio so far this year and I hadn’t been paying any attention until I looked.)”
I do gravitate toward female authors. I always have, and I really can’t say why…I somehow think their writing is more approachable and warmer and entertaining, although I’ve certainly read male authors that I’ve felt that way about. I do know that when I find myself reading more male authors I get a little twitchy and feel like my reading ratios are out of balance. And while I know how ridiculous that sounds, I can’t help it. I’m biased towards female authors, and I embrace my bias. I think this is why I don’t read too many classics…it always seems like they’re predominantly by male authors.
Speaking of classics, yesterday I realized that I was falling behind on my reading for The Brothers Karamazov read-along, so I spent some not so quality time with Dostoevsky, who is one wordy dude. There are times when I’m entertained by the book, and there are times when I am totally clueless (and all of the religious references certainly aren’t helping). I’ve almost finished with the first book, which means I’m barely 100 pages into it, and while we’ve met all of the main characters (I think), I’m wondering where Dostoevsky is going with this.
One of the things I have noticed about Dostoevsky is that his characters speak in parentheses. I’m sure you’ve noticed (and if you haven’t just look at this post!) how much I love the keystrokes ( and ), and to see Dostoevsky using them in conversation just warms the cockles of my heart. Okay, maybe not, but it does amuse me.
And now, it’s time to finish putting together the granola I just baked and go find a book to read on the treadmill (The Brothers Karamazov being much to serious for such a boring activity…I need something with a little more oomph to get me through the miles). And then, I’m determined to crank out some of those long overdue posts!
Interesting about reading mainly women authors – I think I am probably pretty similar in my habits! I prefer female authors for the same reasons you do. I think their writing is warmer and more approachable.
Amused´s last [type] ..Advice Please – Which Audio Book Site Do You Use
In modern lit, I tend to gravitate more towards female authors, but in classics, the male voice doesn’t bother me at all. Strange.
What a great observation about Dostoevsky! I feel I can (and do. and will continue to) speak parenthetically without guilt.
Dawn – She Is Too Fond of Books´s last [type] ..Winner of Sea Escape and Life Without Summer
I think I read more female authors, but I am not sure….now I will have to check this out or, I will be awake all night if I don’t LOL
Have a great week.
diane´s last [type] ..95 – The Red Thread Ann Hood
I just don’t know how you write reviews way after reading the book. My mind is a sieve and I wouldn’t remember the books well enough; I have to write them within 24 hours of finishing the book!
Helen´s last [type] ..Sunday Salon
We’re heading out on vacation so I powered through all the first three books of the Brothers K already. It picks up around Book 3 I’m happy to report! But those first two books are pretty darn brutal!
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I’ve always leaned heavily toward male authors. Not by choice or calculated reading move, but that’s just the way it is. I think I tend to assume much of women’s writing–especially those books labeled “women’s fiction”–will be too warm and fuzzy for me.
Andi´s last [type] ..More SubHerban Gardening
LOL I see (now that you mention it) that you are right about Dostoevsky. Last year (as far as I remember) I was split 50/50 male/female authors (I haven’t checked yet for this year).
Beth F´s last [type] ..Weekend Cooking- Review- Chocolat Film
I am reading The Brothers K on my Kindle, so it is harder to tell where I am in the book. I think I am right around where you are though.
Stephanie´s last [type] ..The Sunday Salon
I find that I read a lot more books by female authors as opposed to men as well. I am not sure why that is, and I have never really stopped to think on it. Female authors just seem a little more relevant to me, I guess.
I am also interested in reading some Dostoevsky, and have a couple of his books on my shelf, but just haven’t made the time for him! I hope your reading of The Brothers Karamozov goes smoothly!
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I tend to read male authors more than female; dead white guys used to comprise the bulk of my reading since I was so focused on classics, but since blogging I’ve really been expanding my reading and now I’m at about 50-50. Yay for Dostoevsky!
Trisha´s last [type] ..Sunday Salon- Books Behind Bars
I always state up front that I’m “partial to women writers”. I do read lots of male authors though. But I’m just more into reading and promoting women writers. Plus, unless the blogger is very special, I also tend to be wary of bloggers who only read male writers. That said, I love the Brothers K.
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Thanks for answering my question. And best to you on the Bro K read.
Care´s last [type] ..Save-the-Date – August 10 – Fingersmith – COBC