The Literate Housewife Review

Who’s On Your Burn-Out List?

burn·out

1. a fire that is totally destructive of something.
2. fatigue, frustration, or apathy resulting from prolonged stress, overwork, or intense activity.

After reading Devourer of Books’ review of Change of Heart, I’m beginning to believe there’s something to the concept of being burnt out on an author’s work. This is especially true when there seems to be a formula of some kind involved. I’ve experienced this before. In high school I was in a Danielle Steele phase until I thought I would scream if I ever heard Carmel, CA mentioned ever again (no offense to those who live in and love the city). Once that never was exposed, I’ve never read any of her books again. Now it appears that Jodi Picoult might be added to my Burn-out List.

Also in high school I read several of Stephen King‘s novels. For whatever reason I could never get very far into Cujo without stopping. I would say that he is also a member of my Burn-out List, but for a different reason – gore overexposure. Unlike with Danielle Steele, I do see myself reading more of his work at some point. To this day, Misery holds the distinction of the only book I’ve ever stayed up all night to finish. With the exception of eating dinner, from the moment I got home from the library, I read that novel until it was done. I’ve stayed up well passed my bedtime with other novels, but at some point I have always gone to sleep. Not so with Misery. I physically could not put the book down. It was that good.

So who is on your Burn-Out List? This is your chance to get all of the Carmel, CA’s you’ve got off of your chest. It might also prove to be a public service to others. If this post has even the remotest chance of saving someone else from getting facial ticks at the mere mention of a beautiful coastal town in California, I’ve done my work.