I love your list! Have you read Butcher’s Crossing by John Williams?
I also think you would go insane reading some of my favorite books. Biography of X by Catherine Lacey had me googling …. Did this happen?! And it was all made up. It was so fun for me but I can imagine it would drive your nuts.
For me, kink number one is rumbly-tumbly chaotic family life—especially if it’s unfolding in a slightly crumbly British cottage (think Joanna Trollope) or along the windswept East Coast of the U.S. Bonus points for Cape Cod or the coast of Maine. I also love a sprawling family story set in an American city: Three Junes by Julia Glass (NYC) is a longtime favorite, and of course, all of Anne Tyler’s Baltimore novels hit that sweet spot.
Kink two: complex, beautifully imagined books built around (or inside) the experience of being absorbed in a video game or alternate reality. The Overstory (Richard Powers), The Chalk Artist (Allegra Goodman—so underrated!), and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin all scratched that itch in very different but equally satisfying ways.
Kink three (current obsession): romantasy—not for the sex (I tend to skim that after a while), but for the magic. Give me mind-reading, time-hopping, or miraculous flesh wound healing, and I’m in. I used to devour vampire novels for exactly this reason (hello, Anne Rice).
And from my favorites shelf: Ann Patchett, Ethan Canin (Emperor of the Air still stuns me), and Allegra Goodman (The Cookbook Collector—gorgeous).
So so fun to read this! It’s such a fun framework to look back through! Have you read Franzen’s The Corrections? Also, do you follow Michelle Martin on Substack? I think you guys have similar tastes, especially in that first category you describe.
I am absolutely with you on the first paragraph, even down to location. Sometimes I specifically google "Maine novels". I also enjoy a desolate upstate New York setting. Three Junes was a hit with me as well!
Yes to a desolate upstate New York or lonely California story. I’m thinking of Mona Simpson. Joan Didion also crooked little heart and two other sweet and surprising coming-of-age novels from Anne Lamott.
I should add that I’m partial to Paul Theroux and his tendency to slide into cities late at night, eyes widening at the seedier sides of life … a voyeuristic form of travel; people watching for pleasure. He has those narratives nailed. We have a 3 month rail adventure planned for the Autumn … I hope to write a few words to echo that ‘reading kink’.
I keep thinking, or, had, that I should read more ‘fantasy’ type stuff. Because, well… those are ‘stories’. But I realized, I like realism. I like reading stories that could actually happen, particularly if somewhat far fetched. Part of me realized this with Stephen King. I tend to really like the beginnings of his books but once things go over the edge of somewhat reality, I lose interest.
I was at the library with my kid a few weeks ago and I overheard her tell a librarian, I am not really into fairies but I like cute animal characters…. That’s the kind of clarity that I aspire to! You love what you love, that’s it.
Wow this is such a fascinating post Petya - brb while I extrapolate out myself to work out what my literature pleasure buttons are and how they overlap with authors I always reach for - I'll feed back!
I know! I panicked when Leigh asked us to write up our lists but once you do it, it’s so clarifying. It shows you what you gravitate toward but also kind of explains why you don’t like certain books that you thought you would enjoy.
Oooooeooooo. You know I love this. I will be chewing on this. “Summer house/sad vacation” made me laugh in a deep knowing. Already know this is one of mine. Just finished one of these actually.
What an interesting concept! I had never considered a reading "kink" before...will have to give my own some thought, but initially I'd say:
womens lives;
featuring writers or other female creatives;
stories of "escape"- as in literally running away/having an affair/women completely changing their life;
times of transition;
Marriage/relationships- specially long term ones;
City settings.
This TOTALLY makes sense when you look at my favourite books over the past 6-12 months (and beyond): Scaffolding, All Fours, The Details (current read), Deborah Levy's living autobiography, Hot Milk and Swimming Home Viv Albertine's memoirs!
OMG, I think you would LOVE her memoirs!! I mention them in my March review but I plan to write about them more at some point...the first one is all about forming an all female punk band in the 1970s, and the other is about life in middle age...she spares none of the details!
This is fun to think about! I saw Leigh Stein’s TikTok about this topic and am glad to know more about the source. You are going to love Hot Milk— it will hit all your sad vacations, secrecy, sapphic, and Greece buttons.
Some of mine might be academic environments, mother-daughter or sister relationships, a girl or woman traveling alone (especially if she is fleeing something), madness (temporary or diagnosed), a financial windfall, tricksters/people pretending to be something they’re not, and yes—I share your affinity for books featuring sapphic relationships and affairs.
