I'm having a problem. The only book I've been able to stomach in the last three months has been a romance novel by Julia Quinn. And I read it in one night.I wish I could say this hasn't happened before.
It has.
The truth is, about a year and a half ago when I was in London, my mother pulled out "The Duke and I", the first in the Quinn Bridgerton series, because she couldn't concentrate on the plane over. After scoffing and rolling my eyes and looking down from my lofty classic lit heights, I read the damn thing my first night there.
But that's not all.
Soon, EVERY time we passed anything that MIGHT have books in it, I ran in and died six hundred deaths every time I had to ask some seventeen year old Oasis tee shirt wearing clerk if they had any Julia Quinn. At Waterstones, he actually said, "I'm sorry. That would be in the FEMALE section." As if I were asking for tampons. Pretty similar though, when you think about it and equally embarrassing. I read 7 books on my vacation and came home and finished every single book she has ever written.
Why?! What is this power they hold? I don't like other romance authors, can't bear the idiocy and yet, say Julia Quinn and I'm a slave for you!
Help me readers, what is this mystic force romance writers hold over us? Why are the books impossible to put down? How is it that they MUST be read the very first night of purchase or we will simply diiiiiieeeee?
I have lovely books at home, romantic, thought provoking, ambient books. And there they remain, at home. At least for these last three months.
Julia! You've ruined me!
Coming from another closet Julia Quinn fan, I think it's a sense of living vicariously. At least it is for me. I don't know if that makes any sort of sense, but there it is.
ReplyDeleteI am privileged to know many, many incredible, intellectual romance writers through RWA. Check out Isobel Carr, Janet Mullany, Jo Beverley, Pam Rosenthal to name just a few. These ladies know their literature, their history, and how to tell a satisfying love story, which is the most difficult kind of book to write. I tried, failed, and went back to writing other stuff.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm a proud reader of romance novels!
Did he really say, "The FEMALE section?" Makes me want to turn him him over to the ladies at:
http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/
Thanks for the recommendations, Jane! And yes, he really did say the "female" section. Whatever. Midol. Tampons. Chocolate. Romance novels. Either point me in the right direction or get out of my way:)
ReplyDeleteokay, i have never heard of julia quinn...and i've been neeeeeeding her! i am sick of trudging through books that are supposed to be meaningful and insightful! i WANT one of those novels that propels me to read all through the night. thank you, thank you--you merciful tampon shopper.
ReplyDeleteHa! Britt -- Start with "The Duke and I"! And then tell us what you think!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! Cracks me up!! The FEMALE section, indeed! I have to say that I like a good, easy read romance novel when I want to read but don't want anything heavy. It's nice to have a balance of heavy and light reading. I'll have to check her out. (still chuckling) Love your unabashed honesty!
ReplyDeleteWhen the romance book is written well, it's the escapism, the romance, the adventure, living vicariously through another. Good romance books make your stomach flutter as your heroine's does. And I think it's wonderful :)
ReplyDeleteThis was the most amazing book I've ever read. In fact, it change my life completely! Actually, this is a plead for you to follow my blog. I only have one follower, your sister.
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge fan of Julia Quinn for years and I had high hopes for this book.
ReplyDeletekamagra