The Taboo of Reading Romance

I published this post on my other blog Lair of a Wordsmith but as it is a book related post, I believe it should be here too.

I love reading Romance.

There, I said it.

View this post on Instagram

@vibhybatra's #GlitterAndGloss had been on my TBR for long but I started reading it today. From Misha's POV, it's exciting to see the mundane in a new light. The screw ups she is making and starry eyes she is getting. This scene is not the first one that made me laugh and I'm just 24 pages in, really. What made me put this up, is that it's usually the guy praising a girl's skin and not vice versa. But this conversations seems honest to goodness true. Getting to know Misha in the pages I have read, I can totally see her doing such stuff. Uttering foot in mouth sentences and all. I should have picked it up earlier. My loss. Everyone needs such entertainment in life. #bookgram #bookstagram #igreads #indianauthor #pakistanireader

A post shared by Hina Tabassum Khatri (@khatrihina) on Nov 22, 2016 at 4:46am PST

I am not particularly well versed about how reading romance is taken the world over, but I can talk about the place and the people I have had misfortune to interact with over the years. These include family, friends, and a huge score of acquaintances.

Back in school, when I first started reading romances, I loved the genre. I mean, why not? If you are not reading for the hot moments, you see and learn so much from a romance. There is so much that you can relate to in your real life.

As I stated above, I started reading romances back in school but I never placed the genre on the list of the ones I read or liked. Why? I give you a list!

• Romance novels are frivolous
• Reading romance is such a waste of time
• You learn nothing while reading romance
• Romance gives you unrealistic ideals and you are never happy
• Romance makes you want things unreal
• You are only reading it for the hotness level
• The bodice ripper covers are the ones attracting you
• Romance is nothing but soft porn
• Reading romance does not even constitute reading

The people who read other genres look down at you when they come to know you read romances. I am ashamed to say that there was a time when I hid this about me. But today? I do not care what anyone thinks of me for reading romances. I read them, I love them, and I have no qualms about saying so. I know there is no reason for proofs, but here they are anyway. Displayed quite publicly on my blog and my Twitter profile.

After I have shared the list of how much disrepute is attached to the genre, let me add things I have learned while reading romances (I’ll link them to my reviews).

Paradise

By Judith McNaught

Read the full review here.

View this post on Instagram

What's the perfect accompaniment for a perfect reading experience? For me, it changes according to my mood. This particular evening, with its exceptionally warm weather, it's Coca Cola I chose for a refreshing experience as I continued with this intensely moving romance by Judith McNaught. What are you reading as the weekend comes to a close? #Bookgram #Bookstagram #igreads #igreadspk #BookstagramPk #BookgramPk #BookPhoto #BookPhotography #HandmadeBookmark #BookmarkLove #Paradise #JudithMcNaught #CocaCola #ZaalimaCocaColaPilade #Romamce #ReadingRomance #FavouriteBook #Chicago

A post shared by Hina Tabassum Khatri (@khatrihina) on Apr 15, 2018 at 5:17am PDT

• This one talks about glass ceilings for women in the professional world and how difficult (read, not impossible) they are to break
• It talks about how our genuine love and concern can actually be toxic for the ones we love (a perfect example for us desis)

Reunited With Her Parisian Surgeon

By Annie O’Neil

Read the full review here.

• However aloof your family is, most of the time they truly do love you, even if it does not seem that way
• If you love someone, just tell them
• TAKE RISKS

 

Sarah and the Secret Sheikh

By Michelle Douglas

Read the full review here.

• Turning a cynic is not the only way to react to bad things happening to you
• There is no such thing as acting your age. You can show your happiness like a child and turn a blind eye to those who object
• Never give up on your dreams and one day you will live them
• No job is good or bad; you give your 100% and you earn respect

 

These are just a few examples as I went through my other blog in a chronological order.

But, now let me ask you is the society right in its assumption? Or like you read this amazing genre? If you do, don’t forget to share your favourites under my post.

Before anyone points out why I had to go to such trouble to defend a genre when I could have gone on reading and damn the world, I want to share my reasons for sharing my opinion.

• I want others to learn all these things that our daily routine makes us forget
• I want others to be proud of their reading habits
• Reading romance shows you have a heart that is still filled with hope
• Take pride in the fact that you believe in something powerful and something not available to all; LOVE

All the  best.

Advertisement