A Mandermania Addiction

I have an addictive personality. When I really like something, it's hard to stop from indulging. I have always loved reading, but my latest addiction is reading books that are part of a saga or series. (Is there a plural for series? Seri? Serieses?) I suppose the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer really got the ball rolling, but before that was Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes. After Twilight I was hooked on Stieg Larsson's Girl with a Dragon Tattoo, then Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy, and now Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time.

There is always a sense of accomplishment when you finish a book, but when it's really good, don't you find yourself wondering about the characters and wanting to know more? It's why I enjoy reading so much. It leaves so much up to the reader's interpretation. Yes, the speaker gives you descriptions - tall with brown, straight hair and emerald eyes. A dimple in only the left cheek. But, ultimately the reader forms an image of what that translates to. One that can really change the more you find out about the character. Have you ever read a book and then went to see the movie only to be totally disappointed that the love interest looked nothing like you imagined? Or that it left out your favorite line or scene?

I'm hooked on sagas because there's more. I don't just get a taste and then have to give it up. I get to follow along on the next part of the journey, especially in the case of The Wheel of Time since there are 14 books and I'm only on number 4! I get to a part now and just shake my head and think, Light! Perrin, what were you thinking?! It's another world to wonder about and compare to reality. It brings out the "what if's" and "what's to come?" For me, there's the whole other aspect of studying the literature and how the author came up with such a great plot or character. Where in the world did they get their ideas and resources or the names for the fictional things and places? It's amazing! Maybe someday I'll have my own Mandermania series out there for you all to read. Until then, happy reading!