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It's all about the mystery and romance
My favourite book world? I have quite a few…
I used to only read Afrikaans fiction and then went over to English and then fell in love with biographies - I read 6 different biographies on Marilyn Monroe alone. I kept saying to friends that I just can't seem to fall in love with any fiction books, but then it happened and I haven't looked back since.
I would say my favourite fictional book worlds include mystery (the likes of Dan Brown) and the romantic tales – think the Twilight world saga. I'm not a huge fantasy fan, but this one definitely got me hooked and obsessed with vampires. It's books like these that feed all my cravings and plunge me into a world where I feel at home. It's great to be able to forget about the real world out there for a little while.
Cheréés
Jodi Piccoult rocks my world
I absolutely love Jodi Piccoult and can immerse myself into the world of her books any time and any day.
Her books are so real, and always gives you a sight into every characters point of view, thinking and reasoning.
I know it's very sad, but it's also written in such a way, that you become a member of the family, you become the mother, then you are the father and it's just amazing that you can see, understand and feel so many emotions.
I am busy reading Handle with Care. Needless to say I was in tears by the 5th page. It's just amazing. But that's not to say I only immerse myself in the world of Jodi Piccoult. I also love a good thriller / mystery / who's the killer kind of book.
I only get time to read in the morning on my way to work, and more often or not I end up getting lost in a world of my own. Luckily my hubby doesn't mind.
Amadea
A world of complex characters
My favourite book world is a world in which the characters are complicated. I love it when characters make mistakes and have to learn from them.
I believe that the writer should know his/her characters, and that the characters and their personal development takes place because of what is happening to them.
Even when the plot is intricate and the background extraordinary, one-dimensional characters are boring. I don't mean that the characters in my ideal world book should be eccentric (If the story necessitates it - fine) but that they should be human.
None of us outside the book world is one-dimensional. We react to others and circumstances and that reaction influences us to become the person we are. Writers who know this and make it part of their writing, win hands down !
Inge
A world of universal knowledge
My favourite genre has got to be factual history.
By that, I mean a real account of our little globe, and if it's interwoven with a fictional anecdote, all the better. In this way I can improve my universal knowledge (you never know when that'll be useful in those 30 Seconds/Trivial Pursuit games!) while being entertained at the same time!
As a hyperactive bunny, I find this a perfect solution, having little free time and wanting to make to make the most of every second I DO have. Now ... if I can add romance, action, mystery and a thriller into the mix, why I'd be in heaven!
Not asking a lot, am I?
Toni
People dealing with life
I love stories about ordinary people dealing with life and proving that all of us are eccentric in our own way. A book that can shift the mind and heart to a better understanding of others is a great piece of work.
If, furthermore, it takes one to places yet unvisited and makes you feel as if you have travelled there yourself, so much the better. Lastly, a bit of humour thrown in to reflect the essence of being human makes it a sure winner!
Erna
The bonds between characters
I enjoy books that explore relationship dynamics. Specifically relationships between mothers and children, friends, siblings, husbands and wives as well as your relationship with yourself.
Interestingly enought, I am not really interested in relationships between lovers. I enjoy a deep, emotional book that makes me think and enjoy a book that helps me explore my own issues on a subject.
Among my favourites of all time are The Bluest Eye (Toni Morrison), Life of Pi (Yann Martel), A Thousand Splendid Suns (Khaleed Hosseini), Jody Picoult material, and the list goes on and on...
Julia
What is your favourite book world? Tell us in the comment box below.
