This is why the first impression that a book makes with its cover and blurb are so important, and the category/genre that it is perceived to be in play a large part in this initial impression.

The real measure of a book though is in its content, which usually defies simplistic categorization, and is as full of colour, detail and a depth that must be lacking in that initial perception, in much the same way as an author’s bio and photo have little to do with his or her vast life experience.

The fact is, though, that we as a species love to label things, even if those labels are shallow and hold little meaning.

People cannot wrap their heads around the fact that the books can be more then they expect. Tim powers would blow the mind of any readers of ‘thriller’ novels…but would they give him a chance if they discovered which section he came from? I doubt it.

It is a still considered a disdainful ghetto to the ‘adult’ sections by many readers. but look at the superstars of those other sections and their ties to scifi/fantasy. Kurt V. always tore himself away from the label out of a attitude that it wouldnt be taken seriously, but really he wrote scifi. Even still living and modern authors like Salman Rushdie basically write fantasy novels under the ‘acceptable’ cover of magical realism.

Sometimes though, and with certain hard Scifi writers, i certainly dont feel im ‘getting’ parts of the story because my education is only average in the area they are expounding in.

If anyone’s interested in donating to a good cause and having the chance to win some very cool SF prizes, head over to Patrick Rothfuss’ blog – http://www.patrickrothfuss.com

I think he was interviewed on DP a little while back for his book, the Name of the Wind. He’s got signed copies of that, including galleys, maps, etc in the pot for anyone to win. I think he’s also putting in things from other authors (hadn’t been announced who or what last time I looked). He’s matching everyone’s donations, which is up to about $13,000 Check it out. I think it’s open until December 11.

(This is probably better on the forums but I don’t have an account – if someone wants to re-post, please do!)