6 things I love in books apart from main story
6 things I love in books apart from main story
Hello readers! Have you ever paid attention to other things in book that are part of the book often very important than just the main story? This just randomly came in mind a week or two before but I wasn’t sure where to start it, more precisely, what to write for each points as I could list things instantly but I needed time to write post that I hardly have these days. I couldn’t also find anyone writing something similar as well (Let me know of I’m wrong, I would to check more such posts). So I hope you enjoy this post on things I love in book apart from main story.
Map
I’m huge fan of fantasy maps. I’m not exactly good at direction in real life but I like to see which direction characters take in books and of course they make the idea of world even better. I sometimes check snippet on Amazon or Goodreads just to see if the book has a map or not. I even bought Priory of Orange Tree just because I loved its map, it’s different matter the book turned as good as the map and I ended up loving it.
Dedication /epigraph
Who doesn’t love an amazing dedication that is something different than to family or teacher or friends! (No offence to authors who dedicate book to families or person that matters to them most) When it’s something different it sets a vibe even before story started.
To my wonderful readers:
Sorry about that last cliff-hanger.
Well, no, not really. HAHAHAHA.
But seriously, I love you guys.”“For anyone who has ever dreamed of finding a body in the library”
“For those who need a reminder to make every day count”
Bonus material
Inspiration story, interviews, short story, character guide, character art, letters… these are all amazing things I enjoy reading after finishing the book and it’s even better when I don’t have to find them online and can have in the back of the book.
Recipes
They are my new favorites these days. I’m not good at baking, we didn’t have oven until recently so I like to read them and try the easiest one at home.
Glossary
They are huge relief when there is big cast and author has created new world with its own vocabulary. They are books’ personal dictionary and I love dictionaries.
Author’s note
I love this part, specially in historical fictions. I haven’t seen them frequently in other genres but I love to read what research author did, what in book was factual or fictional and reference and links to browse.
Thank you for reading! Let’s chat…
What do you think about this post? What do you love/enjoy most in books apart from main story?
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Just in case you missed,,,
- The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood – Book review
- September in Reading #MonthlyWrapUp
- Well Matched by Jen DeLuca – Book review
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Books Teacup and Reviews
Hi, I'm Yesha, an Indian book blogger. Avid and eclectic reader who loves to read with a cup of tea. Not born reader but I don't think I’m going to stop reading books in this life. “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”
50 Comments
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ashley @ socially awkward bookworm
I really love looking at maps in books too! It’s always fun to see a visual of the world that is written about in the book.
Krysta
Yes to the maps and the author’s notes! I love being able to look at the characters’ journeys on the map, but also to wonder at all the other places mentioned and what stories might be unfolding there. I also love learning more about the author’s process on the book and what parts were historically accurate or dramatized.
Books Teacup and Reviews
I also love character’s journey on map makes it
Books Teacup and Reviews
I hit send before I could finish writing. I love seeing character’s journey through map. it’s what makes them amazing and I love seeing places mentioned on map as well.
Krysta
Oh dear. That’s okay! 😀 And, yes, the map makes the story come to life a little bit more!
mahekg
The sheer smell of the book while reading gives such a good feeling. I loves the bonuses too 🙂
Books Teacup and Reviews
That’s great. I didn’t include smell as most of the time it’s ecopy I read. 😁
Rae Longest
I love bonuses in all things!
Books Teacup and Reviews
haha, who doesn’t! They are extra specials.
MeenalSonal
I also like the authors note and the acknowledgements section, these factors make readers close to the author thought process.
Books Teacup and Reviews
I can’t agree more. Thank you for stopping by and comment.
Geethica
This post is something different coming from a book blogger, If I may call you so. Maps are interesting and i remember I saw one in The Loving Spirit by Daphanie Du Maurier. It was actulaly a family tree but kept me interested. I also like to read author note in the end and study their real lives one step closer.
Books Teacup and Reviews
Thank you, Geethica! I wanted to write something different that I haven’t seen anyone write and this somehow came close to that. I enjoyed family tree in Clifton Chronicles but I love fantasy maps. They are fascinating.
Ritu
Such a lovely post, Yesha. I too enjoy reading the author’s note. I am not a writer but I love to read about the writing process. I tend to avoid the glossary unless the book uses terms I am not familiar with.
