Another New Genre
Over the last few years we’ve been subjected to a host of titles and descriptions for new writing subgenres. We’ve heard about chick lit and experienced the backlash from some female writers who are, let’s say, displeased to be lumped in with that subset. Then there’s hen lit, a title which always makes me wonder about roosters for some reason. And, can’t forget lad lit. Don’t understand what that one is so don’t ask me.
Now, according to Vanity Fair we have a new lit hitting the stores. I guess we call this one porn lit. James Wolcott, author of the article, Debbie Does Barnes & Noble talks about his uncovering, so to speak, of this new trend:
As a cultural explorer and literary sleuth, I am always on the lookout for exciting developments in the world of letters - for fresh voices with "something to say." No fooling, I am. And I believe I have discovered the contours of a new genre of nonfiction, one that has yet to receive its cultural due and perhaps never will: the tawdry porn-star memoir.
I am guessing this is one of the issues Ariel Levy will take on in her book. Now, I’m all for nonfiction titles and folks examining their dysfunctional upbringings as a means of reaching some inner peace. That’s all good. As for this new genre having staying power…well, I doubt it. I don’t mean to sound skeptical but I suspect that porn lit will be a lot like porn movies - after one you kinda know what the rest will look like.
