Anne here, cursing because my laptop has just died with today's blog locked in it. And since I am due to go out in less than an hour, I have decided to cheat slightly and expand on a piece I wrote for Bobbi Dumas's 2014 "celebrate romance" event. (As illustration I'm using the cover of my next book, coming in June. This blog isn't about that, but I couldn't resist sharing the lovely cover..)
Why celebrate romance novels?
1) Because they're fun. When I was a kid almost all my reading was for fun. I would get lost in worlds, magical worlds, historical worlds, worlds where animals talked and magical lands were to be found at the top of a tree, drifting on a cloud, or tiny people living under the floorboards, eating off cotton-reel tables. I devoured books in which a small group of kids could foil a gang of evil criminals or a dog could brave incredible hardships to find his way back to his master or a young Roman could win back the honor of his legion. 
Through those books I had so many wonderful adventures, regularly staying up late reading well past my bedtime. As I said, those books were fun, hugely enjoyable fun — but that's not all they were. I learned the power of imagination, I learned to put myself in other people's places, I learned about courage and fear, and what was the right —and the wrong — thing to do. I learned about other lands — real and unreal— and other times and other people. You couldn't keep me away from books.
I don't think I was any kind of exceptional kid — I think most readers read like that as children. What puzzles me is it that when some people grow up they decide reading for fun is a childish activity.
I have a number of friends who wouldn't touch a romance with a barge-pole. They lead busy lives and think they ought to read only books that are worthy (or sometimes fashionable) and so they join book clubs in order to make themselves read. And they read book after book, many of which they don't enjoy, but read anyway because it's the book club selection and because they think it'll probably do them good anyway. That's fine — I read a lot of worthy books myself — but for some people the book club selections are the only books they read. Which means there's very little fun in their reading.
To me that's like deciding to eat only green and orange vegetables because they're good for you, but never eating ice-cream, or chips, or chocolate. I like variety in all things, and serious reads as well as fun light-hearted reads. And a reading diet that didn't include romance — well, I can't imagine it. (The photo of the ice-creams is from Ivan Day's wonderful site on Historic Food, used with permission.)
Why celebrate romance novels?
2) Because romance is a feel-good genre. How many books have you read that make you feel better at the end? A good romance novel will take you on a journey, and it might explore some of the darker, grittier, more painful aspects of life, but always, always it will deliver you into the light again. A good romance novel will make you feel, make you laugh and cry and worry. It can be a cathartic experience, and at the end, it will leave you feeling happier and more positive about life. If I weep copious tears into my pillow at night, I'm having a miserable time. If I'm reading a romance and weeping copious tears, I'm having a lovely time.
Why celebrate romance novels? 
3) Because romance novels celebrate the most important human emotion of all — love. And there is never enough love in this world. (The painting on the right is "Camille Monet Reading", by Pierre-Auguste Renoir)
4) Because romance novels provide a balance to the bombardment of negative messages about the world that come from the media. Every time we turn on the news or read a newspaper we are told that people are mostly bad, that the world is full of terrible events and atrocities — it's enough to make you terribly depressed. But it's not a true portrait of reality — you are being force-fed the worst stories gathered from all over the globe — and it's such an inaccurate depiction of life. Romance novels remind you the world is also full of goodness and love and hope. And that message needs to be nurtured.
5) Because love stories have power. They can change people's lives, people's perceptions of themselves, they can strengthen dreams, give people peace and hope and remind them that love is the most important thing in the world. And that it's possible.
Many years ago, Georgette Heyer wrote a lighthearted, funny regency romance called Friday's Child. Lightweight fluff, many would say, of no importance to the world. Not a worthy book. But to a woman imprisoned in dire conditions for twelve years as a political prisoner in Roumania, that story became a candle in the darkness. She retold it from memory to her fellow prisoners, over and over. It gave them hope, took them out of that ghastly place, gave them something to laugh about, to talk about. It helped to keep them sane, remembering that there was another world where goodness and frivolity and love prevailed.
Stories that offer the world a little extra bit of hope and love and happiness? How could you not celebrate that?
What stories do you think give you a lift of hope or joy or delight. Is there a piece of fiction you'd recommend to keep up your spirits in adversity?
Mini-competition, just for fun: At the beginning of this blog, I referred (obliquely) to five books I loved as a child. The first person to correctly identify these books will win a book from me.
I’ve been a Georgette Heyer fan for years (my Dad was, got the books and passed them to me).
Favourites? Frederica, The Spanish Bride and an Infamous Army. Great books all.
I understand that the last 2 are in the library at Sandhurst as TEXTBOOKS.
My WIP is a Historical, based on old family history, and I’m finding it fascinating. (for a hint, Google “The Jealous Wall”)
Keep them coming!
John
I’ve been a Georgette Heyer fan for years (my Dad was, got the books and passed them to me).
Favourites? Frederica, The Spanish Bride and an Infamous Army. Great books all.
I understand that the last 2 are in the library at Sandhurst as TEXTBOOKS.
My WIP is a Historical, based on old family history, and I’m finding it fascinating. (for a hint, Google “The Jealous Wall”)
Keep them coming!
John
I’ve been a Georgette Heyer fan for years (my Dad was, got the books and passed them to me).
Favourites? Frederica, The Spanish Bride and an Infamous Army. Great books all.
I understand that the last 2 are in the library at Sandhurst as TEXTBOOKS.
My WIP is a Historical, based on old family history, and I’m finding it fascinating. (for a hint, Google “The Jealous Wall”)
Keep them coming!
John
I’ve been a Georgette Heyer fan for years (my Dad was, got the books and passed them to me).
Favourites? Frederica, The Spanish Bride and an Infamous Army. Great books all.
I understand that the last 2 are in the library at Sandhurst as TEXTBOOKS.
My WIP is a Historical, based on old family history, and I’m finding it fascinating. (for a hint, Google “The Jealous Wall”)
Keep them coming!
John
I’ve been a Georgette Heyer fan for years (my Dad was, got the books and passed them to me).
Favourites? Frederica, The Spanish Bride and an Infamous Army. Great books all.
I understand that the last 2 are in the library at Sandhurst as TEXTBOOKS.
My WIP is a Historical, based on old family history, and I’m finding it fascinating. (for a hint, Google “The Jealous Wall”)
Keep them coming!
John
Fun—yes!
Fun is why I started reading and, eventually, writing Romance novels.
No one can escape the terrible things of life, either the horrors in the news or the pain and tragedies of private life, the things that are often considered “reality.” Romance novels are one of the ways we can remind ourselves that joy and happiness and love are also a real and necessary part of life.
Fun—yes!
Fun is why I started reading and, eventually, writing Romance novels.
No one can escape the terrible things of life, either the horrors in the news or the pain and tragedies of private life, the things that are often considered “reality.” Romance novels are one of the ways we can remind ourselves that joy and happiness and love are also a real and necessary part of life.
Fun—yes!
Fun is why I started reading and, eventually, writing Romance novels.
No one can escape the terrible things of life, either the horrors in the news or the pain and tragedies of private life, the things that are often considered “reality.” Romance novels are one of the ways we can remind ourselves that joy and happiness and love are also a real and necessary part of life.
Fun—yes!
Fun is why I started reading and, eventually, writing Romance novels.
No one can escape the terrible things of life, either the horrors in the news or the pain and tragedies of private life, the things that are often considered “reality.” Romance novels are one of the ways we can remind ourselves that joy and happiness and love are also a real and necessary part of life.
Fun—yes!
Fun is why I started reading and, eventually, writing Romance novels.
No one can escape the terrible things of life, either the horrors in the news or the pain and tragedies of private life, the things that are often considered “reality.” Romance novels are one of the ways we can remind ourselves that joy and happiness and love are also a real and necessary part of life.
Not sure I know all of the books you reference, but here goes my guess:
1) Lots of books have talking animals, but my guess is The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Graham (at least that was a magical book for me)
2) Magic Tree House books by Mary Pope Osborne or could be the magical tree books by Enid Blyton
3) The Borrowers by Mary Norton
4) The Mysterious Schoolmaster by Karin Ankarsvard (not really sure about this one; had to Google it)
5) Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight (this book made me cry)
6) Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff (didn’t read her when I was a child but discovered her when my son began to read her books and loved them)
Not sure I know all of the books you reference, but here goes my guess:
1) Lots of books have talking animals, but my guess is The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Graham (at least that was a magical book for me)
2) Magic Tree House books by Mary Pope Osborne or could be the magical tree books by Enid Blyton
3) The Borrowers by Mary Norton
4) The Mysterious Schoolmaster by Karin Ankarsvard (not really sure about this one; had to Google it)
5) Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight (this book made me cry)
6) Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff (didn’t read her when I was a child but discovered her when my son began to read her books and loved them)
Not sure I know all of the books you reference, but here goes my guess:
1) Lots of books have talking animals, but my guess is The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Graham (at least that was a magical book for me)
2) Magic Tree House books by Mary Pope Osborne or could be the magical tree books by Enid Blyton
3) The Borrowers by Mary Norton
4) The Mysterious Schoolmaster by Karin Ankarsvard (not really sure about this one; had to Google it)
5) Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight (this book made me cry)
6) Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff (didn’t read her when I was a child but discovered her when my son began to read her books and loved them)
Not sure I know all of the books you reference, but here goes my guess:
1) Lots of books have talking animals, but my guess is The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Graham (at least that was a magical book for me)
2) Magic Tree House books by Mary Pope Osborne or could be the magical tree books by Enid Blyton
3) The Borrowers by Mary Norton
4) The Mysterious Schoolmaster by Karin Ankarsvard (not really sure about this one; had to Google it)
5) Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight (this book made me cry)
6) Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff (didn’t read her when I was a child but discovered her when my son began to read her books and loved them)
Not sure I know all of the books you reference, but here goes my guess:
1) Lots of books have talking animals, but my guess is The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Graham (at least that was a magical book for me)
2) Magic Tree House books by Mary Pope Osborne or could be the magical tree books by Enid Blyton
3) The Borrowers by Mary Norton
4) The Mysterious Schoolmaster by Karin Ankarsvard (not really sure about this one; had to Google it)
5) Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight (this book made me cry)
6) Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff (didn’t read her when I was a child but discovered her when my son began to read her books and loved them)
I love that story of the woman in the Romanian prison who recounted FRIDAY’s CHILD over and over to her cellmates. IIRC, that was the only fan letter Georgette ever kept. (Though I must admit if I’d been there, I would have wished it was VENETIA that she remembered. *G*) Great stories are magical.
I love that story of the woman in the Romanian prison who recounted FRIDAY’s CHILD over and over to her cellmates. IIRC, that was the only fan letter Georgette ever kept. (Though I must admit if I’d been there, I would have wished it was VENETIA that she remembered. *G*) Great stories are magical.
I love that story of the woman in the Romanian prison who recounted FRIDAY’s CHILD over and over to her cellmates. IIRC, that was the only fan letter Georgette ever kept. (Though I must admit if I’d been there, I would have wished it was VENETIA that she remembered. *G*) Great stories are magical.
