Are you region-ist?

[dreams]

I choose a book to read based on its interest to me. The nationality of the author is not a deciding factor.

[Bilbo1967]

I don't think I care, but the vast majority of my books are written by native English speakers (British, American, Canadian and Australian).

I don't think this counts as regionalism (does it?).

[JeremyR]

I'm not sure how you could even tell, really, unless you look them up.

Okay, here, that fact that she is named "Kylie" is pretty much a dead giveaway she's Australian. But unless their name is something like Lord Hugh Wilburforce Smythe , how can you tell an English name from a Canadian or American? And I'm not sure there are any other Australian only names other than Kylie.

That said, I do think that writers from a certain region probably have certain ideas that can seep through their writing. It's pretty teeth grinding reading a book by an English author set in the US, since they tend to be more than a little patronizing. (Like how many British actors try to replicate an American accent by talking very slowly and loud)

And I'm sure it's the same for American writers writing about some places. Or even within the US for that matter.

But that's really when the author is regionist. And it makes you stop reading (or at least me).

[Bilbo1967]

Originally Posted by JeremyR

I'm not sure how you could even tell, really, unless you look them up.

Okay, here, that fact that she is named "Kylie" is pretty much a dead giveaway she's Australian. But unless their name is something like Lord Hugh Wilburforce Smythe , how can you tell an English name from a Canadian or American? And I'm not sure there are any other Australian only names other than Kylie.

Well, there's usually some blurb about the author at the start of the book. Plus, I tend to know something about most authors I read.

Originally Posted by JeremyR

That said, I do think that writers from a certain region probably have certain ideas that can seep through their writing. It's pretty teeth grinding reading a book by an English author set in the US, since they tend to be more than a little patronizing. (Like how many British actors try to replicate an American accent by talking very slowly and loud)

And I'm sure it's the same for American writers writing about some places. Or even within the US for that matter.

You're spot on there. I have read some teeth-grinding scenes set in the UK by American authors (supposedly English people telling other people to "turn left after four blocks" etc - arrghhh!).

I guess we all just write better about what and where we know best (where ever that may be).

[DixieGal]

I sure am regionist, I suppose. I can not stand reading fiction or non-fiction about Asia. In fact, just last week, I tried reading a history book about India. I tried, got 26% in, but couldn't make myself care. I just do not like reading about Asia. To each his/her own.

[Bilbo1967]

Originally Posted by DixieGal

I sure am regionist, I suppose. I can not stand reading fiction or non-fiction about Asia. In fact, just last week, I tried reading a history book about India. I tried, got 26% in, but couldn't make myself care. I just do not like reading about Asia. To each his/her own.

Two of my favourite history books are histories of the Indian Mutiny (by Saul David and Christopher Hibbert); really good, accessible reads.

I suppose that the Indian Mutiny could be classed as British history in a way though, seeing as how we kind of owned the place at the time (much like a small, insignificant North American country that we gave back to the colonists because we saw no future in it ).

[DixieGal]

Originally Posted by Bilbo1967

Two of my favourite history books are histories of the Indian Mutiny (by Saul David and Christopher Hibbert); really good, accessible reads.

I suppose that the Indian Mutiny could be classed as British history in a way though, seeing as how we kind of owned the place at the time (much like a small, insignificant North American country that we gave back to the colonists because we saw no future in it ).

A fellow I used to work with, well, his wife is from Kent. Around every July 4th, she and a few other Brits get together and throw a "Happy Riddance" BBQ!

[Bilbo1967]

Originally Posted by DixieGal

A fellow I used to work with, well, his wife is from Kent. Around every July 4th, she and a few other Brits get together and throw a "Happy Riddance" BBQ!

Oh, that's going a bit far (especially if they live in the US?).

Besides, we'd be happy to come back and take over again. All those McDonalds would make great teashops, we could teach you how to play proper football and turn all those wasted baseball stadiums into cricket pitches. Of course, you'd all have to learn to drive on the correct side of the road (the left) and we'd forcibly reintroduce the letter 'u' into all the words where it belongs (favour, colour, savour etc).

So that's my agenda for the next US Presidency contest - looking forward to taking over!

[DixieGal]

Not scary ... You guys don't carry guns.

[Bilbo1967]

Originally Posted by DixieGal

Not scary ... You guys don't carry guns.

Damn - I knew there was a flaw in my theory somewhere.

[DixieGal]

And O-U-R spells "hour" , not "or". So HAH!

[Bilbo1967]

Originally Posted by DixieGal

And O-U-R spells "hour" , not "or". So HAH!

Well, yes, but, errrm, well, that is to say, I mean, you know....damn again, damn you and your impeccable logic!

[wvcherrybomb]

Originally Posted by gmw

Australia has a pretty small population, so it seems to me that a proper comparison here could be whether, in America (for example), you were more inclined to buy books about or by authors from your home state? Or is that taking this idea too far?

I would be quite surprised to find out anyone favored authors from their home state.

I've never paid any attention to location, at least prior to this thread. If it's in English and sounds interesting I will read it.

[CazMar]

Originally Posted by wvcherrybomb

I would be quite surprised to find out anyone favored authors from their home state.

I've never paid any attention to location, at least prior to this thread. If it's in English and sounds interesting I will read it.

Yep, I agree. I certainly don't mind an author adding a bit of local information and using their local speech patterns, this can make the stories quite interesting, but I don't really care where the author lives. There are some genres where I probably have a slight preference, like old British detective stories, but that doesn't mean the author actually has to come from England.

[issybird]

If I were regionist, I'd have to read Dan Brown, who lives about ten miles away. Can't think of a more compelling argument for broadening my horizons!