Joely Sue Burkhart

There’s a certain kiss of death for me as a reader when I hit a point in the book that makes me STOP. 

I’m not talking historical inaccuracies (not sure I’d pick one up unless it was blatant) or poor writing (although definitely that’s a show stopper for me, I typically figure out the author’s style isn’t for me very early).  It’s something much more insiduous. 

Choices.

I’m reading a book right now that I started on the plane home.  I was enjoying it, although it wasn’t as emotional as The Duke of Shadows (which is totally okay–I don’t want every story to be a tear-jerker).  The book is different and exciting.  It had quite a lot of buzz.  I enjoyed the new-to-me author’s style.

Until a certain choice the protagonist made. 

I was surprised.  I had this expectation built up within me that this book was different.  It wouldn’t fall into the same old genre traps.  And so when it DID, I was stunned.  My expectation was utterly dashed, and now I’m finding it difficult to get back into the story.  I still like the characters, the world, the style, but it’s just not the same. 

I guess I lost my rose-colored glasses.  Or…maybe I was forced to put them back on.

I hate rose-colored glasses.  I really do.