I love that story of the woman in the Romanian prison who recounted FRIDAY’s CHILD over and over to her cellmates. IIRC, that was the only fan letter Georgette ever kept. (Though I must admit if I’d been there, I would have wished it was VENETIA that she remembered. *G*) Great stories are magical.
I love that story of the woman in the Romanian prison who recounted FRIDAY’s CHILD over and over to her cellmates. IIRC, that was the only fan letter Georgette ever kept. (Though I must admit if I’d been there, I would have wished it was VENETIA that she remembered. *G*) Great stories are magical.
Thanks, John — yes I think Heyer's Infamous Army has been given to soldiers at Sandhurst to learn from — the battle sections, rather than the romance, I'm guessing. 🙂 Good luck with your book.
Thanks, John — yes I think Heyer's Infamous Army has been given to soldiers at Sandhurst to learn from — the battle sections, rather than the romance, I'm guessing. 🙂 Good luck with your book.
Thanks, John — yes I think Heyer's Infamous Army has been given to soldiers at Sandhurst to learn from — the battle sections, rather than the romance, I'm guessing. 🙂 Good luck with your book.
Thanks, John — yes I think Heyer's Infamous Army has been given to soldiers at Sandhurst to learn from — the battle sections, rather than the romance, I'm guessing. 🙂 Good luck with your book.
Thanks, John — yes I think Heyer's Infamous Army has been given to soldiers at Sandhurst to learn from — the battle sections, rather than the romance, I'm guessing. 🙂 Good luck with your book.
Beautifully said, Lillian — I completely agree, and feel sorry for people who think themselves "above" romance novels. They miss out on some lovely books.
Beautifully said, Lillian — I completely agree, and feel sorry for people who think themselves "above" romance novels. They miss out on some lovely books.
Beautifully said, Lillian — I completely agree, and feel sorry for people who think themselves "above" romance novels. They miss out on some lovely books.
Beautifully said, Lillian — I completely agree, and feel sorry for people who think themselves "above" romance novels. They miss out on some lovely books.
Beautifully said, Lillian — I completely agree, and feel sorry for people who think themselves "above" romance novels. They miss out on some lovely books.
Thanks, Susan — your guesses were very close — a few spot on, some others not quite, but you're definitely in the running for the prize. I'm so pleased you discovered Rosemary Sutcliff through your son's reading — the book I referred to at the end was indeed Eagle of the Ninth. Marvelous story.
Thanks, Susan — your guesses were very close — a few spot on, some others not quite, but you're definitely in the running for the prize. I'm so pleased you discovered Rosemary Sutcliff through your son's reading — the book I referred to at the end was indeed Eagle of the Ninth. Marvelous story.
Thanks, Susan — your guesses were very close — a few spot on, some others not quite, but you're definitely in the running for the prize. I'm so pleased you discovered Rosemary Sutcliff through your son's reading — the book I referred to at the end was indeed Eagle of the Ninth. Marvelous story.
Thanks, Susan — your guesses were very close — a few spot on, some others not quite, but you're definitely in the running for the prize. I'm so pleased you discovered Rosemary Sutcliff through your son's reading — the book I referred to at the end was indeed Eagle of the Ninth. Marvelous story.
Thanks, Susan — your guesses were very close — a few spot on, some others not quite, but you're definitely in the running for the prize. I'm so pleased you discovered Rosemary Sutcliff through your son's reading — the book I referred to at the end was indeed Eagle of the Ninth. Marvelous story.
Anne
I only read romance because I want to be happy at the end LOL they take me away from every day life make laugh and cry and to me that is enjoyment 🙂
Have Fun
Helen
Anne
I only read romance because I want to be happy at the end LOL they take me away from every day life make laugh and cry and to me that is enjoyment 🙂
Have Fun
Helen
Anne
I only read romance because I want to be happy at the end LOL they take me away from every day life make laugh and cry and to me that is enjoyment 🙂
Have Fun
Helen
Anne
I only read romance because I want to be happy at the end LOL they take me away from every day life make laugh and cry and to me that is enjoyment 🙂
Have Fun
Helen
Anne
I only read romance because I want to be happy at the end LOL they take me away from every day life make laugh and cry and to me that is enjoyment 🙂
Have Fun
Helen
Mary Jo, Venetia is one of my favorite Heyers, but I think Friday's Child was a wonderful book to be recounting in dark and hopeless circumstances because there's nothing grim at all in the story, and there is all that delightful nonsense with that collection of frivolous young men. I still get a chuckle every time at the Nemesis thread.
Mary Jo, Venetia is one of my favorite Heyers, but I think Friday's Child was a wonderful book to be recounting in dark and hopeless circumstances because there's nothing grim at all in the story, and there is all that delightful nonsense with that collection of frivolous young men. I still get a chuckle every time at the Nemesis thread.
Mary Jo, Venetia is one of my favorite Heyers, but I think Friday's Child was a wonderful book to be recounting in dark and hopeless circumstances because there's nothing grim at all in the story, and there is all that delightful nonsense with that collection of frivolous young men. I still get a chuckle every time at the Nemesis thread.
Mary Jo, Venetia is one of my favorite Heyers, but I think Friday's Child was a wonderful book to be recounting in dark and hopeless circumstances because there's nothing grim at all in the story, and there is all that delightful nonsense with that collection of frivolous young men. I still get a chuckle every time at the Nemesis thread.
Mary Jo, Venetia is one of my favorite Heyers, but I think Friday's Child was a wonderful book to be recounting in dark and hopeless circumstances because there's nothing grim at all in the story, and there is all that delightful nonsense with that collection of frivolous young men. I still get a chuckle every time at the Nemesis thread.
Thank you, Helen — that is *exactly* why I think more people should read romance. Having fun! 🙂
Thank you, Helen — that is *exactly* why I think more people should read romance. Having fun! 🙂
Thank you, Helen — that is *exactly* why I think more people should read romance. Having fun! 🙂
Thank you, Helen — that is *exactly* why I think more people should read romance. Having fun! 🙂
Thank you, Helen — that is *exactly* why I think more people should read romance. Having fun! 🙂
Enid Blyton 5 go adventuring books…..and Dr. Doolittle books. I read romance because real life can be awfully sad and disheartening. I like happy endings, and do not like to read books that make me cry. I always loved the Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House books, which are a USA kind of book. But I dearly loved E Nesbit and Enid Blyton, too.
I read and loved all the Heyer books. Not sure which I’d name as my favorite. Then, of course, there were the Sherlock Holmes storied, the Agatha Christie books, and lots of other British mysteries. I’m not a fan of anything hard-boiled or gory.
Enid Blyton 5 go adventuring books…..and Dr. Doolittle books. I read romance because real life can be awfully sad and disheartening. I like happy endings, and do not like to read books that make me cry. I always loved the Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House books, which are a USA kind of book. But I dearly loved E Nesbit and Enid Blyton, too.
I read and loved all the Heyer books. Not sure which I’d name as my favorite. Then, of course, there were the Sherlock Holmes storied, the Agatha Christie books, and lots of other British mysteries. I’m not a fan of anything hard-boiled or gory.
Enid Blyton 5 go adventuring books…..and Dr. Doolittle books. I read romance because real life can be awfully sad and disheartening. I like happy endings, and do not like to read books that make me cry. I always loved the Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House books, which are a USA kind of book. But I dearly loved E Nesbit and Enid Blyton, too.
I read and loved all the Heyer books. Not sure which I’d name as my favorite. Then, of course, there were the Sherlock Holmes storied, the Agatha Christie books, and lots of other British mysteries. I’m not a fan of anything hard-boiled or gory.
Enid Blyton 5 go adventuring books…..and Dr. Doolittle books. I read romance because real life can be awfully sad and disheartening. I like happy endings, and do not like to read books that make me cry. I always loved the Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House books, which are a USA kind of book. But I dearly loved E Nesbit and Enid Blyton, too.
I read and loved all the Heyer books. Not sure which I’d name as my favorite. Then, of course, there were the Sherlock Holmes storied, the Agatha Christie books, and lots of other British mysteries. I’m not a fan of anything hard-boiled or gory.
Enid Blyton 5 go adventuring books…..and Dr. Doolittle books. I read romance because real life can be awfully sad and disheartening. I like happy endings, and do not like to read books that make me cry. I always loved the Laura Ingalls Wilder Little House books, which are a USA kind of book. But I dearly loved E Nesbit and Enid Blyton, too.
I read and loved all the Heyer books. Not sure which I’d name as my favorite. Then, of course, there were the Sherlock Holmes storied, the Agatha Christie books, and lots of other British mysteries. I’m not a fan of anything hard-boiled or gory.
oh, yes, and the Green Knowe books. And I liked the D.E. Stevenson books, though many of the plots were kind of stolen.
oh, yes, and the Green Knowe books. And I liked the D.E. Stevenson books, though many of the plots were kind of stolen.
oh, yes, and the Green Knowe books. And I liked the D.E. Stevenson books, though many of the plots were kind of stolen.
oh, yes, and the Green Knowe books. And I liked the D.E. Stevenson books, though many of the plots were kind of stolen.
oh, yes, and the Green Knowe books. And I liked the D.E. Stevenson books, though many of the plots were kind of stolen.
The only one I recognized was The Borrowers. I’ve always loved it; in fact it’s one of the “neutral” books on my bedside right now. I purged a lot of the paperbacks over the years and now I wish I still had them, yellowed and small print as they were. So I gather what I can from the Library E-Catalog. I call it a Kindle Cupcake and use it as a refuge from the depression caused by my current situation. I loved your description of the book clubs! A good friend belongs to such a book group, reading meaningful novels from the NY Times Book Review, and after three in a row about Afghanistan etc, she called it ‘enough.’ I was surprised when some younger friends denied ever reading romance. “I tried one once and it seemed to be an abusive relationship, and I don’t like that.” Say what?? Once??? Ohh myyy.
The only one I recognized was The Borrowers. I’ve always loved it; in fact it’s one of the “neutral” books on my bedside right now. I purged a lot of the paperbacks over the years and now I wish I still had them, yellowed and small print as they were. So I gather what I can from the Library E-Catalog. I call it a Kindle Cupcake and use it as a refuge from the depression caused by my current situation. I loved your description of the book clubs! A good friend belongs to such a book group, reading meaningful novels from the NY Times Book Review, and after three in a row about Afghanistan etc, she called it ‘enough.’ I was surprised when some younger friends denied ever reading romance. “I tried one once and it seemed to be an abusive relationship, and I don’t like that.” Say what?? Once??? Ohh myyy.
The only one I recognized was The Borrowers. I’ve always loved it; in fact it’s one of the “neutral” books on my bedside right now. I purged a lot of the paperbacks over the years and now I wish I still had them, yellowed and small print as they were. So I gather what I can from the Library E-Catalog. I call it a Kindle Cupcake and use it as a refuge from the depression caused by my current situation. I loved your description of the book clubs! A good friend belongs to such a book group, reading meaningful novels from the NY Times Book Review, and after three in a row about Afghanistan etc, she called it ‘enough.’ I was surprised when some younger friends denied ever reading romance. “I tried one once and it seemed to be an abusive relationship, and I don’t like that.” Say what?? Once??? Ohh myyy.
