Names I Can't Stand In Books
Everyone has a name or two that they can't stand. The reasons will vary but most of mine come down to either because I know someone with that name in real life and I dislike them or every time I come across the name I second guess myself on how to pronounce it in my head (audio books have done wonders to limit this). Though most of the names I don't like aren't usually used in books because I'm in Brazil and I read books in english.
There have been a few that have crossed over:
1. Soifra - I don't know how to pronounce it and second guessing myself during the story (that featured this name for the main character) took away from the story.
2. Nathaniel - I had a physics teacher with this name. He would poke you in the ribs when you called him to your desk for help on a worksheet. If I never see or hear this name in my lifetime it'll still be too soon. He's also why I learned to despise physics.
3. Scarlett - I knew a person with this name when I was in high school. She's was a two-faced witch and I don't want to be reminded of her in a book I'm trying to enjoy.
4. Mary Anne (and all its variations) - My dislike of this name goes back to elementary school. I've met a lot of people with this name in my lifetime (apparently it's a VERY common name in Brazil) and most haven't been pleasant. I'd rather not have random tidbits of memories clouding up my judgment when I'm reading a book.
What names DON'T you like in books?
Is there a reason behind it or was it an irrational decision?
Is there a reason behind it or was it an irrational decision?
Let's discuss in the comments below
Most fantasy names irk me, because I never know how to pronounce them. It makes my reading take longer than it should, as I stumble over the name every time. I have never attached any personal memory to any of the names of characters in books, but I could see why that could be bothersome.
ReplyDeleteI don't read many fantasy heavy books nowadays, but I totally remember the hard times I had while trying to stick to a pronunciation of a strange name or two so I could focus on enjoying the story. Audio books have helped so much in that aspect though :)
DeleteOh no, I've always loved the name Nathaniel and all variations (Nathan, Nate)! But I can see why you dislike it. That guys sounds like a jerk.
ReplyDeleteOh he was such a jerk! The whole class got so up in arms about it that we eventually signed a petition informing the school principal for him to stop. The problem is that by then the damage was already done :/
DeleteOh gosh, I'm so bad at pronouncing certain names in books and it really takes me out of the story. I do think when you know someone who has a character's name and they are AWFUL, it can make you just hate the name on principle. hah
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
I'm right there with you! I've had to resort to Google Translate for certain name pronunciations because I kept changing them up in my head. Projecting my dislike of a certain person with the same name as a book character is so annoying but I'm can't help it :)
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