in the category of "is this weird?"....

[lone_pyramid]

I was browsing books online (again *cough*) this morning, and came across one whose main character is named Work. And I'm sorry, but I really don't think I could read an entire novel about someone named Work. This isn't the first time I've come across strange character names, and I admit that (with few exceptions) even if I find a summary

Comments

[december21st]

I think it's a perfectly valid reason for not reading a book, it's just not a reason that I've ever used.

But having spent most of my life reading fantasy and science fiction, playing tabletop RPGs and computer MMOs, I'm used to peculiar names.

[lone_pyramid]

Well, see, I make distinctions between weird names because they're from another planet or some sort of fantasy world, and weird names in other types of novels because the author's trying to be original or something. I mean, Work?! All the names in the world, and the author decides on Work. o.O

But completely strange names from sci fi or fantasy novels, usually no issue.

[december21st]

Pretend that it's fantasy?

[lone_pyramid]

I sort of do that, though not consistently. It makes Atlantis fic difficult sometimes, what with Rodney and Ronon and Radek. And sometimes I'll be halfway through a novel and not remember the main character's name because I don't really read it. But if it's something particularly annoying, it puts me off before even starting, so.

[lanna_kitty]

the name of the main character was one of the (many) reasons I stopped reading american gods (heresey i know!)

also? My sister would not read a fantasy novel I recced to her because the main character's name was "Basil Banakson" which is REALLY close to our last name. I admit I skipped over it the first time too for that reason c.c;;
(it's a pratronymic system, MC's dad is "Banak")

[lone_pyramid]

Well, okay, now you have to share that name with the class. :p~

I don't especially like reading about characters with my first name. It could be because I have a slightly unusual spelling and so when I see the traditional spelling it's spelled "wrong" and bugs me. ;) I've never run across my last name in a book, but oncee it was the last name of a bad guy in L&O:SVU and they just kept saying it over and over and I kept thinking, Do they normally say a character's name this much or am I hypersensitive to it?! so I could see how it would be Not Good in a book.

[lanna_kitty]

shadow. his wife called him puppy as a nickname.

there are also way the hell too many "kate's" for me to get bent out of shape anymore

[lone_pyramid]

I used to have a cat named Shadow. Puppy as a nickname from the wife is just... well, creepy comes to mind.

I like the name Kate. :) It's on my "if I ever have kids" list. (Well, Kaitlyn/Katelyn, technically, but I do very much like Kate as well.)

[lone_pyramid]

...Someone named their character Thursday? Oy vey.

There are so many names out there, people. "Original" =/= better.

[december21st]

I'm actually just finishing reading the first Thursday Next book (for the first time). I kinda love the character name.

Apparently I'm very flexible when it comes to character names.

[lone_pyramid]

I still think that's weird. I could probably get used to it if the book were good enough to offset the name, but it's still weird. *nods*

(I am having the oddest sensation of déjà vu right now.)

[borg_princess]

I was initially not interested in Graceling 'coz of the main dude's name. PO? Srsly? Noooo thanks.

My cousin kept rhapsodizing over it, so I gave in...and then I loved it so much, I stole her book, lol. (in my defense, I gave her Fire, which I didn't like and she and the others loved, so fair trade!)

I cringed so hard at first but then I got caught up in the story and fell in love and then I got over it. Still find it a bit annoying the author couldn't use something less ridic, but oh well.

[lone_pyramid]

...Like, both letters capitalized, too? *Elizabeth-type eyebrow*

I suppose I could get past a name if the book were good enough, but that's supposing that I could get past a name enough to start reading the book in the first place. ;)

[borg_princess]

Lolno, that was just my emphasis, sorry for the confusion! I was just flabbergasted at the use of such a name for an otherwise flawless book. O.o

The rave reviews convinced me to read it, but that def put me off at first.

[lone_pyramid]

lol, no, that's okay. Just wanted to double-check. But man, can you imagine how annoying it would be to read a book where the main character's name was always capitalized?

Po is not balanced. I do not like looking at it. Plus I'd always thing Poe.

I'm glad it was worth the read!