Ali’s Comments (group member since Mar 15, 2014)

Ali’s comments from the That's What She Read Podcast Reading Group group.

Destiny of the Republic by Millard was excellent.

I just started The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan. Makes me want to re-read some Steinbeck afterwards.

Well, I grew up reading romance novels (Scarlet can attest) and I solely chose books based on the covers. I wonder if the onslaught of e-readers has diminished the importance of a good book cover. I, personally, HAVE to see a book cover online (either amazon or bn) before I buy it for my kindle. A favorite that comes to mind is the cover of Moloka'i.

I brought Nathaniel into this discussion at home and he asked, "is there a similar issue with the term 'chick flick?'" I couldn't answer him, but was curious if this term stirs as much controversy in the cinematic realm. I have as much knowledge in film analysis as I do with books (zero).

No implied boo-ya on my end! I'm simply caustic by Sagittarian nature.

I think the cutesy term is representative of the genre and its audience. I would assume that books labeled as chick lit are generally playful works about the perils of womanhood, romance, coming-of-age, etc. More serious, heavy, and stimulating novels find their way to plain old non-fiction, regardless of the author's gender. But we're not talking about the existence of the genre, right? Just the term? I firmly believe that women will have a problem with whatever term is used to describe this genre. And if it were to be done away with, then there would be complaints that women do not have their own sub-genre anymore. Can't win.