I like books that don’t necessarily fit into one genre. Though I tend to enjoy books that have some sort of survivalist aspect to them, the genre itself doesn’t matter that much to me. I like character-driven stories and get bored easily if it’s plot-driven. I think plot-driven stories can transfer really well in TV shows and films, but with books you need more of that in depth character perspective.
The thing that connects me most to a story is voice – is it unique and does it draw me in right away? The books I’ve enjoyed the most have such an interesting voice that makes me care deeply for the character and her/his struggles. There’s genres I tend to stay away from, for the most part, and that’s romance, erotica, fantasy, Sci-Fi, action. I have nothing against these genres and in film format, I love a good action or Sci-Fi/fantasy. Books are a totally different medium for me. I like fresh, individualistic characters without the need for a formidable plot to move them forward. A great story could take place in one setting – a ship, an airplane, a shack, etc. and if the character is interesting/her challenges interest me, I won’t be able to stop reading.
I think this is why I enjoy reading indie books so much. It’s not just because I’m an indie author myself. I notice a uniqueness, even a rawness, from a lot of books that aren’t traditionally published. Many indie books are multi-genre as well – you can have Sci-Fi elements, romance, action, etc. all in the same story and it works somehow. So, when I ask for people to recommend me books, I always say “I’m looking for something with a unique character voice rather than something plot-driven. Genre doesn’t matter.”
I’m going to list my top 7 and I hope you check them out if you haven’t read them already. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Irkadura by Ksenia Anske
A Farewell to Demons by Dean Tongue
The Value Of Damaged Things by Penn Gates
The Good Audit by C.P. Aiden
Taint by Jude Nicholas
World After Geezer by Penn Gates
Get In My Head: Jared’s Story by S.M. Holland
What are your favourite books? Do tell in the comments below. 🙂
(Photo by Jay-r Alvarez from Pexels)
Musings Of A Wildflower 
It was cool to see an indie author’s name that I recognized on your list. A few months back, I read Dean Tongue’s “What Now?” book, and I was impressed by the rawness and intensity of the poems.
The indie-authored books that I’ve recently enjoyed:
– Into the Forest and All the Way Through, by Cynthia Pelayo
– The Weird Sisters of Wynter’s Hill, by Helen Whistberry
– The Teleporter, by Lee Hall
– Sophia Von X, by Victoria Ray
– Death on a Dirty Afternoon, by Colin Garrow
– Daylight Chasers, by Rue Sparks
And from small presses, I enjoyed:
– Simone LeFray and the Chocolatiers’ Ball, by S.P. O’Farrell
– Before Familiar Woods, by Ian Pisarcik (this book’s precision of language blew me away).
Oh my gosh I loved Dean’s book of poetry called “What Now?” He’s a great author and a kind guy. I consider him a friend. Thank you so much for your list! You rock. I shall be adding some of these to my list.