The only one I recognized was The Borrowers. I’ve always loved it; in fact it’s one of the “neutral” books on my bedside right now. I purged a lot of the paperbacks over the years and now I wish I still had them, yellowed and small print as they were. So I gather what I can from the Library E-Catalog. I call it a Kindle Cupcake and use it as a refuge from the depression caused by my current situation. I loved your description of the book clubs! A good friend belongs to such a book group, reading meaningful novels from the NY Times Book Review, and after three in a row about Afghanistan etc, she called it ‘enough.’ I was surprised when some younger friends denied ever reading romance. “I tried one once and it seemed to be an abusive relationship, and I don’t like that.” Say what?? Once??? Ohh myyy.
The only one I recognized was The Borrowers. I’ve always loved it; in fact it’s one of the “neutral” books on my bedside right now. I purged a lot of the paperbacks over the years and now I wish I still had them, yellowed and small print as they were. So I gather what I can from the Library E-Catalog. I call it a Kindle Cupcake and use it as a refuge from the depression caused by my current situation. I loved your description of the book clubs! A good friend belongs to such a book group, reading meaningful novels from the NY Times Book Review, and after three in a row about Afghanistan etc, she called it ‘enough.’ I was surprised when some younger friends denied ever reading romance. “I tried one once and it seemed to be an abusive relationship, and I don’t like that.” Say what?? Once??? Ohh myyy.
Well, I think your books may be : The Chronicles of Narnia
The Famous Five books
The Magical Faraway Tree
The Borrowers
The Eagle of the Ninth.
Lassie Come Home
As old as I am, occasionally I return to the childhood reads, which have never left my shelves. The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge & The Thirteen Days of Christmas by Jenny Overton remain good.& true companions, who never fail to cheer me up.
And as a firm romance fan, I want the happy ending, but I want the sparkling dialogue, with a sprinkle of peril that leaves me heaving a sigh of contentment, and wearing a smile when I finish the book.
Well, I think your books may be : The Chronicles of Narnia
The Famous Five books
The Magical Faraway Tree
The Borrowers
The Eagle of the Ninth.
Lassie Come Home
As old as I am, occasionally I return to the childhood reads, which have never left my shelves. The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge & The Thirteen Days of Christmas by Jenny Overton remain good.& true companions, who never fail to cheer me up.
And as a firm romance fan, I want the happy ending, but I want the sparkling dialogue, with a sprinkle of peril that leaves me heaving a sigh of contentment, and wearing a smile when I finish the book.
Well, I think your books may be : The Chronicles of Narnia
The Famous Five books
The Magical Faraway Tree
The Borrowers
The Eagle of the Ninth.
Lassie Come Home
As old as I am, occasionally I return to the childhood reads, which have never left my shelves. The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge & The Thirteen Days of Christmas by Jenny Overton remain good.& true companions, who never fail to cheer me up.
And as a firm romance fan, I want the happy ending, but I want the sparkling dialogue, with a sprinkle of peril that leaves me heaving a sigh of contentment, and wearing a smile when I finish the book.
Well, I think your books may be : The Chronicles of Narnia
The Famous Five books
The Magical Faraway Tree
The Borrowers
The Eagle of the Ninth.
Lassie Come Home
As old as I am, occasionally I return to the childhood reads, which have never left my shelves. The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge & The Thirteen Days of Christmas by Jenny Overton remain good.& true companions, who never fail to cheer me up.
And as a firm romance fan, I want the happy ending, but I want the sparkling dialogue, with a sprinkle of peril that leaves me heaving a sigh of contentment, and wearing a smile when I finish the book.
Well, I think your books may be : The Chronicles of Narnia
The Famous Five books
The Magical Faraway Tree
The Borrowers
The Eagle of the Ninth.
Lassie Come Home
As old as I am, occasionally I return to the childhood reads, which have never left my shelves. The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge & The Thirteen Days of Christmas by Jenny Overton remain good.& true companions, who never fail to cheer me up.
And as a firm romance fan, I want the happy ending, but I want the sparkling dialogue, with a sprinkle of peril that leaves me heaving a sigh of contentment, and wearing a smile when I finish the book.
"" Say what?? Once??? Ohh myyy."
Yes indeed. Because ALL romances are exactly alike, and written to a recipe/formula aren't they? And despite the fact that it's the biggest-selling genre in popular fiction — that's not because there are so many wonderful books out there that satisfy readers, it's because the readers are lemmings…or something. <g> I find it quite amazing. People wouldn't judge the whole crime genre because they read an Agatha Christie once and didn't like it. Or expect all crime novels to be like Agatha Christies. But they do that with romance.
I love the borrowers too, Artemisia — wonderful books and I saw some of the TV adaptation they made of the books and they looked wonderful too. As for the old and yellowed copies, I have been known to buy tatty old copies of beloved books from second hand stalls just because I couldn't stand seeing them there — they deserve better treatment. 🙂 That habit occasionally proves useful because if I find out someone I know who loves reading hasn't read it, I have a spare copy to press on them.
"" Say what?? Once??? Ohh myyy."
Yes indeed. Because ALL romances are exactly alike, and written to a recipe/formula aren't they? And despite the fact that it's the biggest-selling genre in popular fiction — that's not because there are so many wonderful books out there that satisfy readers, it's because the readers are lemmings…or something. <g> I find it quite amazing. People wouldn't judge the whole crime genre because they read an Agatha Christie once and didn't like it. Or expect all crime novels to be like Agatha Christies. But they do that with romance.
I love the borrowers too, Artemisia — wonderful books and I saw some of the TV adaptation they made of the books and they looked wonderful too. As for the old and yellowed copies, I have been known to buy tatty old copies of beloved books from second hand stalls just because I couldn't stand seeing them there — they deserve better treatment. 🙂 That habit occasionally proves useful because if I find out someone I know who loves reading hasn't read it, I have a spare copy to press on them.
"" Say what?? Once??? Ohh myyy."
Yes indeed. Because ALL romances are exactly alike, and written to a recipe/formula aren't they? And despite the fact that it's the biggest-selling genre in popular fiction — that's not because there are so many wonderful books out there that satisfy readers, it's because the readers are lemmings…or something. <g> I find it quite amazing. People wouldn't judge the whole crime genre because they read an Agatha Christie once and didn't like it. Or expect all crime novels to be like Agatha Christies. But they do that with romance.
I love the borrowers too, Artemisia — wonderful books and I saw some of the TV adaptation they made of the books and they looked wonderful too. As for the old and yellowed copies, I have been known to buy tatty old copies of beloved books from second hand stalls just because I couldn't stand seeing them there — they deserve better treatment. 🙂 That habit occasionally proves useful because if I find out someone I know who loves reading hasn't read it, I have a spare copy to press on them.
"" Say what?? Once??? Ohh myyy."
Yes indeed. Because ALL romances are exactly alike, and written to a recipe/formula aren't they? And despite the fact that it's the biggest-selling genre in popular fiction — that's not because there are so many wonderful books out there that satisfy readers, it's because the readers are lemmings…or something. <g> I find it quite amazing. People wouldn't judge the whole crime genre because they read an Agatha Christie once and didn't like it. Or expect all crime novels to be like Agatha Christies. But they do that with romance.
I love the borrowers too, Artemisia — wonderful books and I saw some of the TV adaptation they made of the books and they looked wonderful too. As for the old and yellowed copies, I have been known to buy tatty old copies of beloved books from second hand stalls just because I couldn't stand seeing them there — they deserve better treatment. 🙂 That habit occasionally proves useful because if I find out someone I know who loves reading hasn't read it, I have a spare copy to press on them.
"" Say what?? Once??? Ohh myyy."
Yes indeed. Because ALL romances are exactly alike, and written to a recipe/formula aren't they? And despite the fact that it's the biggest-selling genre in popular fiction — that's not because there are so many wonderful books out there that satisfy readers, it's because the readers are lemmings…or something. <g> I find it quite amazing. People wouldn't judge the whole crime genre because they read an Agatha Christie once and didn't like it. Or expect all crime novels to be like Agatha Christies. But they do that with romance.
I love the borrowers too, Artemisia — wonderful books and I saw some of the TV adaptation they made of the books and they looked wonderful too. As for the old and yellowed copies, I have been known to buy tatty old copies of beloved books from second hand stalls just because I couldn't stand seeing them there — they deserve better treatment. 🙂 That habit occasionally proves useful because if I find out someone I know who loves reading hasn't read it, I have a spare copy to press on them.
Thanks, Linnea — yes it was the Enid Blyton . . . of Adventure books I was thinking of—I have some here that I have collected over the years — though I'm also willing to accept similar kind of stories, because I know not all readers in all countries have the same books. Even Harry Potter would –kind of– fit that style. So far Susan/DC has got the most answers for my little off-the-cuff competition.
Re Laura Inglass Wilder — I saw somewhere there was a biography of her out recently — put out by local a historical society — that contains all kinds of interesting revelations about her life and family. Google it and you'll find out more. Apparently the first edition sold out instantly.
I don't mind books that make me cry in a good way — but I don't want to read books or watch movies that will haunt my imagination with awfulness for long afterward.
Thanks for joining in the conversation.
Thanks, Linnea — yes it was the Enid Blyton . . . of Adventure books I was thinking of—I have some here that I have collected over the years — though I'm also willing to accept similar kind of stories, because I know not all readers in all countries have the same books. Even Harry Potter would –kind of– fit that style. So far Susan/DC has got the most answers for my little off-the-cuff competition.
Re Laura Inglass Wilder — I saw somewhere there was a biography of her out recently — put out by local a historical society — that contains all kinds of interesting revelations about her life and family. Google it and you'll find out more. Apparently the first edition sold out instantly.
I don't mind books that make me cry in a good way — but I don't want to read books or watch movies that will haunt my imagination with awfulness for long afterward.
Thanks for joining in the conversation.
Thanks, Linnea — yes it was the Enid Blyton . . . of Adventure books I was thinking of—I have some here that I have collected over the years — though I'm also willing to accept similar kind of stories, because I know not all readers in all countries have the same books. Even Harry Potter would –kind of– fit that style. So far Susan/DC has got the most answers for my little off-the-cuff competition.
Re Laura Inglass Wilder — I saw somewhere there was a biography of her out recently — put out by local a historical society — that contains all kinds of interesting revelations about her life and family. Google it and you'll find out more. Apparently the first edition sold out instantly.
I don't mind books that make me cry in a good way — but I don't want to read books or watch movies that will haunt my imagination with awfulness for long afterward.
Thanks for joining in the conversation.
Thanks, Linnea — yes it was the Enid Blyton . . . of Adventure books I was thinking of—I have some here that I have collected over the years — though I'm also willing to accept similar kind of stories, because I know not all readers in all countries have the same books. Even Harry Potter would –kind of– fit that style. So far Susan/DC has got the most answers for my little off-the-cuff competition.
Re Laura Inglass Wilder — I saw somewhere there was a biography of her out recently — put out by local a historical society — that contains all kinds of interesting revelations about her life and family. Google it and you'll find out more. Apparently the first edition sold out instantly.
I don't mind books that make me cry in a good way — but I don't want to read books or watch movies that will haunt my imagination with awfulness for long afterward.
Thanks for joining in the conversation.
