Hi all!

Last week I shared 10 bookish tropes I hate. You can check that out here. Today, I’m spreading the love and being more optimistic, by listing 10 bookish tropes I love. If any listed below appear in my current read, they will automatically earn themselves a star! Without further ado, let’s get into it!

1.) THE LOVE-TO-HATE VILLAIN 

I love me a good villain! In fact, sometimes, I love the villains more than the heroes. I find them so interesting. If a story has a fascinating villain, with a gripping backstory, I’m hooked! Some notable villains are Pennywise from IT, Lord Loss from the Demonata series and Victor Vale from Vicious. 

2.) THE SLOW BURN…

This is the opposite of Insta-Love, which I hate. It’s when two characters take their time falling in love. Even better, progressing from enemies to allies, from friends to lovers. I love a steady build-up. It’s so satisfying! A really good example is The Hating Game, which is one of my favourite reads this year.

3.) THE SATISFYING TWIST!

I am a huge sucker for a good twist. If I’m reading a mystery or a thriller, I want to be surprised. I want to be BLOWN away by the ending. If I guess it early on, it is very anti-climatic and disappointing. I like to be kept on my toes and shocked. Who doesn’t? Gone Girl is a perfect example, in my opinion. 

4.) TIME TRAVEL 

If a story involves time travel (and it’s done well), I’m sold. I am complete and utter trash for books that span past, present and future. I cannot get enough of it. If anybody knows some good examples, please leave them below. The concept of time travel has always fascinated me. Maybe that’s why Back to the Future is my favourite movie? 

5.) MIXING IT UP 

This isn’t exactly a trope but I adore books written in different formats. If a book has mixed media (articles, emails, photos), is written in verse, has illustrations or symbols, it automatically earns points. I am a very visual person. A more interactive format brings the story to life for me. The Illuminae Files are the best example of this. 

6.) RIDDLES AND PROPHECIES 

I am a huge sucker for a riddle or a prophecy, that is either solved or comes to fruition later on in the novel. Similar to No. 3, I like to be kept guessing. I love analysing said riddles/prophecies, trying to work out what they mean or how they will make sense later. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has a brilliant prophecy, that blew me away. 

7.) SMALLER CHARACTERS THAT SHINE

I really admire authors that create characters, that end up outshining the protagonist. Their charismatic personality instantly makes them a favourite. You remember them more than the lead, looking forward to the parts they’re in. The more depth they show, the better.

8.) FRIENDSHIP ABOVE ALL 

You know what’s really refreshing? Books where friends don’t always have to fall in love or betray each other. I love a story with a great friendship. One that is pure, full of heart and goes from strength to strength. Cassandra Clare is an expert at creating solid friendships in the Shadowhunter universe. Her characters typically forge unbreakable bonds, that never waver in their loyalty. 

9.) BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE…

Not everybody likes this, but I enjoy a book left open for interpretation. I like to imagine what that character will do next or where their life journey will lead them. An open-ended book leaves the reader guessing, allowing them to craft the next portion of the story in their imagination. These types of endings are usually pretty satisfying. 

10.) DIVERSITY! 

Finally, I love a book that is diverse. Feature more cultures, mental illnesses, creeds, shapes and sizes. I want it to become the norm. It’s really important that every single person is represented in literature. We don’t always want to follow white, straight, thin people. We want real bodies and struggles. Diversity is the spice of life!

There you have it! I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know if you agree with my list. Share yours in the comments. Thanks for reading! 

Peace & Love xoxo