I like to read books that make me think for the most part, although there are times when a book just has to entertain me for a little while. Those "fluffy" books serve a purpose to help me de-stress perhaps, but they get annoying if I read them too often. I found Taylor Jenkins books to be rather "fluffy," although they were fun to read one at a time. I just finished reading Niall Williams "The Time of the Child," and it still has me thinking. I can't figure out how I feel about it. It was kind of annoying because the author used long run-on sentences for the most part, and the chapters were way too long, but his use of language was fun. He described people using such metaphors that they came to life and were amusing. I love reading your blog each week!! Thank you! I always end up adding books to my To Be Read pile.
And I loved the ending to Time of the Child. Clever! But the doctor was my favorite character. Was this the novel where the townspeople watched tv outside the window of the one person who had one? Derry Girls!
I liked the doctor, too, although Ronnie wasn't fully developed, she was central to the story. I liked the ending, too. Smart woman figured out how to solve the problem. Who needs a man?? It had to be mortifying for her father to presume she couldn't get who she wanted--and maybe a bit narcissistic of him to think she wouldn't have gone for Noel if she really wanted him, although it was interesting that the baby was named Noelle. How about the young priest? He had a LOT to learn!!
I'm here, and I always enjoy your thoughtful pieces. Thank you, Christine Beck. My historical fiction has just gone onto Bookbub for promotion. I hope you'll read it. The cover is not pastel and the title not romantic. "Salt & Honey". I do write for women. Thinking ones, I hope. Like you and your readers.
I enjoyed one of the comments below which noted that sometimes, especially in times of stress, a fluffy book is a great de-stressor...rather like the Hallmark Channel. And I agree with your thoughtful piece...I appreciate a book that makes me think and is gender non-specific or, as noted by another reader below, just really great fiction. Thank you for your wonderful pieces.
I think there is a place for all kinds of genre fiction, including books that are just supposed to be fun and have no real pretensions to high literary quality. But really great fiction is not men's fiction or women's fiction, it's for all of us.
Peter, I agree. But I want to choose what genre I’m reading. Example: crime fiction. And although I take your point about non-gendered books, give me an example with a male protagonist whose major objective is looking for love. Even Intermezzo, which I really like, was more about two brothers dealing with grief than looking for love.
But I wasn't disagreeing with you, Christine. I don't doubt that the genres exist, and I have no particular quarrel with them. (Though for me, at least, it would be unusual to say to myself, "Now I want to read a book from [fill-in-the-blank genre.") Nor do I doubt that "women's fiction" has the characteristics you name. I just think that the greater a book, the more it transcends genre.
I like to read books that make me think for the most part, although there are times when a book just has to entertain me for a little while. Those "fluffy" books serve a purpose to help me de-stress perhaps, but they get annoying if I read them too often. I found Taylor Jenkins books to be rather "fluffy," although they were fun to read one at a time. I just finished reading Niall Williams "The Time of the Child," and it still has me thinking. I can't figure out how I feel about it. It was kind of annoying because the author used long run-on sentences for the most part, and the chapters were way too long, but his use of language was fun. He described people using such metaphors that they came to life and were amusing. I love reading your blog each week!! Thank you! I always end up adding books to my To Be Read pile.
And I loved the ending to Time of the Child. Clever! But the doctor was my favorite character. Was this the novel where the townspeople watched tv outside the window of the one person who had one? Derry Girls!
I liked the doctor, too, although Ronnie wasn't fully developed, she was central to the story. I liked the ending, too. Smart woman figured out how to solve the problem. Who needs a man?? It had to be mortifying for her father to presume she couldn't get who she wanted--and maybe a bit narcissistic of him to think she wouldn't have gone for Noel if she really wanted him, although it was interesting that the baby was named Noelle. How about the young priest? He had a LOT to learn!!
In a way--the postmistress positioned the TV so that everyone could see they had one. Braggart. LOL It does remind me of Derry Girls a bit.
WOW! Christine must have a book in hand or on a screen 24/7. I am in awe of all she reads! Vivian Shipley
I'm here, and I always enjoy your thoughtful pieces. Thank you, Christine Beck. My historical fiction has just gone onto Bookbub for promotion. I hope you'll read it. The cover is not pastel and the title not romantic. "Salt & Honey". I do write for women. Thinking ones, I hope. Like you and your readers.
Thanks Candi. I’ll look forward to reading your work!
I enjoyed one of the comments below which noted that sometimes, especially in times of stress, a fluffy book is a great de-stressor...rather like the Hallmark Channel. And I agree with your thoughtful piece...I appreciate a book that makes me think and is gender non-specific or, as noted by another reader below, just really great fiction. Thank you for your wonderful pieces.
Nancy, I’m reading My Salinger Year right now. Joanna Rakoff. It’s fun! But also well written.
Thank you for the suggestions....will check!!
I think there is a place for all kinds of genre fiction, including books that are just supposed to be fun and have no real pretensions to high literary quality. But really great fiction is not men's fiction or women's fiction, it's for all of us.
Peter, I agree. But I want to choose what genre I’m reading. Example: crime fiction. And although I take your point about non-gendered books, give me an example with a male protagonist whose major objective is looking for love. Even Intermezzo, which I really like, was more about two brothers dealing with grief than looking for love.
Gatsby? : )
But I wasn't disagreeing with you, Christine. I don't doubt that the genres exist, and I have no particular quarrel with them. (Though for me, at least, it would be unusual to say to myself, "Now I want to read a book from [fill-in-the-blank genre.") Nor do I doubt that "women's fiction" has the characteristics you name. I just think that the greater a book, the more it transcends genre.