My Favorite Bookish Tropes

You know those tropes in books that you'll never tire of, even if everyone else groans and complains if they have to read just ONE MORE BOOK with this theme in it?

Yeah, those.

Well, today I'd like to talk a bit about mine—if you hate these tropes, go ahead and rant in the comments, I don't care. XD If you love them like I do . . . let's talk about them!

So. My favorite tropes.

1. Long-lost siblings. 

Now's about the time some of you are groaning and thinking, "That's like, the most-used trope ever! Why'd she have to pick that one?!" *grins* Okay, okay, I know it can sometimes be overused (Like *cough* Carbon Copy Cowboy *cough*), buuuuut when it's done right . . . yes. Totally. (Like, I'm not gonna give away any spoilers or anything, but those of you who've read A Question of Loyalty know what I'm talking about when I say IT'S DA BOMB)

2. Sibling/friend banter. 

I know, I know, another one that's almost overused. BUT Y'ALL I LOVE IT SO MUCHLY. I could probably give you an endless list off examples . . . I mean, if you want me to really love your book, just put siblings (or a group of friends that act like siblings) in it and give 'em golden dialogue, and I'll be your fan for life. (Or pretty close, at least.) Some people hate it, and I understand—a lot of the banter I like is practically insults. It all depends on what you're used to. But when people can tease and insult and make fun of each other without feelings getting hurt (like Certain Jeopardy—you'll hear a lot about that series from me, jsyk), that is when I'm hooked forever.

3. Injury for the main character(s).

*Coughs* call me violent if you want. Call me cold-hearted. Call me heartless. But, uh, I like it when the main characters get hurt (or maimed) . . . *ducks* Seriously though! It makes things so much more interesting! I don't know why I like it, I just do. I like doing it to my own characters, too, don't worry. But honestly, as long as they don't die, me likey. (Like those certain two characters in Defy . . . need I say more?!)

4. Overcoming physical handicaps.
Ya know those books where the MC is fine and everything is dandy and then BAM something happens to shake their world and they have to deal with (and overcome) a physical handicap? Yeah, those. (Like 100 Days of Sunlight.) I don't know why, but I love stories about characters that work to get over themselves and to overcome their handicaps. Especially (and I'm sorry, this is gonna sound really bad) *cough* when they've been in an accident caused by someone else, and there's forgiveness all around. (Like A Time to Embrace.)

I know, that's only four. But if I were to be completely honest, I'd have to say that I'm thinking them up as I go and these are the only four that come to mind right away. So yeah, there's that.

In other news, I'll be participating in a blog party next week! I joined the Five Fall Favorites party on my other blog last year, and it was a ton of fun, so of course I signed up this year! We've got some amazing genres to share this year, and it's bound to be a lot of fun—keep an eye out for that!

Do you share some of my favorite tropes? What are your own favorites? Will you be following the Five Fall Favorites party?