You'd think the very thought of a romance writer would…
““You'd think the very thought of a romance writer would bring a smile to people's lips. Ah, how nice. Love. Making love. Laughter. Kissing. But no, the world is upside down as far as I can see, and romances and their writers are ridiculed, hisses and generally spat upon. For what reason? One of my favorites is that women who read them might get mixed up about reality and imagine a man is going to rescue them from Life. According to this theory, women are so stupid that they can't tell a story from reality. Is anyone worried that the MEN who read spy thrillers are going to go after their neighbors with an automatic weapon? No, I don't remember anyone thinking that. Nor do I remember anyone worrying about murder mysteries or science fiction. It just seems to be dumb ol' women who might think some gorgeous, thoughtful, giving hunk is going to rescue them. Honey, if any woman thought a gorgeous hunk was going to rescue her, romance novels wouldn’t be forty percent of the publishing industry.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Romance novels are dismissed as frivolous, yet they dominate publishing while similar genres face less criticism.
In simple terms: Romance is popular but mocked.
Key Takeaway
Recognize bias against romance readers.
Themes
gender bias
literary criticism
pop culture
women's interests
Mood
defensive
irritated
reflective
Type
critical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- book clubs
- publishing decisions
- media commentary
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
feminist critique
genre hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- Why are romance readers judged more harshly than fans of other genres?
- How does this bias affect women writers?
A Different Perspective
The criticism may overlook the literary merit and emotional value of romance.