TGIF #6 - Bookish Trends

Bookish Trends: What are some bookish trends you are noticing in the literature world today? Is there a particular trend you'd like to see more of?

I'm talking mostly about YA books here, because that's where most trends seem to focus on. I do read more adult books than YA, but trends just don't seem to be as prevalent.

Trends I love

Dystopians. I have no idea what prompted the surge in altered societal novels, but it's wonderful. If a book can develop an entire new world and adequeately explain why it's turned out that way, I love it. The best examples I can think of, incredibly obviously, are The Hunger Games and Divergent.

Sciencey, intelligent plots. Kind of similar to the above, with with an extra element of realism tucked it. I read The Killables recently and loved the psuedo-scientific explanations for their world.

Zombies. I have no idea why I like zombies so much, because usually they're one of the worst offenders for the first point below. That said, I really do love a well-written zombie story. The Forest of Hands and Teeth is a brilliant place to start.    

Trends I'm sick of

Awful, awful writing. Yes, I am going to count this a trend because it's incredibly prevalent and it has to stop. I never used to pick up books with such 'clunky' writing - it's like publishers have suddenly decided that YA novels don't actually need to be written well to sell. I've ranted about this before here and I'm sure I'll do so again. I considered not naming names, but... *cough* Forbidden and Red Riding Hood.

Vampires. Except not just vampires. I'm talking about sneaky vampires. You know, where you pick up a book fully expecting a unique tale of mystery, magic and non-overdone plotlines. But oh look, THERE'S A VAMPIRE. I'm looking at you, Black Swan Rising. If you must shove vampires into your book, at least warn me on the blurb.

Fairies. I can't really blame anybody for this one but myself, because I understand why fairies are so popular. They're a mythological creature with so many variations it's easy to create your own ideas.

But hey, I grew up in Cottingley. Ever heard of the Cottingley Fairies?  Where those two girls convinced the world and many top scientists that fairies were real? Well, I have. A lot. I challenge anybody to grow up in Fairy Tourist Ville and not loathe the very concept.