My Bookish Confessions is a new feature here at Such A Novel Idea. I started this weekly feature to reveal some of my secret quirks when it comes to all things books.
My Bookish Confession (11)
I cannot read a book series out of sequence.
This is actually a pet peeve of mine. When I get books that I haven’t read its predecessor, I cringe with guilt because I so very badly want to read the new fabulous book I’ve been given, but I can’t bear to open the pages unless I know who the characters are beforehand.
Here is the thing, I get to know my characters in the first book—that’s the book where you learn their likes and dislikes, their appearance, and you get a taste of their personality. When someone bypasses certain book in light of a the following one, you lose all of the wonderfully beautiful “love at first sight” feeling, because you have no idea what these people are like. It would be like going on a blind date versus the guy asking you out—at least when he asks you out, you know what he looks like and you have an idea of his personality; you don’t get that with a blind date.
I have a repeat offender in my family and it drives me INSANE! I don’t understand how he can read a series out of order—it just doesn’t make sense, and it doesn’t seem to bother him either. For me, I HAVE to go and buy all the books that lead up to said book so that I know what the back story and so I can get acquainted with the characters—because honestly, fictional characters are some of the best people to ever meet.
Sure, it seems like an inconsequential thing, but to me it makes a world of difference.
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So, that’s my eccentric quirk for the week. What’s YOUR bookish confession?
Such A Novel Idea 
I get it but this doesn’t really bother me anymore. Several years ago, I started reviewing for one of the trade publications and those books are upcoming so are always out of series order unless they’re standalones or debuts of new series. It used to drive me nuts but now it’s second nature.
I definitely cannot read out of order! It would cause too much OCD and confusion!
Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings
I have no idea how anyone could read a series out of order. I actually have to reread the previous books in order to read the new one because if I don’t, I’m totally confused and that’s with a vague recollection of the basic plot and characters.
I’m very particular about certain things, and my friends like to joke than I’m OCD. Reading books in the proper order is one of the things that bring out my “OCD.”
Ha, I totally understand that. My brothers like to say I’m OCD, too, and maybe I am but I just cannot read out of order–it causes mass destruction. 🙂
I don’t think I could read a book out of series either. They usually do build on each other, even with “companion” series where each book focuses on a new hero and heroine.
Julie,
I’ve come to realize that even in ‘companion’ novel, the author tends to add more depth or in case the characters in a new scenario. So if you don’t already know your characters then you can’t really enjoy the books, in my honest opinion.
Or in fewer words, I totally agree with you, 😉
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Argh, I feel such pressure when I receive an unsolicited book for review where I haven’t read the first book, too! I won’t read series out of order either, and because I’ve gotten a bunch of sequels lately I had to add something to our review policies about it.
Wendy @ The Midnight Garden