Thanks, Linnea — yes it was the Enid Blyton . . . of Adventure books I was thinking of—I have some here that I have collected over the years — though I'm also willing to accept similar kind of stories, because I know not all readers in all countries have the same books. Even Harry Potter would –kind of– fit that style. So far Susan/DC has got the most answers for my little off-the-cuff competition.
Re Laura Inglass Wilder — I saw somewhere there was a biography of her out recently — put out by local a historical society — that contains all kinds of interesting revelations about her life and family. Google it and you'll find out more. Apparently the first edition sold out instantly.
I don't mind books that make me cry in a good way — but I don't want to read books or watch movies that will haunt my imagination with awfulness for long afterward.
Thanks for joining in the conversation.
Very good answers, Cate — It wasn't the Narnia books I was thinking of, or Lassie — I didn't even know there were Lassie books, only the Lassie movies — but they certainly fit the criteria, and I'm being flexible about the answers, so you're definitely in the lead now for the contest.
I've been enjoying everyone's suggestions and, in fact, it's made me wonder if beloved childen's books might make a fun subject for one of my quizzes. Thanks so much for joining in.
"I want the sparkling dialogue, with a sprinkle of peril that leaves me heaving a sigh of contentment, and wearing a smile when I finish the book." — Have you read Eva Ibbotson? I've long been a devotee of her romantic novels for adults — and I'm now working my way through her books for children. Delightful.
Very good answers, Cate — It wasn't the Narnia books I was thinking of, or Lassie — I didn't even know there were Lassie books, only the Lassie movies — but they certainly fit the criteria, and I'm being flexible about the answers, so you're definitely in the lead now for the contest.
I've been enjoying everyone's suggestions and, in fact, it's made me wonder if beloved childen's books might make a fun subject for one of my quizzes. Thanks so much for joining in.
"I want the sparkling dialogue, with a sprinkle of peril that leaves me heaving a sigh of contentment, and wearing a smile when I finish the book." — Have you read Eva Ibbotson? I've long been a devotee of her romantic novels for adults — and I'm now working my way through her books for children. Delightful.
Very good answers, Cate — It wasn't the Narnia books I was thinking of, or Lassie — I didn't even know there were Lassie books, only the Lassie movies — but they certainly fit the criteria, and I'm being flexible about the answers, so you're definitely in the lead now for the contest.
I've been enjoying everyone's suggestions and, in fact, it's made me wonder if beloved childen's books might make a fun subject for one of my quizzes. Thanks so much for joining in.
"I want the sparkling dialogue, with a sprinkle of peril that leaves me heaving a sigh of contentment, and wearing a smile when I finish the book." — Have you read Eva Ibbotson? I've long been a devotee of her romantic novels for adults — and I'm now working my way through her books for children. Delightful.
Very good answers, Cate — It wasn't the Narnia books I was thinking of, or Lassie — I didn't even know there were Lassie books, only the Lassie movies — but they certainly fit the criteria, and I'm being flexible about the answers, so you're definitely in the lead now for the contest.
I've been enjoying everyone's suggestions and, in fact, it's made me wonder if beloved childen's books might make a fun subject for one of my quizzes. Thanks so much for joining in.
"I want the sparkling dialogue, with a sprinkle of peril that leaves me heaving a sigh of contentment, and wearing a smile when I finish the book." — Have you read Eva Ibbotson? I've long been a devotee of her romantic novels for adults — and I'm now working my way through her books for children. Delightful.
Very good answers, Cate — It wasn't the Narnia books I was thinking of, or Lassie — I didn't even know there were Lassie books, only the Lassie movies — but they certainly fit the criteria, and I'm being flexible about the answers, so you're definitely in the lead now for the contest.
I've been enjoying everyone's suggestions and, in fact, it's made me wonder if beloved childen's books might make a fun subject for one of my quizzes. Thanks so much for joining in.
"I want the sparkling dialogue, with a sprinkle of peril that leaves me heaving a sigh of contentment, and wearing a smile when I finish the book." — Have you read Eva Ibbotson? I've long been a devotee of her romantic novels for adults — and I'm now working my way through her books for children. Delightful.
I certainly don’t think that reading has to be ‘worthy’, yet there are a number of books that I delighted in as a child / young adult, which I now find problematic because of their blatant perpetuation of certain ugly (privileged) perspectives. I’ve kept these books out of sentimentality, but deliberately haven’t read them to my daughter (5 yo).
I’ve been mulling over this lately. It won’t be long before my daughter will be pawing through some of these books, able to read them for her self. I don’t think I could, in good conscience, censor the books from her reading, but I also couldn’t (in good conscience) leave her to enjoy these books without sharing with her the issues I have with them.
My daughter does, I hasten to add, get many opportunities to immerse herself in stories without her mother feeling the need to throw in stern caveats about taking enjoyment in the content! Some of our shared favourites at the moment are the Violet Mackerel stories by Australian author Anna Branford. The Australian editions with illustrations by Sarah Davis are particularly delightful!. http://www.violetmackerel.com.au/book-series
(I realised reading your post, Anne, that we haven’t read The Borrowers yet!)
I certainly don’t think that reading has to be ‘worthy’, yet there are a number of books that I delighted in as a child / young adult, which I now find problematic because of their blatant perpetuation of certain ugly (privileged) perspectives. I’ve kept these books out of sentimentality, but deliberately haven’t read them to my daughter (5 yo).
I’ve been mulling over this lately. It won’t be long before my daughter will be pawing through some of these books, able to read them for her self. I don’t think I could, in good conscience, censor the books from her reading, but I also couldn’t (in good conscience) leave her to enjoy these books without sharing with her the issues I have with them.
My daughter does, I hasten to add, get many opportunities to immerse herself in stories without her mother feeling the need to throw in stern caveats about taking enjoyment in the content! Some of our shared favourites at the moment are the Violet Mackerel stories by Australian author Anna Branford. The Australian editions with illustrations by Sarah Davis are particularly delightful!. http://www.violetmackerel.com.au/book-series
(I realised reading your post, Anne, that we haven’t read The Borrowers yet!)
I certainly don’t think that reading has to be ‘worthy’, yet there are a number of books that I delighted in as a child / young adult, which I now find problematic because of their blatant perpetuation of certain ugly (privileged) perspectives. I’ve kept these books out of sentimentality, but deliberately haven’t read them to my daughter (5 yo).
I’ve been mulling over this lately. It won’t be long before my daughter will be pawing through some of these books, able to read them for her self. I don’t think I could, in good conscience, censor the books from her reading, but I also couldn’t (in good conscience) leave her to enjoy these books without sharing with her the issues I have with them.
My daughter does, I hasten to add, get many opportunities to immerse herself in stories without her mother feeling the need to throw in stern caveats about taking enjoyment in the content! Some of our shared favourites at the moment are the Violet Mackerel stories by Australian author Anna Branford. The Australian editions with illustrations by Sarah Davis are particularly delightful!. http://www.violetmackerel.com.au/book-series
(I realised reading your post, Anne, that we haven’t read The Borrowers yet!)
I certainly don’t think that reading has to be ‘worthy’, yet there are a number of books that I delighted in as a child / young adult, which I now find problematic because of their blatant perpetuation of certain ugly (privileged) perspectives. I’ve kept these books out of sentimentality, but deliberately haven’t read them to my daughter (5 yo).
I’ve been mulling over this lately. It won’t be long before my daughter will be pawing through some of these books, able to read them for her self. I don’t think I could, in good conscience, censor the books from her reading, but I also couldn’t (in good conscience) leave her to enjoy these books without sharing with her the issues I have with them.
My daughter does, I hasten to add, get many opportunities to immerse herself in stories without her mother feeling the need to throw in stern caveats about taking enjoyment in the content! Some of our shared favourites at the moment are the Violet Mackerel stories by Australian author Anna Branford. The Australian editions with illustrations by Sarah Davis are particularly delightful!. http://www.violetmackerel.com.au/book-series
(I realised reading your post, Anne, that we haven’t read The Borrowers yet!)
I certainly don’t think that reading has to be ‘worthy’, yet there are a number of books that I delighted in as a child / young adult, which I now find problematic because of their blatant perpetuation of certain ugly (privileged) perspectives. I’ve kept these books out of sentimentality, but deliberately haven’t read them to my daughter (5 yo).
I’ve been mulling over this lately. It won’t be long before my daughter will be pawing through some of these books, able to read them for her self. I don’t think I could, in good conscience, censor the books from her reading, but I also couldn’t (in good conscience) leave her to enjoy these books without sharing with her the issues I have with them.
My daughter does, I hasten to add, get many opportunities to immerse herself in stories without her mother feeling the need to throw in stern caveats about taking enjoyment in the content! Some of our shared favourites at the moment are the Violet Mackerel stories by Australian author Anna Branford. The Australian editions with illustrations by Sarah Davis are particularly delightful!. http://www.violetmackerel.com.au/book-series
(I realised reading your post, Anne, that we haven’t read The Borrowers yet!)
Have I read Eva Ibbotson ?! … Well, I’ve been reading her books for so long I still call them by their original titles 🙂 A Countess Below Stairs is actually one of the very first romances I read, and it blew my socks off then … & it still does .
She was such a beautiful writer, both evocative & descriptive with her prose (if that makes sense?).. like Mary Stewart.
Anne Gracie .. You are a bad,bad author ! I have loads of things to do , & I’ve just pulled Madensky Square off the bookcase ..that’s my Saturday sorted ! 🙂
Have I read Eva Ibbotson ?! … Well, I’ve been reading her books for so long I still call them by their original titles 🙂 A Countess Below Stairs is actually one of the very first romances I read, and it blew my socks off then … & it still does .
She was such a beautiful writer, both evocative & descriptive with her prose (if that makes sense?).. like Mary Stewart.
Anne Gracie .. You are a bad,bad author ! I have loads of things to do , & I’ve just pulled Madensky Square off the bookcase ..that’s my Saturday sorted ! 🙂
Have I read Eva Ibbotson ?! … Well, I’ve been reading her books for so long I still call them by their original titles 🙂 A Countess Below Stairs is actually one of the very first romances I read, and it blew my socks off then … & it still does .
She was such a beautiful writer, both evocative & descriptive with her prose (if that makes sense?).. like Mary Stewart.
Anne Gracie .. You are a bad,bad author ! I have loads of things to do , & I’ve just pulled Madensky Square off the bookcase ..that’s my Saturday sorted ! 🙂
Have I read Eva Ibbotson ?! … Well, I’ve been reading her books for so long I still call them by their original titles 🙂 A Countess Below Stairs is actually one of the very first romances I read, and it blew my socks off then … & it still does .
She was such a beautiful writer, both evocative & descriptive with her prose (if that makes sense?).. like Mary Stewart.
Anne Gracie .. You are a bad,bad author ! I have loads of things to do , & I’ve just pulled Madensky Square off the bookcase ..that’s my Saturday sorted ! 🙂
Have I read Eva Ibbotson ?! … Well, I’ve been reading her books for so long I still call them by their original titles 🙂 A Countess Below Stairs is actually one of the very first romances I read, and it blew my socks off then … & it still does .
