Black Coffee discussion

In another thread, Beverly wrote, "Well, this is probably a topic that deserves its own discussion thread as I often wondered when an author whose work I really enjoyed over the years then has a number of books that do not appeal to me - I often wonder did my reading taste change, are my expectations too high, etc. While I do not expect every book of a fav/preferred author to wow me - I do not like to see a pattern where the last X of the author's books either do not like or are just ok.

It made me think about something that also crosses my mind often. I rarely read the same author more than once or twice. I also noticed that I typically like their first novel or two. I got to wondering why and I think it's because the first novel (or two) is their baby. It's what they wrote all by themselves during their free time. Then when it becomes a best-seller, the passion changes. It becomes about deadlines and what the readers (what they think the readers) want to read. It becomes about mainstream and in the process of trying to write a best seller, the passion leaves and it's just not quite the same to me. I can see through all the business crap.

So my question to you is, do you have a favorite author that you can or have read all of their work? Or are you like myself and Beverly that tend to get disappointed along time?

I found myself disappointed with Bernice Mcfadden and Eric Jerome Dickey as well when it comes to their later works.

I'm loyal. If I find a writer that I enjoy I tend to read all of their books...eventually. Terry McMillian, Lolita Files,Alice Walkerhave not disappointed me so far. But even if they did, I'd continue to read their books...just like I continue to read John Grishamand Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant.

I do read multiple books by the same author.

There are some authors that for me a great storytellers - and from first to latest book have been excellent reads for me:
Beverly Jenkins
Toni Morrison
Octavia Butler
David Anthony Durham

There are also some authors who I liked their first book and I think their writing has gotten better over time:
James McBride
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Farrah Rochon
Chris Abani

There are also authors where for the most part I like most of the work but it has been up and down with me - I usually continue to read these authors.
Edwidge Danticat
Percival Everett

And lastly there are authors who I liked the work but their last couple of books have not hit the mark for me. Usually it takes 2 - 3 books in a row that I begin to think really hard if I am going to read another work by this author (unless one of reading buddy friends (will have similar taste) says that I would like the book.

I know every book is not for everybody but every book is for someone. I have a pretty good understanding on what I want to see in books.

kisha wrote: "In another thread, Beverly wrote, "Well, this is probably a topic that deserves its own discussion thread as I often wondered when an author whose work I really enjoyed over the years then has a nu..."

LOL - I did not like EJD's earlier work but am a fan of his more current work. I think the first book of his I liked was Genevieve and the books that came after that - especially his edgy thrillers.

Beverly wrote: "kisha wrote: "In another thread, Beverly wrote, "Well, this is probably a topic that deserves its own discussion thread as I often wondered when an author whose work I really enjoyed over the years..."

It was the opposite for me! I enjoyed his earlier work, but not his later stuff. lol

Yes
Beverly Jenkins
Francis Ray
Rochelle Alers
Kimberla Lawson Roby
Bernice McFadden Rhonda McKnight
Michelle Stimpson
Farrah Rochon
Victoria C. Murray

Beverly wrote: "kisha wrote: "In another thread, Beverly wrote, "Well, this is probably a topic that deserves its own discussion thread as I often wondered when an author whose work I really enjoyed over the years..."

It's funny you say that because I have realized that you will either like the first set of us books or the last. BUT! I will say I didn't like his very early books or his last books. I guess I liked the ones in between lol.

I wasn't a fan of , Milk in My Coffee, Pleasure, friends and lovers, and cheaters. Nor did I like any of his last three books written. But I absolutely loved Chasing Destiny, Genevieve, and all four books in Gideon series. The latest three was so terrible I begin to wonder if he had ghost writers lol.

You all are LOYAL!! LOL. I guess I just don't give folks a chance. But I think that I fall so in love with certain characters and writing styles that by the next book they just didn't have a chance with me lol. I have so many authors that have written my favorite books but I never liked any of the others. Alice Walker's The Color Purple, Sister Souljah's The Coldest Winter Ever, April Sinclair's Coffee Will Make You Black are all some of my favorite books but I could never get into anything else they wrote.