If you read series, do you ever find a series “jumping the shark?” How do you feel about that?
And, do you keep reading anyway?
I have to admit, I’m a sucker for series. I’ve read all kinds of them from different genres. Series are awesome. Usually. Sometimes a series can start heading downhill. In order to keep me reading a series the author has to have the ability to write stories that make me want to keep reading. For example, Nora Roberts. All of the books I have read by her thus far, singles and series keep me going. I have intentions to start her In Death series that she writes as J.D. Robb. She’s on book 36 (I think), thats crazy, but she keeps things fresh. I will also say this, I’ve been reading lots of romance trilogies this year. And you can call a trilogy a series or not, its up to you I suppose – I have no clue if there’s some set definition stating exactly what a series is – but I love them. But then I’m also a newfound sucker for the genre.
I have yet to read a series that I find going downhill. All of the ones I have read so far this year have kept me very engaged. And while I have hear certain things about certain series going downhill over time, I’m not gonna sit here and say they’re bad when I’m not that far in.
As far as whether I’d keep reading. Well, I’m the type of person that I need to know what happens. I can’t not finish a story of any sort. So even if I’m no longer impressed with a series, I’ll keep going if only to satisfy my compulsions for knowing the outcome. It’s just the type of person I am. And hey, maybe it builds character, eh?
So how about you? Any favorite series or series to avoid?
Among Stories 
It seems there are a lot of good series out there, I need to broaden my scope.
MY BTT
I used to be pretty narrow minded as far as series go, but now I say what the heck, might as well read what you can while you can. Something different every now and then is good for the soul.
Great answer! Here’s mine: http://myreadersblock.blogspot.com/2010/09/booking-through-thursday-series-shark.html
Thanks!
A trilogy counts as a series for me. 🙂
I think as long as there’s good reason for novels to be a trilogy or a series, I’m all for it. But when you can tell things are being drawn out to increase page count and/or sales, I’m not happy about that.
Awesome, I’m not alone on the trilogy front!
I completely agree with you on that. It’s the same for movies too. At some point, people really just need to call it quits. For example, the Star Wars saga. Now don’t get me wrong. I adore the movies but seriously, there is how many books and ‘sub-series’ for lack of a better term off that? I’m very hesitant to start buying those books because if it really is all a ploy for money I’d be upset.
Some stuff is better left untouched.
Hahah I just had a post on my blog about this…the feeling of “I don’t care how bad this is and how much I don’t really want to read this. I still have to know how it ends!”
It’s a compulsion. I can feel the need to know what happens physically. Like I get a pit in my stomach waiting to see what happens next. You know what I mean?
Yes, definitely read the In Death series. I just mentioned in my Booking post that they’re my comfort reads, I read them out of order (I don’t recommend it though!) and they’re highly enjoyable.
I admire you for not being to abandon a book!
Good response. 🙂
Thanks! I’m glad to hear that you like the In Death series. And don’t worry, I could never read books out of order. That’s another one of my weird things, I have to go in order. But now I definitely can’t wait to see how they are.