She was such a beautiful writer, both evocative & descriptive with her prose (if that makes sense?).. like Mary Stewart.
Anne Gracie .. You are a bad,bad author ! I have loads of things to do , & I’ve just pulled Madensky Square off the bookcase ..that’s my Saturday sorted ! 🙂
Greyfriars Bobby !
Greyfriars Bobby !
Greyfriars Bobby !
Greyfriars Bobby !
Greyfriars Bobby !
The book the lady read with the abusive relationships might have been Wuthering Heights, which despite its rep as a great romance novel is filled with nothing but abusive relationships. If that had been my first historical romance, it would have put me off, too. It was far from my first, and I still had to reread a little Heyer, Chesney, AND Metzger to get WH out of my head. I love a good story line, but characters who interact with humor and good sense really do it best for me. Barbara Metzger’s Miss Lockharte’s Letters has to be my all-time favorite with its amazing opening line: “I’m dying, and I never even had a dog.”
The book the lady read with the abusive relationships might have been Wuthering Heights, which despite its rep as a great romance novel is filled with nothing but abusive relationships. If that had been my first historical romance, it would have put me off, too. It was far from my first, and I still had to reread a little Heyer, Chesney, AND Metzger to get WH out of my head. I love a good story line, but characters who interact with humor and good sense really do it best for me. Barbara Metzger’s Miss Lockharte’s Letters has to be my all-time favorite with its amazing opening line: “I’m dying, and I never even had a dog.”
The book the lady read with the abusive relationships might have been Wuthering Heights, which despite its rep as a great romance novel is filled with nothing but abusive relationships. If that had been my first historical romance, it would have put me off, too. It was far from my first, and I still had to reread a little Heyer, Chesney, AND Metzger to get WH out of my head. I love a good story line, but characters who interact with humor and good sense really do it best for me. Barbara Metzger’s Miss Lockharte’s Letters has to be my all-time favorite with its amazing opening line: “I’m dying, and I never even had a dog.”
The book the lady read with the abusive relationships might have been Wuthering Heights, which despite its rep as a great romance novel is filled with nothing but abusive relationships. If that had been my first historical romance, it would have put me off, too. It was far from my first, and I still had to reread a little Heyer, Chesney, AND Metzger to get WH out of my head. I love a good story line, but characters who interact with humor and good sense really do it best for me. Barbara Metzger’s Miss Lockharte’s Letters has to be my all-time favorite with its amazing opening line: “I’m dying, and I never even had a dog.”
The book the lady read with the abusive relationships might have been Wuthering Heights, which despite its rep as a great romance novel is filled with nothing but abusive relationships. If that had been my first historical romance, it would have put me off, too. It was far from my first, and I still had to reread a little Heyer, Chesney, AND Metzger to get WH out of my head. I love a good story line, but characters who interact with humor and good sense really do it best for me. Barbara Metzger’s Miss Lockharte’s Letters has to be my all-time favorite with its amazing opening line: “I’m dying, and I never even had a dog.”
What a wonderful post!
I’m one of those readers that read a little bit of everything. Some books are wonderful food for my brain, others are just for fun. There’s a moment for everything in life.
So I don’t understand that thing about book clubs and reading only ‘good books’ recommended by those clubs.
The worst thing is that many times those serious books are contemporary books that will not survive their author’s life. I’m not going to mention names. But the Nobel prize list is full of these ‘great authors’ that are now completely forgotten.
IMHO, if you really want to read good Literary books, then go for the classics -nearly anything written more than fifty years ago that is still published. And you don’t need any book club to point them at you. The wikipedia will be enough. And they are in the public domain so you can have them for free.
But if you just want fun, then try any contemporary genre books -romance, suspense novels, historical novels, sci-fi. Your mental health would really improve.
What a wonderful post!
I’m one of those readers that read a little bit of everything. Some books are wonderful food for my brain, others are just for fun. There’s a moment for everything in life.
So I don’t understand that thing about book clubs and reading only ‘good books’ recommended by those clubs.
The worst thing is that many times those serious books are contemporary books that will not survive their author’s life. I’m not going to mention names. But the Nobel prize list is full of these ‘great authors’ that are now completely forgotten.
IMHO, if you really want to read good Literary books, then go for the classics -nearly anything written more than fifty years ago that is still published. And you don’t need any book club to point them at you. The wikipedia will be enough. And they are in the public domain so you can have them for free.
But if you just want fun, then try any contemporary genre books -romance, suspense novels, historical novels, sci-fi. Your mental health would really improve.
What a wonderful post!
I’m one of those readers that read a little bit of everything. Some books are wonderful food for my brain, others are just for fun. There’s a moment for everything in life.
So I don’t understand that thing about book clubs and reading only ‘good books’ recommended by those clubs.
The worst thing is that many times those serious books are contemporary books that will not survive their author’s life. I’m not going to mention names. But the Nobel prize list is full of these ‘great authors’ that are now completely forgotten.
IMHO, if you really want to read good Literary books, then go for the classics -nearly anything written more than fifty years ago that is still published. And you don’t need any book club to point them at you. The wikipedia will be enough. And they are in the public domain so you can have them for free.
But if you just want fun, then try any contemporary genre books -romance, suspense novels, historical novels, sci-fi. Your mental health would really improve.
What a wonderful post!
I’m one of those readers that read a little bit of everything. Some books are wonderful food for my brain, others are just for fun. There’s a moment for everything in life.
So I don’t understand that thing about book clubs and reading only ‘good books’ recommended by those clubs.
The worst thing is that many times those serious books are contemporary books that will not survive their author’s life. I’m not going to mention names. But the Nobel prize list is full of these ‘great authors’ that are now completely forgotten.
IMHO, if you really want to read good Literary books, then go for the classics -nearly anything written more than fifty years ago that is still published. And you don’t need any book club to point them at you. The wikipedia will be enough. And they are in the public domain so you can have them for free.
But if you just want fun, then try any contemporary genre books -romance, suspense novels, historical novels, sci-fi. Your mental health would really improve.
What a wonderful post!
I’m one of those readers that read a little bit of everything. Some books are wonderful food for my brain, others are just for fun. There’s a moment for everything in life.
So I don’t understand that thing about book clubs and reading only ‘good books’ recommended by those clubs.
The worst thing is that many times those serious books are contemporary books that will not survive their author’s life. I’m not going to mention names. But the Nobel prize list is full of these ‘great authors’ that are now completely forgotten.
IMHO, if you really want to read good Literary books, then go for the classics -nearly anything written more than fifty years ago that is still published. And you don’t need any book club to point them at you. The wikipedia will be enough. And they are in the public domain so you can have them for free.
But if you just want fun, then try any contemporary genre books -romance, suspense novels, historical novels, sci-fi. Your mental health would really improve.
Good romance novels also address character change– life lessons learned by their characters that over the course of the novel make them capable of love. That’s not fluffy. Also, historical romances allow the writers to use a flow and elegance of language/writing that contemporary “serious” novels often don’t have. I happen to think it’s better writing.
Good romance novels also address character change– life lessons learned by their characters that over the course of the novel make them capable of love. That’s not fluffy. Also, historical romances allow the writers to use a flow and elegance of language/writing that contemporary “serious” novels often don’t have. I happen to think it’s better writing.
Good romance novels also address character change– life lessons learned by their characters that over the course of the novel make them capable of love. That’s not fluffy. Also, historical romances allow the writers to use a flow and elegance of language/writing that contemporary “serious” novels often don’t have. I happen to think it’s better writing.
Good romance novels also address character change– life lessons learned by their characters that over the course of the novel make them capable of love. That’s not fluffy. Also, historical romances allow the writers to use a flow and elegance of language/writing that contemporary “serious” novels often don’t have. I happen to think it’s better writing.
Good romance novels also address character change– life lessons learned by their characters that over the course of the novel make them capable of love. That’s not fluffy. Also, historical romances allow the writers to use a flow and elegance of language/writing that contemporary “serious” novels often don’t have. I happen to think it’s better writing.
I do so agree with you — reading should be fun. It’s so ingrained in us that we should read “good” books that I used to feel guilty about not spending (wasting) time reading literary fiction of the type book clubs do. Now I’ve managed to overcome that; indeed I wonder whether book clubs were invented by publishers who realised that very few people would read their dreary books from choice.
I know now that there are very good romance novels, that enjoying a book does not mean that it somehow wasn’t worth reading, and that there is such a wide choice within the genre that I will always be able to find books I like within it.
I do so agree with you — reading should be fun. It’s so ingrained in us that we should read “good” books that I used to feel guilty about not spending (wasting) time reading literary fiction of the type book clubs do. Now I’ve managed to overcome that; indeed I wonder whether book clubs were invented by publishers who realised that very few people would read their dreary books from choice.
I know now that there are very good romance novels, that enjoying a book does not mean that it somehow wasn’t worth reading, and that there is such a wide choice within the genre that I will always be able to find books I like within it.
I do so agree with you — reading should be fun. It’s so ingrained in us that we should read “good” books that I used to feel guilty about not spending (wasting) time reading literary fiction of the type book clubs do. Now I’ve managed to overcome that; indeed I wonder whether book clubs were invented by publishers who realised that very few people would read their dreary books from choice.
I know now that there are very good romance novels, that enjoying a book does not mean that it somehow wasn’t worth reading, and that there is such a wide choice within the genre that I will always be able to find books I like within it.
I do so agree with you — reading should be fun. It’s so ingrained in us that we should read “good” books that I used to feel guilty about not spending (wasting) time reading literary fiction of the type book clubs do. Now I’ve managed to overcome that; indeed I wonder whether book clubs were invented by publishers who realised that very few people would read their dreary books from choice.
I know now that there are very good romance novels, that enjoying a book does not mean that it somehow wasn’t worth reading, and that there is such a wide choice within the genre that I will always be able to find books I like within it.
I do so agree with you — reading should be fun. It’s so ingrained in us that we should read “good” books that I used to feel guilty about not spending (wasting) time reading literary fiction of the type book clubs do. Now I’ve managed to overcome that; indeed I wonder whether book clubs were invented by publishers who realised that very few people would read their dreary books from choice.
I know now that there are very good romance novels, that enjoying a book does not mean that it somehow wasn’t worth reading, and that there is such a wide choice within the genre that I will always be able to find books I like within it.
I was so happy to see Rosemary Sutcliffe’s EAGLE on your list. I have been collecting her for years, after reading her since a pre-teen. Eagle is one of my favorites. Her history is so well written. Unfortunately, it is becoming more difficult to find her titles in the states.
I was so happy to see Rosemary Sutcliffe’s EAGLE on your list. I have been collecting her for years, after reading her since a pre-teen. Eagle is one of my favorites. Her history is so well written. Unfortunately, it is becoming more difficult to find her titles in the states.
I was so happy to see Rosemary Sutcliffe’s EAGLE on your list. I have been collecting her for years, after reading her since a pre-teen. Eagle is one of my favorites. Her history is so well written. Unfortunately, it is becoming more difficult to find her titles in the states.
I was so happy to see Rosemary Sutcliffe’s EAGLE on your list. I have been collecting her for years, after reading her since a pre-teen. Eagle is one of my favorites. Her history is so well written. Unfortunately, it is becoming more difficult to find her titles in the states.
