So I’m in Borders and I can’t help but eavesdrop. I’m sorry, but if you’re going to stand in the middle of a bookstore and carry on conversations don’t think they’re private! ANYHOW… there was this guy yammering on and on to a woman about the error of her reading ways. I think they were friends or at least acquaintances, at least I hope so. He was giving her an earful about how her reading choices totally help degrade our society… moronic… waste of brain matter… blah… blah… blah.
His suggestion? She needs to read ‘serious’ fiction and books that matter. As I heard her apologizing (!?) for liking ‘fluffy’ books I was no longer in hearing distance so I don’t know how their conversation finished. I just know I was really peeved that once again the serious brigade struck and tried to discredit reading for fun.
Here’s my philosophy: read what you want. Choosing romance, sci-fi, mystery, westerns, YA, vampires, or whatever other type of novel you want doesn’t make you any less intelligent or deep as the person who’s buying up the drama, pain, and suffering… aka the “critically acclaimed” stuff. In my mind, whatever you want to read, or watch on TV or movies, is your own personal choice.
That said, I personally like the happier side of reading. The birthday cake and chocolate bars of books, if you will. So if any of you are with me on the happy train, here’s a few books I’ve read in 2009 that I liked. 🙂
Too good to be true was pure romantic comedy fun. She learns some important lessons and at the same time finds love. Plus there’s a dog. Love books with dogs.
Karma Girl by Jennifer Estep is a book that was recommended to me by a blog reader. It took me long enough to get it and read it, but dang I’m glad I did. Totally cracked me up and I loved her take on the superhero world. She’s not a superhero- she just finds their (barely hidden) secret identities. If you’re into super hero stuff you might just have fun with this one.
Most of the time I don’t like historical novels… this is an exception for sure! Lord of Scoundrels ranks way up high with some of my Jane Austen fave books.
Now looking through my reading pile I see I have many in my TBR (to be read) list just waiting their turn. Here’s hoping for some free time to do more reading! In the meantime, as always, if you’ve got any suggestions please feel free to share!
Have a great weekend-
I am so glad you read Karma Girl!!! there are 2 more in the series…Hot Momma and Jinx which are the same characters but focus on different members of the superheros!
http://www.jenniferestep.com/
If you need more interesting books let me know!
Hugs!
Froggy
I am with you on this one. I read to enjoy myself and get lost in another story. If I want to be depressed I will watch the news. What some one does with their leasure time is up to them.
i’m reading “everyone worth knowing” by lauren weisberger right now. you know, the author of the devil wears prada. it’s been an enjoyable read so far. if you liked dwp, then this is a good choice. i didn’t feel like it had as slow of a start as some of the other books i’ve been reading lately. as a result, i’ve been flying through it… well “flying” for me anyway. :]
as you already know, i totally agree with your reading philosophy. :] i read enough serious/educational stuff for school. and i can honestly say that reading my “happy” books has still provided me with the opportunity to expand my vocabulary several times. “love walked in” was full of gre vocab words. :]
ITA about reading what you like!!! Especially in these serious times, I need a “light” read. Although I saw yesterday that “The Host” by Stephanie Meyers is still on the top list. I cried like a baby when I read this book. Loved it!!
Why do other people feel they have the right to tell us what to read/watch and dad gummit think???
I used to read a mix of books but now I read 99% romance – I like a happy ending :-).
Libby
I agree with you people should read what they want at that moment it time we all know what we will enjoy next. . .
Oh thank you for some suggestions…I always like what you suggest so I need to make a list and go to the library soon. I read the Hunger Games recently and loved it. Book 2 comes out in Sept.
I’m with you. If I’m going to get bored while I’m reading, then I won’t read. I like books because they’re like a movie in my head.