What's up with all the tacky western romance novels?

[doreenjoy]

Of course there are ways to be constructive with criticism. I believe I posted earlier in the thread that I found the original post rather sanctimonious.

Tastes differ, but I would hardly say in a public forum that I find a certain genre "silly". And there are plenty of genres I find silly.

[Terisa de morgan]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I'm seeing a bunch of tacky western romance novels being purchased for public libraries. So what's up with it all? Romance is bad enough, but to add in a western setting, this just goes beyond normal tacky.

As people say, why romance is bad enough? Have you read a lot of romance books so you have a wise opinion? Or only a prejudice? And what about western? Same thing, same prejudice? Sorry, I'm not very polite but you haven't been it either.

[KarenH]

Every genre has its share of amazingly good and amazinly bad books, and western romance is no different. Some are extremely tacky (which can sometimes be fun if that's what you happen to be looking for) and some are well-written, extensively researched, and historically accurate. Most fall somewhere in the middle. Quite a few of them could probably be published as mainstream historical fiction instead of historical romance without changing a word and would be best-sellers. A lot of people see the word "romance" and immediately think all fluff and no substance, and that's not the case anymore. Sure, those books still exist (and still have a huge following), but that's not all there is to romance these days.

[hnoto]

I think the main problem we are having (not just on this thread, or on this board, but out in the world) is a general lack of respect for one genre of books over another. I don't have to LIKE to read military history, however, I would never put down those people who DO like to read it. I wouldn't assume the readers are dull and boring. However, people who don't LIKE romance do put down not only the books and the authors, but belittle the people who enjoy it. We romance readers are silly and ridiculous. If this genre was written/read mainly by men, I don't think we would hear this type of criticism. It is universal--many romance readers feel the urge to belittle THEMSELVES for liking a good story.

[Dopedangel]

The only problem I have with bodice rippers is that over the last few years is some very good urban fantsy authors have gone the way of porn and although I could read the books of these authors on my reader without anyone knowing or giving me wierd looks but I am a guy in his twenties so my physical response would give me away in the train where I do most of my reading

[kazbates]

Originally Posted by hnoto

I think the main problem we are having (not just on this thread, or on this board, but out in the world) is a general lack of respect for one genre of books over another. I don't have to LIKE to read military history, however, I would never put down those people who DO like to read it. I wouldn't assume the readers are dull and boring. However, people who don't LIKE romance do put down not only the books and the authors, but belittle the people who enjoy it. We romance readers are silly and ridiculous. If this genre was written/read mainly by men, I don't think we would hear this type of criticism. It is universal--many romance readers feel the urge to belittle THEMSELVES for liking a good story.

The same can be said about many other areas, not just book genres. Someone disagrees with you about religion or politics or even the type of sandwich you order at the sub shop and they decide to label you as inferior in some way. I've often felt that people belittle other people's views to bolster their own. When that happens, I just shake my head and move on.

When I first read the title of this thread, I thought (and hoped) that it was an ill conceived attempt at a joke and not a misguided attempt to stir up controversy. I'm still hoping that's the case. What can I say, I'm an eternal optimist.

I am an avid romance reader. I like to immerse myself in a story so that I can escape for awhile into a world where there is almost always a happy ending. Simple, I know, but it works for me. My husband likes to read those military histories. I wouldn't say he's boring (of course, I would say that because I'm married to him ), but I do think his choice of reading material is.

[doreenjoy]

Originally Posted by kazbates

I am an avid romance reader. I like to immerse myself in a story so that I can escape for awhile into a world where there is almost always a happy ending. Simple, I know, but it works for me. My husband likes to read those military histories. I wouldn't say he's boring (of course, I would say that because I'm married to him ), but I do think his choice of reading material is.

I know what you mean; my spouse is also addicted to war documentaries. Last time I saw him watching a WWII documentary on TV, I said, "Tell me who wins" and left the room.

I agree on the happy endings. Too many things in life end badly. Most of the time I want to escape into a book where I know in the end, at least two people will be happy.

[kazbates]

Originally Posted by doreenjoy

I know what you mean; my spouse is also addicted to war documentaries. Last time I saw him watching a WWII documentary on TV, I said, "Tell me who wins" and left the room.

I've done the same thing! He never understands why I don't want to sit and watch "Band of Brothers" or "Kelly's Heros" with him. I always tell him I know how it turns out.

I agree on the happy endings. Too many things in life end badly. Most of the time I want to escape into a book where I know in the end, at least two people will be happy.

Exactly!!

[Terisa de morgan]

Originally Posted by Dopedangel

The only problem I have with bodice rippers is that over the last few years is some very good urban fantsy authors have gone the way of porn and although I could read the books of these authors on my reader without anyone knowing or giving me wierd looks but I am a guy in his twenties so my physical response would give me away in the train where I do most of my reading

What's the relation between porn and romance books? Please, explain If you think they're the same, please, read a Lyn Kurland's book and we talk again

[doreenjoy]

Originally Posted by Dopedangel

The only problem I have with bodice rippers is that over the last few years is some very good urban fantsy authors have gone the way of porn and although I could read the books of these authors on my reader without anyone knowing or giving me wierd looks but I am a guy in his twenties so my physical response would give me away in the train where I do most of my reading

What's wrong with porn?

[Ea]

Originally Posted by doreenjoy

What's wrong with porn?

I don't think he says there's anything wrong with porn - it's the location in which he reads it

[Ea]

Originally Posted by Terisa de morgan

What's the relation between porn and romance books? Please, explain If you think they're the same, please, read a Lyn Kurland's book and we talk again

I can definitely agree that there is, or can be, great stylistic differences, but the little romance I've read certainly straddles the thin line to porn/erotica.

[Terisa de morgan]

Originally Posted by Ea

I can definitely agree that there is, or can be, great stylistic differences, but the little romance I've read certainly straddles the thin line to porn/erotica.

I see :-D There're all kind of "hot" levels at romance books (the same with the rest of the novels, I remember a Ken Follet's book very, very hot and nobody calls it porn).

[Ea]

Originally Posted by Terisa de morgan

I see :-D There're all kind of "hot" levels at romance books (the same with the rest of the novels, I remember a Ken Follet's book very, very hot and nobody calls it porn).

I don't like all that mushy stuff

[Terisa de morgan]

Originally Posted by Ea

I don't like all that mushy stuff

I don't like mushy either