How do you feel about the present tense in the book?

Use this forum to discuss the February 2018 Book of the Month, "The Reel Sisters" by Michelle Cummings.
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Thebookstealer
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Re: How do you feel about the present tense in the book?

Post by Thebookstealer »

I haven't read this particular book yet, but I have read other books that were written in present tense. Paula Hawkins' The Girl on the Train is one I can pick off the top of my head right now and I've always thought it is such a beautiful style to write. It's unusual, and maybe that's part of the author's plan to capture the reader's attention because doing something different requires more focus than doing something we already are used to.
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Post by AnitaM »

I enjoy stories written in present tense unless they are clearly set in the past (in which case I feel that past tense is more appropriate). Present tense writing can sometimes be more exciting and there is a feeling of the story playing out as you read, without a set conclusion.
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Bigirimana Celestin
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Post by Bigirimana Celestin »

I like present tense because it helps to enjoy the book as if I am with the author but again, i like most past tense because it makes feel like I am listening to someone; on that time i pay much attention. When the characters in present are not catching my intention justly the book bothers me.
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Post by Lgs1089 »

With a stream of consciousness literary piece, I prefer present tense. It can be powerful, and difficult to pull off, but if done properly, can render well-rounded and dynamic characters. With The Reel Sisters, the reader collectively experiences each moment with the characters as each moment occurs, paving the way for the development of other literary elements pivotal to the plot, such as situational irony. Michelle Cummings nicely executed this technique.
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Post by strawberrysab »

I see many books lately written in present tense instead of past tense. It gives the book a different feeling, almost more real, like I'm living it while it happens.
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Post by Lundemelia »

I quite enjoyed that the book was written in present tense as it felt like the events were happening as I read them. I didn't restrict my reading in any way really.
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Post by meadhbh »

Present tense in books is always a little bit weird at first, but I think you get used to it very quickly!
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Lolo Skyooz
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Post by Lolo Skyooz »

Yeah, it depends on which genres you commonly read. Present tense takes some time to get used to, but in certain genres, it is becoming the norm. I think YA is one of them.
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Kristy Khem
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Post by Kristy Khem »

Haven't read this book yet, but if I had a choice, I would prefer a book that is written in the past tense. Present tense seems to be gaining popularity among newer writers, but I prefer the old way of writing. Perhaps it is because a lot of the books I read as a child were written in the past tense, so I am more familiar with that.
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Post by Bukari »

As for me, I do think that might be the author's choice of writing. But honestly, I do enjoy stories written in the past tense.
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Post by P Reefer »

Interestingly, it is quite permissible and in fact advisable to write a literary analysis in the present tense. The text /narrative is considered to be existing in the present tense and it is formal academic practice. Thus, the writing of a narrative in the present tense makes it feel quite immediate and real.
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Post by Emilyflint »

I don't have any issues reading present tense books. In fact, I prefer them and I do not believe it is odd that the author wrote like that.
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Post by LeaNyathi »

Very interesting question. Before I saw this question I didn't think about the tense at all. It doesn't bother me though. I only find it annoying when authors switch tenses often. This one was consistent.
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Post by liftedbooks »

I think the author did an incredible job by keeping the tense consistent. I didn't have a problem with the present tense used in the book.
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Ghada TG
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Post by Ghada TG »

The present tense is usually more thrilling and addictive if used properly, since it engages the reader to put him_herself in the shoe of the characters, other than feeling the event from a mere reflection of a distant past, one feels more entanglement, as if the events would resonate more properly if it was felt here and now , thus felt more profoundly instantly and consequently more lasting than past experiences.
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