Reading 101

After hundreds of dollars and 2 shelves full, I've noticed a trend regarding book authors. English(European) authors are better, fresher and more imaginative and American authors. When I started serious reading, naturally I started with famous titles or stories I am familiar with (Lord of the Rings, Wheel of Time cause I liked the game and was interested in the story). The first ever "novel" length book I read was called Jack the Giant Killer by Charles de Lint (Netherlands. Mental note : find other books by this guy to browse). It's a warped tale based upon the childrens Jack and the Beanstalk story. However, "Jack" this time is a female, and the story is much, much darker.

Now after I've read all my "famous" books, I started looking at less known authors. I have in the past made the mistake of buy a whole series from an author (Dennis L. McKiernan : American) on an impulse. I thought I could binge read for a month or so. Turns out that the reason he isn't a "bestseller" is because he isn't really that good. Ironically though, one of my favourite books is by that same author. So some good came out of it in the end. I've learnt my lesson and am now much more caution when I feel the urge to just buy. Nowadays, if I see something that catches my attention, I go look for as many sources and reviews as possible before deciding to buy it. Which then comes to the main topic. I have so far not been let down by English authors on books I've bought through the same impulse purchases. Neil Gaiman, Lian Hearn, James Barclay to name some. Not to say American authors aren't good, but their stories are more "conventional" for the lack of a better word.

Where would you find a Snow White story where Snow White is the villian? An American author would have written a hundred versions of Snow White set in different times/eras/place/settings. But Snow White would always be the poor unfortunate damsel in distress with a happy ending finding her "prince" and getting rid of the evil "queen". Leave it to an English author to warp the story into the twilight zone.

Why am I ranting on this? I was at the bookstore today and I saw this book in the "New Arrivals" section. Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke (Another unknown English author). My eyes immediately trained on the stack of Black and White covered books (I haven't decided which I favour more). They're both the same and I would have bought it on the spot if it didn't cost 40 dollars. It wasn't even hard cover, it's one of those large soft cover versions. Guess I'll have to hunt around for a mass paperback editions or wait or just give in. I have a feeling it's going to be a very good book.