Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Series Books

For the month of April we will be discussing series books. From James Patterson’s Alex Cross series, to Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, or Debbie Macomber’s Blossom Street Series, there is a series novel in every genre and for every reader. A well written series has the power to draw the reader in while they anxiously await the next installment. You get to know each character on an almost personal level and become a passive observer as each story unfolds and develops.

For some, the series format is responsible for the lifelong love of reading. Some of my favorite novels as a child included the series, Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery and Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I can still remember the enjoyment and concern I felt while Laura and her family struggled through hard times, as well as laughing at Anne’s misadventures and the sadness I experienced as she faced disappointments.

While my reading interests are still quite diverse, as an adult I have grown an appreciation for Science Fiction and very much enjoy the recent series novels written by Stephen Baxter, Arthur C. Clarke, and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.

This month’s discussion is open to all who would like to comment on what their favorite series is and why they enjoy it. Is it the writing, the storyline, the character development, or something else that compels you to read each installment as it comes out?

Please share with us what series you are currently reading or anything you have read in the past that left a lasting impression on you or just truly enjoyed reading.

3 comments:

snowflake said...

My favorite series are all mysteries. Laura Joh Rowland writes about a Samurai detective set in Medieval Japan. I find the Japanese setting and samurai culture to be compelling as well as the history. I also love Arianna Franklin's series that starts with Mistress of the Art of Love about a woman trained in forensics in Italy working in Medieval England. So many others, I await every Elizabeth George novel set in GB featuring Thomas Lynley. The first one in this series is A great delliverance. Happy Reading.

snowflake said...

Sorry about that last post the title of Arianna Franklin's first book is Mistress of the art of death. I must have love on the brain.

book discussion leader said...

The Arianna Franklin series sounds intriguing to me as I enjoy reading historical fiction. I am curious to know how the writer portrays a woman doctor during medieval England and I am sure it makes for an interesting story.

Thanks for your thoughts snowflake!