Books Teacup and Reviews
I get that. Thank you, Ritu! 😀
Harshita
I Love reading dedications/epigraphs as well as Author’s notes. Its almost you are able to read their POV and makes them more relatable. Glossary can be a distraction if I already know the terms, for a fantasy it is a must I think. Another thing I sometimes find fascinating are the footnotes specially in non-fiction books , if written well (like Shashi Tharoor) they also make for an engrossing read in themselves
Books Teacup and Reviews
I don’t read nonfictions much and I like footnotes but they can be distracting sometimes. I have to take break to read them and then go back to reading.
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Madhu Bindra
I loved the fact that you included authors note. Many people skip it. But it is a great way to find the story behind the book. And I sure like the recipes.
Books Teacup and Reviews
Great to know you love my most favorite things as well
Adi Sathe
Maps are always fascinating… I love creating my own maps. That’s why I have become a professional Map Maker. 😛 Also, sometimes, you can find quirky dedications.
Books Teacup and Reviews
That’s great. Thank you for stopping by and comment.
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Lashaan Balasingam @ Bookidote
The details found in maps for fantasy stories is amazing sometimes! Helps so much imagine all the landscape too. Great post, Yesha! 😀
Books Teacup and Reviews
Can’t agree more. It makes it damn easy to follow which place is where. Thank you, Lashaan! 😀
kat
Maps are my favorite part of fantasy novels! Sometimes I think I spend more time studying them than actually reading the book, but they really help make the reading experience so much more immersive. Recipes are also amazing and I love how sweet and informative so many author’s notes are. It’s great to be able to try out some food made in the book and to get some insight into the story. Great list!
Books Teacup and Reviews
Thank you, Kat! Maps will always be my favorite. I’m used to stop reading in the middle and refer map to see where the place mentioned in text is and where character’s journey is going.
Carla
Great list Yesha. I do love an author’s note, especially in Historical Fiction, but I have read some good ones sharing where the inspiration for the story came from. Recipes are also a big one for me.
Books Teacup and Reviews
I love inspiration part most. It was always great to read how it varies for every author with every book. Looking at all comments, every reader loves author’s note. Thank you, Carla!
Eustacia | Eustea Reads
Yes to authors notes, especially for historical fiction! I love hearing about the research they do and what they’ve changed, etc
Books Teacup and Reviews
I love them for the same reason. They are always mind blowing.
Shalini
I read all the afterword and acknowledgments
Books Teacup and Reviews
I like afterwards but sometimes I skip acknowledgement.
WendyW
I agree with all these. Especially maps. My father was a mapmaker so we always had good maps in our house growing up (long before gps!). And I also like to read the author notes, I can learn so much from them.
Books Teacup and Reviews
That’s great! I would like to see your father’s collection of maps if you ever post them on social media or post about it.
Lady Tessa
I love, love, love the Author’s notes and I do enjoy recipes too. Great list ❤️
Books Teacup and Reviews
Author’s notes are always best. Thank you, Tessa!
nickimags @ Secret Library Book Blog
I love author’s notes too so and prologues as they’re normally a really important part of the story.
Books Teacup and Reviews
I like epilogues more sometimes as they give story perfect ending.
nickimags @ Secret Library Book Blog
Yes those can be really good especially if there’s a good twist!
Terry Tyler
I love this post, Yesha! And thank you, you’ve given me a lovely idea for a dedication in my next books 🙂 x
Books Teacup and Reviews
Thank you, Terry! I’m glad it helped with idea. I hope to see you dedication among epic dedication lists.
Inge | The Belgian Reviewer
Ohh who was the one sorry – not sorry about the cliffhanger? Love something like that! I also love author’s notes. I read a book really from A to Z, starting with the dedication to the final thank you (I do skip over the thanks to the publisher and every little person involved sometimes though). Great post!!!
Books Teacup and Reviews
That was Rick Riordan. It was in fourth book of heroes of Olympus series.😁
I also don’t like every person’s name in acknowledgement. They get boring unless author has made it fun.
Thank you, Inge!
Imagemakeover
Haha.. I too look for bonus articles.. That makes the book even more interesting.
Books Teacup and Reviews
That’s great and I agree with you.
Nehal Jain
I agree about author’s note. They really make me feel like we are involved! Great post!!
Books Teacup and Reviews
Thank you! Author’s notes are like behind the scene thing.