On books for those looking for a new fandom

Fandoms have become an increasingly important part of our world’s society. But if you’re already impatiently waiting as the biggest SuperWhoLock fan you know, a lingering Marshmellow, or starting to lose your interest in Pokemon, it might be time to find a new thing to obsess about and discuss at length with the fandom community. Here are my suggestions:

• Brandon Sanderson books - I couldn’t not put this, as Loverboy frequently chatters at me about his latest theories and does plenty of research on the 17th Shard forums. The Sanderson community is intriguing and very loyal and has all sorts of ideas about what’s going to happen next and how the cosmere all connects. Highly recommended for fantasy lovers.

• Borderlands - This is a fandom that I’ve been hearing more and more about as I get deeper into SFF reading, but that I haven’t yet delved into. I’m intrigued by it and excited to learn more about this contemporary fantasy world and see why so many people love these books.

• Shadowhunters/Infernal Devices/Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare - The two series are technically complete, but there are plenty of companion books still being released. There are many devoted fans of these series who will happily talk your ear off about why Magnus Bane is the greatest or how they feel about the new releases.

• Nightvale - The popular podcast has a few companion books that take place in the same strange world. Huffington Post also tells us that many people compare the Nightvale world to Louis Sachar’s Wayside School books - and that there are some creepy similarities.

• Beauty and the Beast - This fandom is large with a few very dedicated followers and plenty of less-dedicated ones. In this fandom, people read every version of the tale that they can get their hands on. A few to start with: Beauty by Robin McKinley, Beastly by Alex Flynn, Uprooted by Naomi Novik, or Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodges.

What bookish fandoms would you recommend to other readers? Which non-bookish fandoms are your favorites?

On TBR books that intimidate me #3

Well, I thought my TBR pile was problematic before, but now it’s really out of control. Since I last wrote about scary TBR books, my Goodreads TBR list grew by at least 65 books, while I still have an alarmingly full TBR shelf next to my bed and a full Kindle of egalleys to read before I can even start on either of those. (sigh) The reading life is tough sometimes. Especially when you’re as scared of your TBR as I am.

• Away with Words: An Irreverent Tour Through the World of Pun Competitions by Joseph Berkowitz - I’m so excited for this book that it almost hurts (publication date: June 13th, 2017). And that’s terrifying. It can’t possibly be as punderful as I’m hoping it will be, can it?! I’m worried that I’ll read this and die of either a) disappointment or b) complete and utter happiness or c) getting punned to death. Whichever way things go, it won’t end well.
• The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan - I’ve heard such excellent things about Robert Jordan. And I’ve also heard that some of his books are soooooo long and sooooo drawn out and I can’t handle books like that. Everyone says that it’s ultimately worth it and that they’re glad they worked through those difficult books, but I don’t think I have it in me. So why even start? I can’t handle not finishing a series. It’s too scary.
• Borderland by Terri Windling - My first adventure in urban fantasy was not fantastic, but I’m willing to try again….maybe. I’m nervous I’ll hate this and a whole genre will be ruined for me because of two books. I’m also nervous that I’ll absolutely love it and I’ll never read anything else. So I’m putting it off until I can test the waters with another urban fantasy…..or maybe I’ll just put it off forever.

Are you scared of any of your TBR’s? Or is it just me? Are there any books you TBR’d forever and now regret reading? Or wish you’d read earlier?