mardi 19 janvier 2016

Let's Hear It For Chick Lit Romance Books

By Michael Barnes


The 'boy meets girl' plot seems destined to go on forever. The romance novel genre is built on it, with seldom a variation. However, that doesn't invalidate the scenario as a portrayal of life. Chick lit romance books make good reading for good reason.

These books make readers remember the romances they had themselves, whether in real time or in day dreams. When you love someone, and they love you, the universe narrows down to the enchanted circle the two of you inhabit. Reading fictional accounts bring back the warm and fuzzy emotions of those times, and people love the reminder. They can relate to lovers, even those that are star crossed to move the plot along.

Falling in love is a great - whatever. Perhaps it's mere infatuation, a deception in which we all participate willingly. That's where the saying 'Love is blind' comes from. Sometimes it's 'true' love that endures forever, but it always holds out that promise at the beginning. It's a sparkling time, when all things are possible and the world seems a brighter place. Or, it's a great tragedy, when emotions run deep and at least you're alive.

The standard plot is that a beautiful girl - now woman, sometimes - runs across the path of a handsome man. It may be accidental, but it's always destiny. Poor girl meets glamorous prince, or perhaps poor little rich girl meets dashing but impoverished guy (with promise, however.)

Rags to riches or love on a crust of bread all make for good reading. The complications that arise from misunderstandings, interference from jealous rivals or disapproving parents, or even mysterious obstacles from the murky past all serve to drag things out. Joy, then tears, then reconciliation and ecstasy for ever and ever are the usual progression. The best writers can take this formula and make believable characters and situations that fully satisfy the most exacting reader.

Some variations on the theme are brilliant, while others are feeble. The recent vampire blockbusters are examples of the same old story with a clever new twist. This is escapist reading at its best, with all the mutual attraction, obstacles to happiness, and danger that anyone could want.

Classics in this genre are 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Wuthering Heights". Not even the strongest critics deny the literary merit of Jane Austen. The comedy of manners is a portrayal of life as it once was; newer romances show modern life as we hope it can be. This kind of light reading is fun and relaxing, and true love makes the everyday world a magical places.

The real question is how much you enjoy this kind of book. If the answer is a lot, go for it without shame. Millions of readers are on the same journey with you. If what you want is pure entertainment that makes you cry, laugh, and sigh, nothing beats a good 'true love' story.




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