I was so happy to see Rosemary Sutcliffe’s EAGLE on your list. I have been collecting her for years, after reading her since a pre-teen. Eagle is one of my favorites. Her history is so well written. Unfortunately, it is becoming more difficult to find her titles in the states.
When I was a young, single (employed) mother of three a co-worker accused me of reading “only” escape literature. My reply was “If I escape tonight after the kids are in bed and come back to work refreshed tomorrow, why is that a bad thing?”
I pretty much gave up on “mainstream” literature at the same time. Much of it is narcistic and shallow. Much of it is slanted toward ugly. As already noted, the news media gives us that. By ALL means read for joy.
When I was a young, single (employed) mother of three a co-worker accused me of reading “only” escape literature. My reply was “If I escape tonight after the kids are in bed and come back to work refreshed tomorrow, why is that a bad thing?”
I pretty much gave up on “mainstream” literature at the same time. Much of it is narcistic and shallow. Much of it is slanted toward ugly. As already noted, the news media gives us that. By ALL means read for joy.
When I was a young, single (employed) mother of three a co-worker accused me of reading “only” escape literature. My reply was “If I escape tonight after the kids are in bed and come back to work refreshed tomorrow, why is that a bad thing?”
I pretty much gave up on “mainstream” literature at the same time. Much of it is narcistic and shallow. Much of it is slanted toward ugly. As already noted, the news media gives us that. By ALL means read for joy.
When I was a young, single (employed) mother of three a co-worker accused me of reading “only” escape literature. My reply was “If I escape tonight after the kids are in bed and come back to work refreshed tomorrow, why is that a bad thing?”
I pretty much gave up on “mainstream” literature at the same time. Much of it is narcistic and shallow. Much of it is slanted toward ugly. As already noted, the news media gives us that. By ALL means read for joy.
When I was a young, single (employed) mother of three a co-worker accused me of reading “only” escape literature. My reply was “If I escape tonight after the kids are in bed and come back to work refreshed tomorrow, why is that a bad thing?”
I pretty much gave up on “mainstream” literature at the same time. Much of it is narcistic and shallow. Much of it is slanted toward ugly. As already noted, the news media gives us that. By ALL means read for joy.
I’ve really enjoyed this post and all the comments. So many eloquent comments as to why romance novels are a GOOD thing!
It is odd how so many people diss the romance genre and believe only gory or unhappy people books are good.
And yes….all those book clubs that only read “improving” books! I’ve sometimes thought there was something wrong with me because I just can’t get into all those angsty books. (I know angsty isn’t a real word but it should be.)
I’ve really enjoyed this post and all the comments. So many eloquent comments as to why romance novels are a GOOD thing!
It is odd how so many people diss the romance genre and believe only gory or unhappy people books are good.
And yes….all those book clubs that only read “improving” books! I’ve sometimes thought there was something wrong with me because I just can’t get into all those angsty books. (I know angsty isn’t a real word but it should be.)
I’ve really enjoyed this post and all the comments. So many eloquent comments as to why romance novels are a GOOD thing!
It is odd how so many people diss the romance genre and believe only gory or unhappy people books are good.
And yes….all those book clubs that only read “improving” books! I’ve sometimes thought there was something wrong with me because I just can’t get into all those angsty books. (I know angsty isn’t a real word but it should be.)
I’ve really enjoyed this post and all the comments. So many eloquent comments as to why romance novels are a GOOD thing!
It is odd how so many people diss the romance genre and believe only gory or unhappy people books are good.
And yes….all those book clubs that only read “improving” books! I’ve sometimes thought there was something wrong with me because I just can’t get into all those angsty books. (I know angsty isn’t a real word but it should be.)
I’ve really enjoyed this post and all the comments. So many eloquent comments as to why romance novels are a GOOD thing!
It is odd how so many people diss the romance genre and believe only gory or unhappy people books are good.
And yes….all those book clubs that only read “improving” books! I’ve sometimes thought there was something wrong with me because I just can’t get into all those angsty books. (I know angsty isn’t a real word but it should be.)
I agree angsty should be a word. And love Georgette Heyer’s books. Thanks for a lovely blog, from Fi who is smiling
I agree angsty should be a word. And love Georgette Heyer’s books. Thanks for a lovely blog, from Fi who is smiling
I agree angsty should be a word. And love Georgette Heyer’s books. Thanks for a lovely blog, from Fi who is smiling
I agree angsty should be a word. And love Georgette Heyer’s books. Thanks for a lovely blog, from Fi who is smiling
I agree angsty should be a word. And love Georgette Heyer’s books. Thanks for a lovely blog, from Fi who is smiling
I read a lot of romance novels when I was a teenager. Then for many years gave it up. Now in my 50’s I started reading them again. I can definitely say that the stories when done well deal with relationships and the way they shape the individual and their journey in life. My life experience also tells me this. Women in particular pay more attention to how they relate to family, community and friends. When all is said done romance novels deal with this aspect mostly from a woman’s POV. When done well the stories stay with you a long time and make a deep impression on your. But there are a lot of forgettable or run-of the mill ones too. In any case they are a lot of fun with a happy ending that stays with you long after the book is done.
I read a lot of romance novels when I was a teenager. Then for many years gave it up. Now in my 50’s I started reading them again. I can definitely say that the stories when done well deal with relationships and the way they shape the individual and their journey in life. My life experience also tells me this. Women in particular pay more attention to how they relate to family, community and friends. When all is said done romance novels deal with this aspect mostly from a woman’s POV. When done well the stories stay with you a long time and make a deep impression on your. But there are a lot of forgettable or run-of the mill ones too. In any case they are a lot of fun with a happy ending that stays with you long after the book is done.
I read a lot of romance novels when I was a teenager. Then for many years gave it up. Now in my 50’s I started reading them again. I can definitely say that the stories when done well deal with relationships and the way they shape the individual and their journey in life. My life experience also tells me this. Women in particular pay more attention to how they relate to family, community and friends. When all is said done romance novels deal with this aspect mostly from a woman’s POV. When done well the stories stay with you a long time and make a deep impression on your. But there are a lot of forgettable or run-of the mill ones too. In any case they are a lot of fun with a happy ending that stays with you long after the book is done.
I read a lot of romance novels when I was a teenager. Then for many years gave it up. Now in my 50’s I started reading them again. I can definitely say that the stories when done well deal with relationships and the way they shape the individual and their journey in life. My life experience also tells me this. Women in particular pay more attention to how they relate to family, community and friends. When all is said done romance novels deal with this aspect mostly from a woman’s POV. When done well the stories stay with you a long time and make a deep impression on your. But there are a lot of forgettable or run-of the mill ones too. In any case they are a lot of fun with a happy ending that stays with you long after the book is done.
I read a lot of romance novels when I was a teenager. Then for many years gave it up. Now in my 50’s I started reading them again. I can definitely say that the stories when done well deal with relationships and the way they shape the individual and their journey in life. My life experience also tells me this. Women in particular pay more attention to how they relate to family, community and friends. When all is said done romance novels deal with this aspect mostly from a woman’s POV. When done well the stories stay with you a long time and make a deep impression on your. But there are a lot of forgettable or run-of the mill ones too. In any case they are a lot of fun with a happy ending that stays with you long after the book is done.
COMPETITION!
Susan D/C got five out of six correct, so she wins the prize, which is a book from me. She correctly guessed the following:
1) The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Graham (I wasn’t thinking of this, but it certainly fits the description.
2) Faraway Tree books by Enid Blyton
3) The Borrowers by Mary Norton
5) Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight ( Again not what I had in mind but it fits the description
6) Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff
Where we differed was:
1) The stories I was particularly thinking of were the “Pookie” stories by Ivy Wallace — about a magical flying rabbit.
http://www.amazon.com/Ivy-Wallace/e/B0034P8NFC/wordwenches0b-20
4) There were heaps of “kids foil crooks” stories — I was thinking of Enid Blyton’s ” of Adventure” novels, or the Famous Five or her “Mystery of” series or any number of boarding school stories – of which Harry Potter is a descendant.
5) Finn the Wolfhound by A.J. Dawson was the book I was thinking of — a wonderful story of a wolfhound who is kidnapped and abused and managed to escape and find his way home. But there are lots of other stories of this kind — The Incredible Journey is another—all of which I devoured and wept through as a child. And as an adult I wept through Nop’s Trials just the same and hugged by dog every 10 minutes while reading it. 🙂
COMPETITION!
Susan D/C got five out of six correct, so she wins the prize, which is a book from me. She correctly guessed the following:
1) The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Graham (I wasn’t thinking of this, but it certainly fits the description.
2) Faraway Tree books by Enid Blyton
3) The Borrowers by Mary Norton
5) Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight ( Again not what I had in mind but it fits the description
6) Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff
Where we differed was:
1) The stories I was particularly thinking of were the “Pookie” stories by Ivy Wallace — about a magical flying rabbit.
http://www.amazon.com/Ivy-Wallace/e/B0034P8NFC/wordwenches0b-20
4) There were heaps of “kids foil crooks” stories — I was thinking of Enid Blyton’s ” of Adventure” novels, or the Famous Five or her “Mystery of” series or any number of boarding school stories – of which Harry Potter is a descendant.
5) Finn the Wolfhound by A.J. Dawson was the book I was thinking of — a wonderful story of a wolfhound who is kidnapped and abused and managed to escape and find his way home. But there are lots of other stories of this kind — The Incredible Journey is another—all of which I devoured and wept through as a child. And as an adult I wept through Nop’s Trials just the same and hugged by dog every 10 minutes while reading it. 🙂
COMPETITION!
Susan D/C got five out of six correct, so she wins the prize, which is a book from me. She correctly guessed the following:
1) The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Graham (I wasn’t thinking of this, but it certainly fits the description.
2) Faraway Tree books by Enid Blyton
3) The Borrowers by Mary Norton
5) Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight ( Again not what I had in mind but it fits the description
6) Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff
Where we differed was:
1) The stories I was particularly thinking of were the “Pookie” stories by Ivy Wallace — about a magical flying rabbit.
http://www.amazon.com/Ivy-Wallace/e/B0034P8NFC/wordwenches0b-20
4) There were heaps of “kids foil crooks” stories — I was thinking of Enid Blyton’s ” of Adventure” novels, or the Famous Five or her “Mystery of” series or any number of boarding school stories – of which Harry Potter is a descendant.
5) Finn the Wolfhound by A.J. Dawson was the book I was thinking of — a wonderful story of a wolfhound who is kidnapped and abused and managed to escape and find his way home. But there are lots of other stories of this kind — The Incredible Journey is another—all of which I devoured and wept through as a child. And as an adult I wept through Nop’s Trials just the same and hugged by dog every 10 minutes while reading it. 🙂
COMPETITION!
Susan D/C got five out of six correct, so she wins the prize, which is a book from me. She correctly guessed the following:
1) The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Graham (I wasn’t thinking of this, but it certainly fits the description.
