What Books Make You Tick?

What books make you tick?

How do you find your genre? What is it that draws you to a particular author? Do you get adventurous and try different books?

When I was younger I would only read fantasy and history books (very limited). Working in a bookstore has opened my eyes to many books I would love to read as well as reading books that I can’t stand. Now I love to read my fantasy & history – but also Y/A, conspiracy thrillers and sometimes a bit of chick lit. 

One book that I read and loved was ‘Daughter of Smoke and Bone’ by Laini Taylor (which is due in October 2011) that had a wide sweeping story, colourful descriptions and wonderful characters. A fantastic book- one which I can’t wait to be released. Then there are other books like a Lora Leigh I read recently. I love Lora Leigh, but this one just didn’t do it for me. Sometimes it is a bit of hit and miss. My reps come in with a book they rave about and they desperately want you to like it, no they want you to love it. I hate disappointing them when I can’t get into it, but it is great to see their faces light up when you turn out to love it as well.  

 

One book which was a turning point in my life was ‘The Neverending Story’ by Michael Ende. This book changed my life. I got to thinking what if? What if there is a universe for each book that is written and its story is being played out somewhere. A bit farfetched, but it was these questions that opened my eyes for the magic of books. Imagination is the key to a healthy happy existence and books provide that. Sometimes you wonder about the authors who write certain books haha but each novel has its place in the world (even the bad ones)   

So my question to you is this.

What books make you tick? How did they change your life and was there a particular one that just did it for you?