Thursday

Don't Knock 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.

The reason is that almost everyone has had dreams of romantic encounters, and most have had real ones of their very own. Those who have not had the pleasure yet look forward to their first romance. Those who've had one or more encounters with true love like the reminders that reading about fictional romances bring.

Being in love is great. You're the center of attention to someone else in a way that can't be duplicated. In return, all you want to do is let that person know how much you love them, how special they are. The stories of beautiful women (almost always) who encounter handsome men (almost always) trigger echoes of the strong emotions that true love inspires. What's not to like?

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.

Of course, there are rotten novels, too. But so what? If you enjoy them, then they're OK. And there are a million good ones, so ask around for those your friends can recommend. Then settle down for light entertainment that can make you laugh, cry, and sigh. And if someone makes fun of your taste, lend them one of your favorites. They just might like it.




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