2) Faraway Tree books by Enid Blyton
3) The Borrowers by Mary Norton
5) Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight ( Again not what I had in mind but it fits the description
6) Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff
Where we differed was:
1) The stories I was particularly thinking of were the “Pookie” stories by Ivy Wallace — about a magical flying rabbit.
http://www.amazon.com/Ivy-Wallace/e/B0034P8NFC/wordwenches0b-20
4) There were heaps of “kids foil crooks” stories — I was thinking of Enid Blyton’s ” of Adventure” novels, or the Famous Five or her “Mystery of” series or any number of boarding school stories – of which Harry Potter is a descendant.
5) Finn the Wolfhound by A.J. Dawson was the book I was thinking of — a wonderful story of a wolfhound who is kidnapped and abused and managed to escape and find his way home. But there are lots of other stories of this kind — The Incredible Journey is another—all of which I devoured and wept through as a child. And as an adult I wept through Nop’s Trials just the same and hugged by dog every 10 minutes while reading it. 🙂
COMPETITION!
Susan D/C got five out of six correct, so she wins the prize, which is a book from me. She correctly guessed the following:
1) The Wind in the Willows, by Kenneth Graham (I wasn’t thinking of this, but it certainly fits the description.
2) Faraway Tree books by Enid Blyton
3) The Borrowers by Mary Norton
5) Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight ( Again not what I had in mind but it fits the description
6) Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff
Where we differed was:
1) The stories I was particularly thinking of were the “Pookie” stories by Ivy Wallace — about a magical flying rabbit.
http://www.amazon.com/Ivy-Wallace/e/B0034P8NFC/wordwenches0b-20
4) There were heaps of “kids foil crooks” stories — I was thinking of Enid Blyton’s ” of Adventure” novels, or the Famous Five or her “Mystery of” series or any number of boarding school stories – of which Harry Potter is a descendant.
5) Finn the Wolfhound by A.J. Dawson was the book I was thinking of — a wonderful story of a wolfhound who is kidnapped and abused and managed to escape and find his way home. But there are lots of other stories of this kind — The Incredible Journey is another—all of which I devoured and wept through as a child. And as an adult I wept through Nop’s Trials just the same and hugged by dog every 10 minutes while reading it. 🙂
Shannon, how exciting to be ushering in a new little reader to a world of wonderful books. I can imagine the shoals, though — I know when I sent a friend some of my childhood faves, I was later horrified when I reread them and found some underlying racism, etc. — none of which I'd remembered. However my friend was fine with that — she said it was a good point of discussion.
The other lovely thing is that through your daughter you'll find some wonderful new authors. I know when I was teaching junior high school kids I found some fabulous new-to-me authors. I think a good children's book is readable and enjoyable to all age-groups.
Shannon, how exciting to be ushering in a new little reader to a world of wonderful books. I can imagine the shoals, though — I know when I sent a friend some of my childhood faves, I was later horrified when I reread them and found some underlying racism, etc. — none of which I'd remembered. However my friend was fine with that — she said it was a good point of discussion.
The other lovely thing is that through your daughter you'll find some wonderful new authors. I know when I was teaching junior high school kids I found some fabulous new-to-me authors. I think a good children's book is readable and enjoyable to all age-groups.
Shannon, how exciting to be ushering in a new little reader to a world of wonderful books. I can imagine the shoals, though — I know when I sent a friend some of my childhood faves, I was later horrified when I reread them and found some underlying racism, etc. — none of which I'd remembered. However my friend was fine with that — she said it was a good point of discussion.
The other lovely thing is that through your daughter you'll find some wonderful new authors. I know when I was teaching junior high school kids I found some fabulous new-to-me authors. I think a good children's book is readable and enjoyable to all age-groups.
Shannon, how exciting to be ushering in a new little reader to a world of wonderful books. I can imagine the shoals, though — I know when I sent a friend some of my childhood faves, I was later horrified when I reread them and found some underlying racism, etc. — none of which I'd remembered. However my friend was fine with that — she said it was a good point of discussion.
The other lovely thing is that through your daughter you'll find some wonderful new authors. I know when I was teaching junior high school kids I found some fabulous new-to-me authors. I think a good children's book is readable and enjoyable to all age-groups.
Shannon, how exciting to be ushering in a new little reader to a world of wonderful books. I can imagine the shoals, though — I know when I sent a friend some of my childhood faves, I was later horrified when I reread them and found some underlying racism, etc. — none of which I'd remembered. However my friend was fine with that — she said it was a good point of discussion.
The other lovely thing is that through your daughter you'll find some wonderful new authors. I know when I was teaching junior high school kids I found some fabulous new-to-me authors. I think a good children's book is readable and enjoyable to all age-groups.
Greyfriars Bobby is a true story, Cate, of a little dog that visited his dead master's grave every day for years afterward.
Here's the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Bobby
Greyfriars Bobby is a true story, Cate, of a little dog that visited his dead master's grave every day for years afterward.
Here's the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Bobby
Greyfriars Bobby is a true story, Cate, of a little dog that visited his dead master's grave every day for years afterward.
Here's the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Bobby
Greyfriars Bobby is a true story, Cate, of a little dog that visited his dead master's grave every day for years afterward.
Here's the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Bobby
Greyfriars Bobby is a true story, Cate, of a little dog that visited his dead master's grave every day for years afterward.
Here's the link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Bobby
Mary, yes, Wuthering Heights isn't what I call a romance though it is romantic in the broader sense. But there are plenty of books in which relationships that I consider abusive are portrayed as romances. A lot of people don't agree — they love them and see them as a journey. It's a taste thing — those books aren't my cup-of-tea, but if others enjoy them, fine.
I love this: "Barbara Metzger's Miss Lockharte's Letters has to be my all-time favorite with its amazing opening line: "I'm dying, and I never even had a dog."
Thanks for contributing to the discussion.
Mary, yes, Wuthering Heights isn't what I call a romance though it is romantic in the broader sense. But there are plenty of books in which relationships that I consider abusive are portrayed as romances. A lot of people don't agree — they love them and see them as a journey. It's a taste thing — those books aren't my cup-of-tea, but if others enjoy them, fine.
I love this: "Barbara Metzger's Miss Lockharte's Letters has to be my all-time favorite with its amazing opening line: "I'm dying, and I never even had a dog."
Thanks for contributing to the discussion.
Mary, yes, Wuthering Heights isn't what I call a romance though it is romantic in the broader sense. But there are plenty of books in which relationships that I consider abusive are portrayed as romances. A lot of people don't agree — they love them and see them as a journey. It's a taste thing — those books aren't my cup-of-tea, but if others enjoy them, fine.
I love this: "Barbara Metzger's Miss Lockharte's Letters has to be my all-time favorite with its amazing opening line: "I'm dying, and I never even had a dog."
Thanks for contributing to the discussion.
Mary, yes, Wuthering Heights isn't what I call a romance though it is romantic in the broader sense. But there are plenty of books in which relationships that I consider abusive are portrayed as romances. A lot of people don't agree — they love them and see them as a journey. It's a taste thing — those books aren't my cup-of-tea, but if others enjoy them, fine.
I love this: "Barbara Metzger's Miss Lockharte's Letters has to be my all-time favorite with its amazing opening line: "I'm dying, and I never even had a dog."
Thanks for contributing to the discussion.
Mary, yes, Wuthering Heights isn't what I call a romance though it is romantic in the broader sense. But there are plenty of books in which relationships that I consider abusive are portrayed as romances. A lot of people don't agree — they love them and see them as a journey. It's a taste thing — those books aren't my cup-of-tea, but if others enjoy them, fine.
I love this: "Barbara Metzger's Miss Lockharte's Letters has to be my all-time favorite with its amazing opening line: "I'm dying, and I never even had a dog."
Thanks for contributing to the discussion.
Bona, I so agree.
"Some books are wonderful food for my brain, others are just for fun. There's a moment for everything in life."
I don't understand the reading of book after book that you don't enjoy, especially if that's all you read. It's a bit too much like the old Victorian era habit of taking a dose of castor oil because "it does you good."
Reading is for all kinds of reasons, including for fun and pleasure and to make you feel happy. And romance does that best, IMO.
Bona, I so agree.
"Some books are wonderful food for my brain, others are just for fun. There's a moment for everything in life."
I don't understand the reading of book after book that you don't enjoy, especially if that's all you read. It's a bit too much like the old Victorian era habit of taking a dose of castor oil because "it does you good."
Reading is for all kinds of reasons, including for fun and pleasure and to make you feel happy. And romance does that best, IMO.
Bona, I so agree.
"Some books are wonderful food for my brain, others are just for fun. There's a moment for everything in life."
I don't understand the reading of book after book that you don't enjoy, especially if that's all you read. It's a bit too much like the old Victorian era habit of taking a dose of castor oil because "it does you good."
Reading is for all kinds of reasons, including for fun and pleasure and to make you feel happy. And romance does that best, IMO.
Bona, I so agree.
"Some books are wonderful food for my brain, others are just for fun. There's a moment for everything in life."
I don't understand the reading of book after book that you don't enjoy, especially if that's all you read. It's a bit too much like the old Victorian era habit of taking a dose of castor oil because "it does you good."
Reading is for all kinds of reasons, including for fun and pleasure and to make you feel happy. And romance does that best, IMO.
Bona, I so agree.
"Some books are wonderful food for my brain, others are just for fun. There's a moment for everything in life."
I don't understand the reading of book after book that you don't enjoy, especially if that's all you read. It's a bit too much like the old Victorian era habit of taking a dose of castor oil because "it does you good."
Reading is for all kinds of reasons, including for fun and pleasure and to make you feel happy. And romance does that best, IMO.
I agree, Merry — I have a list of books I give to people who think romance is pure fluff. And romance novels have given me some characters who've lived in my head for years.
I agree, Merry — I have a list of books I give to people who think romance is pure fluff. And romance novels have given me some characters who've lived in my head for years.
I agree, Merry — I have a list of books I give to people who think romance is pure fluff. And romance novels have given me some characters who've lived in my head for years.
I agree, Merry — I have a list of books I give to people who think romance is pure fluff. And romance novels have given me some characters who've lived in my head for years.
I agree, Merry — I have a list of books I give to people who think romance is pure fluff. And romance novels have given me some characters who've lived in my head for years.
I completely agree, HJ — It''s so short-sighted (and arrogant) to dismiss a whole genre — especially one so popular — by deciding it mustn't be worth reading.
It's like saying you'll eat only green vegetables, or reading books with an orange cover. Or you'll only walk if it's a marathon — not merely stroll for a pleasant walk —that everything worthy has to be serious. It's a very strange mindset.
I completely agree, HJ — It''s so short-sighted (and arrogant) to dismiss a whole genre — especially one so popular — by deciding it mustn't be worth reading.
It's like saying you'll eat only green vegetables, or reading books with an orange cover. Or you'll only walk if it's a marathon — not merely stroll for a pleasant walk —that everything worthy has to be serious. It's a very strange mindset.
I completely agree, HJ — It''s so short-sighted (and arrogant) to dismiss a whole genre — especially one so popular — by deciding it mustn't be worth reading.
It's like saying you'll eat only green vegetables, or reading books with an orange cover. Or you'll only walk if it's a marathon — not merely stroll for a pleasant walk —that everything worthy has to be serious. It's a very strange mindset.
