I'm Getting Too Picky (Book Suggestions?)

[scw1217]

I seem to be stuck in a book rut, but its a book rut I like. My last trip to the library, it took me forever to pick out a book because I could not find one that fit right exactly into what I want to read. I am interested in some good book suggestions, but here's what I like...plot. Plot is the most important thing to me. I want stuff to happen, mystery, battle scenes, a great main character, and/or super descriptions. Given that, I do not like "chick flicks" in books or movies. There simply has to be more to it than will she and he get together. Lastly, nothing set too modern. I really love historical fiction that has real people and characters as well as fictional ones set in real events. That always "sucks me in". Now, with all of that said, what would you suggest? I have read so many great authors and won't get into listing them, so no fear if you post something I just happened to have loved.

[Kiwi Shelf]

You ask for a lot... one of the only "mysterious" authors I have read is James Rollins... Okay, more of a thriller.. He was me stepping out of my regular reading. I am sure I can think of others, but to me your ideas don't run together. I will think further.

[Scheherazade]

Maybe Daphne Du Maurier's books?

[Miss Darcy]

Maybe Daphne Du Maurier's books?


Maybe Rebecca? :D

[EAP]

In Fantasy genre:

1. The Song Of Ice And Fire Saga - George R. R. Martin

The series fits your needs to the T. The plot is brilliant, some highly ingenious political maneuverings, the fantastical part is minimal at best during the first three books and the series is set in a grim medievalistic world which is remarkable for its authenticity as well as detail.

The cast of characters is rather big, but to be perfectly honest, I have never across so many well-sketched characters before in my life. Most authors tend to focus on one or two characters but Martin develops almost all his main characters equally well.
And when I said grim, I meant it. In Martin's world, being a central character does not give you lisence to escape the axe of the executioner. He doesn't shy away from depicting all the vagaries of society inherent to the medieval period. There is rape and there's torture, sex isn't treated with silken gloves and it can get extremely depressing at places.

Mystery, huge battles and great descriptions are plentiful. Martin never lets the reader sit easy and relax on his chair. Surprises and twists assault you where you'd never expect them to be - and all of this is completely internally consistent.

The only con is that the series is as yet unfinished. There are a total of seven books planned, four have been out and the fifth one is (hopefully) due next year.

Here's an excellent spoiler-free review of the first book, A Game Of Thrones.

http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Books/Martin01a.html

I haven't read much historical fiction but perhaps you'll like something by Sharon Key Penman or Dorothy Dunnett? Or alternatively Bernard Cornwell's 'Sharpe' novels and 'Shogun' by James Clavell.

[Nightshade]

Bernard Cornwell??
Not chick flicks historical (depending on which series) and although there are 2 which seem alot more chick flickky( not really just more so in that they have romance in them) the rest arent.
And dortthy Dunnit

EDIT
EAP already said these ..oh well

[starrwriter]

You should be picky. Reading badly-written books will pollute your mind.

Just keep looking until you find a book that catches your fancy. Meanwhile, try "Of Human Bondage" by W. Somerset Maugham.

[Kiwi Shelf]

Well, the problem with being too picky is you may miss out on a good book in the process. I like reading many different kinds of books. Some I like and others I can do without, but I enjoy the exploration.

[scw1217]

"Martin never lets the reader sit easy and relax on his chair."

This is an excellent description of what I meant, and sounds like a book I will definately check out! I appreciate the suggestions. Martin I have not read nor Maugham. I have read Dunnett, Penman, and Cornwell. All of them and loved them. I also loved McCullough's "A First Man In Rome" series, which were great, though the characters names became tedious. I have also read Gabaldon, though a bit too much sex for my taste, but full of plot. This should give you a better idea. I have not limited myself to these either by any means. I have read Jack London, Hemingway (though I did not care for his), Jane Austin, Charlotte Bronte, Umberto Eco and so many other classics. But, after reading through several bad books recently (bad in the sense that I became bored with them quickly), I am ready for a really good one. All suggestions are welcome.

[Riesa]

Definitely Gabaldon! Sometimes when I get in a rut, I'll pick up a book of short stories. I know that Plot is not the focus, but it can help to just read something good but short, with not much of a time commitment.