Thank you, interesting essay... I'm now thinking of those 6 buttons and how I might combine them... My personal aim in fiction writing is farce. Hitting ALL the buttons at once sounds like a good way to get there!
Academic settings (for the frustrated academic in me), secret societies, well-built magic worlds, dark fantasy, murder and mayhem (when I'm in a particular mood).
Yes. Liked it a lot. Didn’t see the film, however. I thought it might ruin it for me. Definitely have a read. Shame no spy angle there, although in a way there is-must be why I liked so much!
I love this way of thinking about reading, Petya! And seeing your results. "It makes my taste feel more legible" made me stop in my tracks. It's such a true statement! I'm bookmarking this idea for reflection later.
So fun. Of course - 80% of what I read and love does not check any of the boxes - but that's the magic of reading.
I love death and murder a lot too, and a little bit of secrecy mixed in. that’s what growing up under communism does to a person 😂
Spy novels, particularly Cold War era
Novels with priceless artwork or discussions about art
- I think this is why I love the Gabriel Allon series by Daniel Silva. He is a spy whose cover is art restoration.
Stories set in the American West (East of Eden, O Pioneers!, Lonesome Dove)
Well-researched historical fiction. I want it to read like a story but be factually accurate.
Stories of broken people overcoming adversity
I love your list! Have you read Butcher’s Crossing by John Williams?
I also think you would go insane reading some of my favorite books. Biography of X by Catherine Lacey had me googling …. Did this happen?! And it was all made up. It was so fun for me but I can imagine it would drive your nuts.
I haven't read either of the books you mention but they are going on my list to check out.
Butcher’s Crossing is beautiful and brutal, one of my favorites. Anything by John Williams is great, especially Stoner and Augustus.
Ah, I loved Stoner. That encourages me to read his other two novels.
For me, kink number one is rumbly-tumbly chaotic family life—especially if it’s unfolding in a slightly crumbly British cottage (think Joanna Trollope) or along the windswept East Coast of the U.S. Bonus points for Cape Cod or the coast of Maine. I also love a sprawling family story set in an American city: Three Junes by Julia Glass (NYC) is a longtime favorite, and of course, all of Anne Tyler’s Baltimore novels hit that sweet spot.
Kink two: complex, beautifully imagined books built around (or inside) the experience of being absorbed in a video game or alternate reality. The Overstory (Richard Powers), The Chalk Artist (Allegra Goodman—so underrated!), and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin all scratched that itch in very different but equally satisfying ways.
Kink three (current obsession): romantasy—not for the sex (I tend to skim that after a while), but for the magic. Give me mind-reading, time-hopping, or miraculous flesh wound healing, and I’m in. I used to devour vampire novels for exactly this reason (hello, Anne Rice).
And from my favorites shelf: Ann Patchett, Ethan Canin (Emperor of the Air still stuns me), and Allegra Goodman (The Cookbook Collector—gorgeous).
So so fun to read this! It’s such a fun framework to look back through! Have you read Franzen’s The Corrections? Also, do you follow Michelle Martin on Substack? I think you guys have similar tastes, especially in that first category you describe.
Ooh. Yes loved The Corrections—- Joyce Carol Oates did a similar book but I can’t remember the title just now.
Oh, and I completely left out Ursula Leguin. Her Earthsea trilogy which I read in my early 30s changed the way that I look at the world.
I am absolutely with you on the first paragraph, even down to location. Sometimes I specifically google "Maine novels". I also enjoy a desolate upstate New York setting. Three Junes was a hit with me as well!
Yes to a desolate upstate New York or lonely California story. I’m thinking of Mona Simpson. Joan Didion also crooked little heart and two other sweet and surprising coming-of-age novels from Anne Lamott.
Swords and sandals / historic battle-heavy tales
Spy novels (what young lad - or old fella recalling his youth - didn’t want to be a spy)
Pirates
Train journeys
Great question.
Train journeys!!!!
I should add that I’m partial to Paul Theroux and his tendency to slide into cities late at night, eyes widening at the seedier sides of life … a voyeuristic form of travel; people watching for pleasure. He has those narratives nailed. We have a 3 month rail adventure planned for the Autumn … I hope to write a few words to echo that ‘reading kink’.
Oh this sounds so perfect!!! You should write about your reading plan for that trip!!