I completely agree, HJ — It''s so short-sighted (and arrogant) to dismiss a whole genre — especially one so popular — by deciding it mustn't be worth reading.
It's like saying you'll eat only green vegetables, or reading books with an orange cover. Or you'll only walk if it's a marathon — not merely stroll for a pleasant walk —that everything worthy has to be serious. It's a very strange mindset.
I completely agree, HJ — It''s so short-sighted (and arrogant) to dismiss a whole genre — especially one so popular — by deciding it mustn't be worth reading.
It's like saying you'll eat only green vegetables, or reading books with an orange cover. Or you'll only walk if it's a marathon — not merely stroll for a pleasant walk —that everything worthy has to be serious. It's a very strange mindset.
She's wonderful isn't she Linda? I devoured the books as a kid, and then tracked them down to own as an adult, because Eagle of the Ninth stayed with me.
I learned a lot of history through Rosemary Sutcliff — and never even realized I was learning. It was just a good story — but I absorbed so much about the time.
I think we should write to her publishers and urge them to make her books available as e-books. What a treat to be able to buy all our old favorites again.
She's wonderful isn't she Linda? I devoured the books as a kid, and then tracked them down to own as an adult, because Eagle of the Ninth stayed with me.
I learned a lot of history through Rosemary Sutcliff — and never even realized I was learning. It was just a good story — but I absorbed so much about the time.
I think we should write to her publishers and urge them to make her books available as e-books. What a treat to be able to buy all our old favorites again.
She's wonderful isn't she Linda? I devoured the books as a kid, and then tracked them down to own as an adult, because Eagle of the Ninth stayed with me.
I learned a lot of history through Rosemary Sutcliff — and never even realized I was learning. It was just a good story — but I absorbed so much about the time.
I think we should write to her publishers and urge them to make her books available as e-books. What a treat to be able to buy all our old favorites again.
She's wonderful isn't she Linda? I devoured the books as a kid, and then tracked them down to own as an adult, because Eagle of the Ninth stayed with me.
I learned a lot of history through Rosemary Sutcliff — and never even realized I was learning. It was just a good story — but I absorbed so much about the time.
I think we should write to her publishers and urge them to make her books available as e-books. What a treat to be able to buy all our old favorites again.
She's wonderful isn't she Linda? I devoured the books as a kid, and then tracked them down to own as an adult, because Eagle of the Ninth stayed with me.
I learned a lot of history through Rosemary Sutcliff — and never even realized I was learning. It was just a good story — but I absorbed so much about the time.
I think we should write to her publishers and urge them to make her books available as e-books. What a treat to be able to buy all our old favorites again.
Sue, I identify heavily with this comment of yours:
""If I escape tonight after the kids are in bed and come back to work refreshed tomorrow, why is that a bad thing?""
Before I was able to support myself as a writer, I was in a busy and stressful job, with lots of extra responsibilities, and reading for fun was a way to unwind. I'd dive into another world, another time, another person's life, and my own realities would settle.
I pity anyone who's never read for joy and escapism.
Sue, I identify heavily with this comment of yours:
""If I escape tonight after the kids are in bed and come back to work refreshed tomorrow, why is that a bad thing?""
Before I was able to support myself as a writer, I was in a busy and stressful job, with lots of extra responsibilities, and reading for fun was a way to unwind. I'd dive into another world, another time, another person's life, and my own realities would settle.
I pity anyone who's never read for joy and escapism.
Sue, I identify heavily with this comment of yours:
""If I escape tonight after the kids are in bed and come back to work refreshed tomorrow, why is that a bad thing?""
Before I was able to support myself as a writer, I was in a busy and stressful job, with lots of extra responsibilities, and reading for fun was a way to unwind. I'd dive into another world, another time, another person's life, and my own realities would settle.
I pity anyone who's never read for joy and escapism.
Sue, I identify heavily with this comment of yours:
""If I escape tonight after the kids are in bed and come back to work refreshed tomorrow, why is that a bad thing?""
Before I was able to support myself as a writer, I was in a busy and stressful job, with lots of extra responsibilities, and reading for fun was a way to unwind. I'd dive into another world, another time, another person's life, and my own realities would settle.
I pity anyone who's never read for joy and escapism.
Sue, I identify heavily with this comment of yours:
""If I escape tonight after the kids are in bed and come back to work refreshed tomorrow, why is that a bad thing?""
Before I was able to support myself as a writer, I was in a busy and stressful job, with lots of extra responsibilities, and reading for fun was a way to unwind. I'd dive into another world, another time, another person's life, and my own realities would settle.
I pity anyone who's never read for joy and escapism.
Vicki, "angsty" is indeed a real word — I just looked up the Oxford English Dictionary and though it was added in 2005, the first recorded written use of it was in 1956. So — it's official. *g*
"
ˈangsty adj. characterized by angst.
1956 Oxf. Mag. 75 84/2 (heading) Angsty young men.
2003 A. Greenwald Nothing feels Good ii. 31 The kids in high school liked moshing to the angsty sounds of grunge, but it didn't make them feel any better when they were home alone in their bedrooms."
Vicki, "angsty" is indeed a real word — I just looked up the Oxford English Dictionary and though it was added in 2005, the first recorded written use of it was in 1956. So — it's official. *g*
"
ˈangsty adj. characterized by angst.
1956 Oxf. Mag. 75 84/2 (heading) Angsty young men.
2003 A. Greenwald Nothing feels Good ii. 31 The kids in high school liked moshing to the angsty sounds of grunge, but it didn't make them feel any better when they were home alone in their bedrooms."
Vicki, "angsty" is indeed a real word — I just looked up the Oxford English Dictionary and though it was added in 2005, the first recorded written use of it was in 1956. So — it's official. *g*
"
ˈangsty adj. characterized by angst.
1956 Oxf. Mag. 75 84/2 (heading) Angsty young men.
2003 A. Greenwald Nothing feels Good ii. 31 The kids in high school liked moshing to the angsty sounds of grunge, but it didn't make them feel any better when they were home alone in their bedrooms."
Vicki, "angsty" is indeed a real word — I just looked up the Oxford English Dictionary and though it was added in 2005, the first recorded written use of it was in 1956. So — it's official. *g*
"
ˈangsty adj. characterized by angst.
1956 Oxf. Mag. 75 84/2 (heading) Angsty young men.
2003 A. Greenwald Nothing feels Good ii. 31 The kids in high school liked moshing to the angsty sounds of grunge, but it didn't make them feel any better when they were home alone in their bedrooms."
Vicki, "angsty" is indeed a real word — I just looked up the Oxford English Dictionary and though it was added in 2005, the first recorded written use of it was in 1956. So — it's official. *g*
"
ˈangsty adj. characterized by angst.
1956 Oxf. Mag. 75 84/2 (heading) Angsty young men.
2003 A. Greenwald Nothing feels Good ii. 31 The kids in high school liked moshing to the angsty sounds of grunge, but it didn't make them feel any better when they were home alone in their bedrooms."
Thanks, Fi — and it IS a word. 🙂
Thanks, Fi — and it IS a word. 🙂
Thanks, Fi — and it IS a word. 🙂
Thanks, Fi — and it IS a word. 🙂
Thanks, Fi — and it IS a word. 🙂
Prema, that's very true. Some romances are wonderfully deep and memorable, others are light and fun and forgettable. I enjoy both kinds — it depends on my mood.
And this is so true as well, I think: "t the stories when done well deal with relationships and the way they shape the individual and their journey in life. My life experience also tells me this. Women in particular pay more attention to how they relate to family, community and friends. "
And that is probably one reason why romances appeal to women more than men.
Prema, that's very true. Some romances are wonderfully deep and memorable, others are light and fun and forgettable. I enjoy both kinds — it depends on my mood.
And this is so true as well, I think: "t the stories when done well deal with relationships and the way they shape the individual and their journey in life. My life experience also tells me this. Women in particular pay more attention to how they relate to family, community and friends. "
And that is probably one reason why romances appeal to women more than men.
Prema, that's very true. Some romances are wonderfully deep and memorable, others are light and fun and forgettable. I enjoy both kinds — it depends on my mood.
And this is so true as well, I think: "t the stories when done well deal with relationships and the way they shape the individual and their journey in life. My life experience also tells me this. Women in particular pay more attention to how they relate to family, community and friends. "
And that is probably one reason why romances appeal to women more than men.
Prema, that's very true. Some romances are wonderfully deep and memorable, others are light and fun and forgettable. I enjoy both kinds — it depends on my mood.
And this is so true as well, I think: "t the stories when done well deal with relationships and the way they shape the individual and their journey in life. My life experience also tells me this. Women in particular pay more attention to how they relate to family, community and friends. "
And that is probably one reason why romances appeal to women more than men.
Prema, that's very true. Some romances are wonderfully deep and memorable, others are light and fun and forgettable. I enjoy both kinds — it depends on my mood.
And this is so true as well, I think: "t the stories when done well deal with relationships and the way they shape the individual and their journey in life. My life experience also tells me this. Women in particular pay more attention to how they relate to family, community and friends. "
And that is probably one reason why romances appeal to women more than men.
I’m very excited to have won, especially since the prize is a book. I recently celebrated a birthday, and my sister knew exactly what to give me: a gift certificate to my local bookstore (needless to say it’s already been spent). I think children’s books are like romances in that they may have certain familiar tropes — hence the numerous books that fit your categories — but are definitely not all alike.
I’m very excited to have won, especially since the prize is a book. I recently celebrated a birthday, and my sister knew exactly what to give me: a gift certificate to my local bookstore (needless to say it’s already been spent). I think children’s books are like romances in that they may have certain familiar tropes — hence the numerous books that fit your categories — but are definitely not all alike.
I’m very excited to have won, especially since the prize is a book. I recently celebrated a birthday, and my sister knew exactly what to give me: a gift certificate to my local bookstore (needless to say it’s already been spent). I think children’s books are like romances in that they may have certain familiar tropes — hence the numerous books that fit your categories — but are definitely not all alike.
I’m very excited to have won, especially since the prize is a book. I recently celebrated a birthday, and my sister knew exactly what to give me: a gift certificate to my local bookstore (needless to say it’s already been spent). I think children’s books are like romances in that they may have certain familiar tropes — hence the numerous books that fit your categories — but are definitely not all alike.
I’m very excited to have won, especially since the prize is a book. I recently celebrated a birthday, and my sister knew exactly what to give me: a gift certificate to my local bookstore (needless to say it’s already been spent). I think children’s books are like romances in that they may have certain familiar tropes — hence the numerous books that fit your categories — but are definitely not all alike.
Well…maybe I should look up more of those “words I don’t think are real words” that I come up with! I’ll have to find a way to use it again. Grin.
Well…maybe I should look up more of those “words I don’t think are real words” that I come up with! I’ll have to find a way to use it again. Grin.
Well…maybe I should look up more of those “words I don’t think are real words” that I come up with! I’ll have to find a way to use it again. Grin.
Well…maybe I should look up more of those “words I don’t think are real words” that I come up with! I’ll have to find a way to use it again. Grin.
Well…maybe I should look up more of those “words I don’t think are real words” that I come up with! I’ll have to find a way to use it again. Grin.