So it was cool to hear from a friend who bought the book for his son, but then he told me his teacher wouldn't let him read it for his required mystery book. Since Double Vision is a thriller. This kid ended up reading the book anyway once the assignment was finished (my readers are cool that way). Not that I disagree with the teacher--there are certainly many middle-grade books that are stronger mysteries--but it did make wonder...
I do think Double Vision is more of a thriller, so the teacher was right. But isn't it also a mystery? There's a puzzle and a whodunit to solve...
What do you think makes each category? Or is it all just nonsense, this labeling?
I can't believe a teacher would have such a narrow view of books.
ReplyDeleteI think the teacher was probably just trying to keep the conversation on track--I honestly don't mind (this kid read the book anyway :-). But it's interesting how that distinction is made. The only way I identify a thriller is by its cover, and even then I'm wrong all the time.
ReplyDeleteIf I had to say, I'd have to break it down this way:
ReplyDelete--Mystery is more thinking/talking
--Thriller is more running/shooting
It's about the pace--you're right, Deb. And there *is* a lot of running in Double Vision :-)
ReplyDeleteToo many labels.
ReplyDeleteMysteries. Noir. Cozies. Thrillers. Political thrillers. Procedurals. Spy thrillers. Romantic thrillers. Suspense. Paranormal mysteries. Amateur sleuths. Hard-boiled. Forensic.
Tough one, Fleur. I'd like to think of mystery as hardboiled crime and detective fiction and thriller as edge-of-the-seat suspense and horror. I think Debbie has a good point there.
ReplyDeleteThat's my thought, Prashant--the puzzle is resolved at more of a detective pace.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Amy :-)