Feature and Follow #3

Question: What writing device or trick most irritates you when reading a book? For example, if an author employs an omnipotent narrator that is sometimes considered bad form.

Answer: Such a great question! One of the most annoying things that I hate in a book is repetition. Don't get me wrong, repetition to a point is at times needed and unavoidable, but sometimes it is taken too far. For example, in The Boy Who Sneaks in my Bedroom Window every other page seemed to describe the characters as purring. Okay for a description for a particular character, or okay for certain situations, but it seemed like every character was at some point described as purring when they talked. Got on my nerves. :)

I love learning new words, I mean studying for the SAT in high school was great for me, love the big words, but when it seems that an author has gone through the story and replaced phrases or words that would work better with bigger words that just do not let the story flow, it gets on my nerves. The fact the author has written a book proves they are smart, wish some didn't feel the need to continue to try to prove it. We love you already authors, no need to try and impress us more. :)

The biggest problem I find in writing though is when an author switches the point of view, and gives no indication that it has changed. Most authors will have a break in the page, or start a new chapter, but in some of these adult books I have been reading the point of view changes IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PARAGRAPH!!!! One minute I'm in a female characters head, and then the next I'm confused until I reread a section and decide that the author has to have changed to a new character point of view for the section to make sense. I would prefer a little warning before going around and changing point of view. Please don't tell me I'm the only one that feels this way! :)

What about you? What gets on your nerves when reading a book?