1.16.2016

Let's Hear It For Chick Lit Romance Books

By Michael Barnes


People may scoff at the conventional 'boy meets girl' plot. However, it's proven success means that it's an ever popular theme in literature and all the genres that spin off the written word. Chick lit romance books are here to stay, and there's good reason for that.

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.

It's a fact that being in love is a great feeling. People may dismiss the first rapture as infatuation - and they may be right. But who cares, when falling in love makes every single thing sparkle. Even reading about tragic love affairs - when circumstances interfere (like for Romeo and Juliet) or love is one-sided - arouse strong emotions that people enjoy experiencing.

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.

Some of the classics are just this kind of reading. 'Pride and Prejudice', 'Persuasion', and 'Sense and Sensibility' never go out of style. 'Wuthering Heights' is another one that most girls love and to which critics give acclaim. "Romeo and Juliet' of course is the pinnacle, and there will probably never be an end to revisions of that one.

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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