That’s an excellent idea. I shall put my mind to it as I amble around the meadow pushing the mower!
Yes…”the seedy sides of life “
🙌
Try Eastbound by Maylis de Kerangal - the whole novella takes place in a train on the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Making a note of that, for sure. Thanks Emily. Happy Sunday
I keep thinking, or, had, that I should read more ‘fantasy’ type stuff. Because, well… those are ‘stories’. But I realized, I like realism. I like reading stories that could actually happen, particularly if somewhat far fetched. Part of me realized this with Stephen King. I tend to really like the beginnings of his books but once things go over the edge of somewhat reality, I lose interest.
I was at the library with my kid a few weeks ago and I overheard her tell a librarian, I am not really into fairies but I like cute animal characters…. That’s the kind of clarity that I aspire to! You love what you love, that’s it.
Wow this is such a fascinating post Petya - brb while I extrapolate out myself to work out what my literature pleasure buttons are and how they overlap with authors I always reach for - I'll feed back!
I know! I panicked when Leigh asked us to write up our lists but once you do it, it’s so clarifying. It shows you what you gravitate toward but also kind of explains why you don’t like certain books that you thought you would enjoy.
I love that you call them “kinks”!!! Get ready for new Catherine Lacey—I think in June
I know! I am so excited. I emailed her publicist about it but it didn’t get me an ARC, I just pre-ordered. I love her so much.
Oooooeooooo. You know I love this. I will be chewing on this. “Summer house/sad vacation” made me laugh in a deep knowing. Already know this is one of mine. Just finished one of these actually.
I was thinking of you as I wrote this…. An psychoanalyst will read my list and go…. Oh, honey. 😂😂😂😂
“Oh honey, how beautifully you.” 💛💛
What an interesting concept! I had never considered a reading "kink" before...will have to give my own some thought, but initially I'd say:
womens lives;
featuring writers or other female creatives;
stories of "escape"- as in literally running away/having an affair/women completely changing their life;
times of transition;
Marriage/relationships- specially long term ones;
City settings.
This TOTALLY makes sense when you look at my favourite books over the past 6-12 months (and beyond): Scaffolding, All Fours, The Details (current read), Deborah Levy's living autobiography, Hot Milk and Swimming Home Viv Albertine's memoirs!
It comes as a surprise to exactly nobody that I share so many of the buttons!
Looking up Viv Albertine.
OMG, I think you would LOVE her memoirs!! I mention them in my March review but I plan to write about them more at some point...the first one is all about forming an all female punk band in the 1970s, and the other is about life in middle age...she spares none of the details!
This is fun to think about! I saw Leigh Stein’s TikTok about this topic and am glad to know more about the source. You are going to love Hot Milk— it will hit all your sad vacations, secrecy, sapphic, and Greece buttons.
Some of mine might be academic environments, mother-daughter or sister relationships, a girl or woman traveling alone (especially if she is fleeing something), madness (temporary or diagnosed), a financial windfall, tricksters/people pretending to be something they’re not, and yes—I share your affinity for books featuring sapphic relationships and affairs.
We have such similar tastes! Hot Milk is currently scheduled to be delivered tomorrow. I know what I am reading this weekend!
It has some politics, too!
Thank you, interesting essay... I'm now thinking of those 6 buttons and how I might combine them... My personal aim in fiction writing is farce. Hitting ALL the buttons at once sounds like a good way to get there!
It is such a helpful concept!!!
Academic settings (for the frustrated academic in me), secret societies, well-built magic worlds, dark fantasy, murder and mayhem (when I'm in a particular mood).
I can't resist an academic setting or an unhappy professor either!!!
cheerleaders, art supplies, midwives, rich people. GIMME. lol
GIMME is exactly the feeling we are trying to capture!!! lol
exactly! The best
Family dysfunction. Followed closely by spy novels. And anything about religion.
Have you read Women Talking? It's been on my radar for a while and I think it hits family dysfunction and religion, both!
Yes. Liked it a lot. Didn’t see the film, however. I thought it might ruin it for me. Definitely have a read. Shame no spy angle there, although in a way there is-must be why I liked so much!
I love this way of thinking about reading, Petya! And seeing your results. "It makes my taste feel more legible" made me stop in my tracks. It's such a true statement! I'm bookmarking this idea for reflection later.
Your ears must have been burning this morning - did you see my note to Amy Oscar above?
Just took a peek, thanks for the shoutout!