"All other things being equal (good writing, enthralling story, etc), which would you rather read—something serious, angsty, and tragic? Or something light, fluffy, and fun? Or a blend of both? (Since, really, isn’t that how real life works?)"
- I prefer Tragedy.
I love angsty books when they're done well and are not whiny. There's nothing more that puts me off a book than a whiny character. I love the type that by the end of the last page you want to throw it at the wall, (talking to you Shadow Kiss.) The type that make you feel something, and not simply forget it as soon as you start a new one.
I rarely read a light, fluffy book, (chick-it?) don't like them, basically, and when I do they pretty much bore me. It really has to be good for me to like it. I'm not saying I hate every one, but I'll only pick one up if I really need a break from all the rest.
Now, when it's entwined with angst, then yes, I prefer that over it's own.
