A Frothy Read
The September 19th issue of Entertainment Weekly (Hugh Laurie on the cover) introduced an interesting new and (I think) semi-regular recommendation section by Karen Valby within book review section. Sees she’s going to talk about “froth” novels. She describes it this way:
This goes out to all the ladies out there who are sick of feeling guilty about reading for…pleasure. I keep some froth on my bookshelves, wedged between my Joan Didions and Philips Roths. Every reader should. When I say froth, you know what I mean: glittery novels dressed up in slick covers, the literary equivalent of tiny dogs in sequined sweaters.
Ignoring the talk of sequined dogs, references to froth, a later reference to trash [sigh] and the apologetic tone, kudos to EW for coming to the realization that readers like variety. Most people read across genres even though some like to pretend they don’t. Which brings me to this: I never feel guilty about what I read. Not sure why I’m supposed to either.
My only thought about this deals with the book recommended by Valby - One Fifth Avenue by Candace Bushnell. Haven’t read the book. I’m sure it’s brilliant and all, but how about taking a look at something that’s not at the top of the NYT. Take a risk and try a “froth” author other than the “froth” author everyone already talks about. Just saying…
September 19th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
I think you have a good point about using the recommendation to talk about some less well known authors. If the authors are already at the top of the NYT list, they don’t necessarily need extra recommendations. I know I would like to see recommendations for other authors so I can maybe find new people to read.
September 20th, 2008 at 6:09 am
I’ve seen People write up reviews on new authors. I’ve even found a few new books that way. Of course, they are usually works of fiction and not romances, but at least they do feature a few new authors.
September 21st, 2008 at 3:33 am
I think the problem with any recommendation is that unless you know what books the person writing likes and have already followed a recommnedation of theirs and found you agree, it can be a waste of time.
The problem is that with such vast numbers of books being published these days, one cannot read everything. So many of us choose to stay with our “old favourite” authors.
I find that personal recommendation from friend I know well and trust are usually the best way of finding new and interesting authors.