Jason said on March 6, 2012 at 10:32 PM  

I loved the themes in "Lichgates." I especially liked the theme concerning hiding your true self. There was a lot at stake for Braeden in revealing who he is. Kara and Braeden are such different people in this book. I could have a complete discussion with you about that alone LOL!

 Kayleigh Grian said on March 6, 2012 at 11:12 PM  

Great post on what makes a book a favorite of yours :)

I only tend to look for deeper meanings and hidden themes in a book after I've read it a few times. The first couple of times I read it, I usually just get so absorbed into the book that I don't notice those.

In Lichgates I did like one of the threads throughout was that in all honesty, you are the only one you can truly trust. No one will look out for your best interests like you will.

 Rob Zimmermann said on March 7, 2012 at 4:42 AM  

For me, I'll be honest, high school English classes killed my want for "looking deeper into a book." The teachers (at least those I had) threw things in our face without trying to get us to find it ourselves or understand it. Symbols and themes were drilled into our head and no opinion or leeway was given to our interpretations.

I only cared for the story aspect of a book from then on, even into lit classes in college (which killed my grades.) Only now, after the pressure of finding "what the teacher wants" from a book is gone, do I find myself picking apart a book with pleasure.

A great example from Lichgates was Kara's hate toward the men who think women can't be strong and have a "man's role" in life. It wasn't very hidden, but it wasn't up front too much either. I think you balanced it perfectly where it didn't turn into a book about "girl power." She has her beliefs (which I support) but knows when to step back and not force them on other people when it wasn't the right time.

And as normal I feel like I've rambled, so let's see what other people have to say :)

 The Haunted Rose said on March 7, 2012 at 7:28 AM  

The video intro and outro was awesome! I think its perfect for your overall theme of your giveaway of the books and Color green :) there's always themes in everything for me :)

 H.S. Stone said on March 7, 2012 at 12:05 PM  

Themes are secondary to me after the story and the characters. The most interesting story in the world doesn't make for a great book if you don't care about the characters, and the best character development in the world doesn't matter if the story is boring. Themes are usually something I think about after I'm done reading. A good theme IMHO sneaks up on you and makes you think afterwards rather than hits you on the head while you're reading the book.

 Doodle said on March 8, 2012 at 3:28 AM  

The video was awesome! Thanks for sharing what makes a book favorite for you. I'm really a more "does it keep me entertained and wanting more" kinda girl. If I want to reread the book over and over then it is a favorite!

 HilyBee said on March 8, 2012 at 10:49 AM  

I hunt for something entirely different. Characters that come alive, plots that keep me guessing and NEVER give in until the end, plot twists and lots of them, character development, plot development, writing style... I could go on... haha. :) AND I look for how I connect with it - how quickly do I make up my mind about the book.

 Wren B said on March 9, 2012 at 8:39 AM  

Nice giveaway!

 S.M. Boyce said on March 9, 2012 at 9:10 AM  

Thanks for the lively discussion, guys! I'm loving your input. It's really neat to see you picking themes from Lichgates, and you're all spot-on.

Thanks for stopping by!

 Anubha said on March 10, 2012 at 1:12 AM  

I don't know for what exactly I like a book... sometimes it's the story sometimes some events in the story sometimes characters n sometimes the flow of it... There are many reasons for it...

 bn100 said on March 10, 2012 at 11:36 AM  

One of my favorite books is Pride and Prejudice. I don't generally look for deeper meanings in the books.

 Natasha said on March 11, 2012 at 3:32 PM  

Thanks for the giveaway!

 Kelly said on March 13, 2012 at 12:02 AM  

I like books sometimes to escape reality! That's why I like paranormal cause it is pure fiction and there usually is a love interest! Sometimes, I read for deeper meanings too! Just depends on my mood!

 Cassandra said on March 13, 2012 at 3:46 AM  

I don't think I could choose a favorite book.. I love many different books for many different reasons. I don't really look for hidden meanings in books.. I tend to read them to escape from reality and get lost in the book. If something stands out to me that is obvious, that's different but in general.. I try to stop thinking while I read.

 Lauren Mackesy said on March 15, 2012 at 2:00 AM  

Thanks for the giveaway! I've heard so many things about this book.
Lmackesy at gmail dot com

 Lioness said on March 15, 2012 at 7:04 AM  

I have wanted to win this for a long, long time. Thanks for the chance(:

 Lauren said on March 17, 2012 at 12:02 PM  

Favorite book? I really don't have just one! But in the books that I like the most they don't usually have to have a deeper meaning for me to like them :) Thanks for the giveaway!

 Kali said on March 19, 2012 at 11:47 PM  

I have read so many that it's impossible to have just 1 favorite one, but the ones that do stay with me are usually because of the themes they have. When they speak universal truths and it just all clicks together. Those are my favorite books :)

 Heather Robbins said on March 24, 2012 at 1:20 AM  

Great post! I love looking for the deeper stuff when reading :)

SupaGurl

 sweety said on March 29, 2012 at 8:54 PM  

Thanks for the giveaway!!