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Is It wrong to be biased when choosing books?

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Durzo blint
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Is It wrong to be biased when choosing books?

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I've noticed that when I choose books I've always chosen male authors over women, I don't even know why :? Also I have a strong dislike towards books written in the 1st person POV....



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Re: Is It wrong to be biased when choosing books?

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Personally, I think you are doing yourself a great disservice. You are eliminating virtually half the authors out there, and missing some great works. You say you like science fiction? Well, by passing up female writers, you are missing Ursula Le Guinn, Anne McCaffrey, Elizabeth Moon, and many others.

As far as avoiding first person, again you are missing out on some great writing. For example, have you ever read "Flowers for Algernon"? Excellent science fiction, and written in first person.
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Durzo blint
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Re: Is It wrong to be biased when choosing books?

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I know! that's why I plan on keeping an open mind towards female authors
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Re: Is It wrong to be biased when choosing books?

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Not really sure. Great help, right? I found a few years ago that I was drifting to women authors, at least for mysteries. And I have always been fascinated by women rulers of the past; most long, long ago!!! I guess it is because these were tough times for women and I am interested to see the kind of woman who could rule in this environment.

After I took a look at my current draw to women authors I guess I determined that it was really the book itself and not the author. It is embarassing to note, but for years I thought Ellis Peters was a guy!!! Loved her work though. And of course when the first mysteries were being published quite a few women had to use male pseudonyms.

Again, isn't that helpful? I am sure there is a much more complex and thought-provoking answer and you will probably get one or two of them from other members.
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Durzo blint
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Re: Is It wrong to be biased when choosing books?

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Ok well I lied...I have read all of 'The Gears of war' novels written by Karren Traviss
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Re: Is It wrong to be biased when choosing books?

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Thanks for the George Carlin quote. He is one of my favorite comedians and was a real loss. I really enjoyed his "stuff" routine and could totally relate as I had stuff in about 15 locations!!! It made me realize how unimportant all this crap (hope I can use that word) is. While his routines were hilarious, they were also very, very serious. I don't think there will ever be another like him.
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Re: Is It wrong to be biased when choosing books?

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Is it a bias or a preference? I don't believe I have a bias towards women authors. I enjoy Atwood, Oates, Le Guin and others, however I prefer male authors. I prefer the writing style of Philp Roth to any woman author I have read. My top five favorite novels have all been written by men. The Russian,German and French male authors have written novels, in my opinion that provide substance and subject matter that I love to read over women authors. So for me it is not about bias, it is about personal taste and preference.
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