Let's Just Stop Book Shaming // Thoughts on Romance Novels

Welp. I know I've had mini rants on this topic before... but here's a longer one. And some of y'all chimed in! So make sure to scroll to the bottom and find out why (other) real-life romance readers enjoy these books. :)

image via google

Last week I wrote a post on reading romance novels for Year of Gratitude. The gist of the post is that in 2018 I "allowed" myself to read genres and books that I might have previously rolled my eyes at. Silly covers are partially to blame, of course. I didn't want to read romance novels or heavy science fiction because they looked over-the-top and therefore seemed intimidating. However, reading these books has actually taught me that there is merit in all genres, and that it's good to do what you are feeling, and not worry about what others think. It's also totally fine to read a fluffy novel: not everything we read needs to be a literary masterpiece.

Upon doing a little research on romance novels and getting pictures for my post... I stumbled across an article (I hesitate to link this... but it's so bad you guys, that I have to) that basically starts out by saying that women read romance novels because they are "STARVED" for satisfying intimacy in their real lives. My first reaction was laughter. This has got to be a joke right?! Is this site like The Onion?! No... it's real. My second reaction is absolute fury... because, really? We're going to say that a billion dollar industry thrives on the sexual frustration and loneliness of millions of women? Um, no. I'm sure that some readers fit that bill, but I am also sure that some readers are just the opposite.

There is a reason that romance novels made up 29% of fiction in 2015 (source), and make up 46% of all mass market paperbacks sold in America (source). And I'll give you a hint... it's not because women are too sex starved, or too stupid to read other books. Many women enjoy reading romance because it is fun, it is often well-written, and it gives us a lovely mental break in between other books that we read. (Especially modern women who juggle family, school, and work life, and keep up with current events who might need a break from the heavy stuff.)

Romance novels also vary wildly in their content: from proper romance to Hallmark-y romance, paranormal romance, historical romance, BDSM and everything in between there is a type of romance novel for everyone. A recent trend in present-day romance novels are "smart romances" where the characters have a lot of emotional, career, etc. depth in addition to their love stories. Young romance readers are also asking for more diversity in their romance novels. I love seeing all of the places that romance novels have gone.

In addition to "smart romances" many other romance sub genres like historical romance and paranormal romance take so much research to create. I read a novel that took place on a ship in the 1700's and I LEARNED SO MUCH! I was like a kid in a candy shop learning how a ship is run, who does what, etc. These authors know their stuff, and not just the romantic things.

Lastly, romance novels are ultra feminist. Often written for women, by women, about things that women are interested in. Topics ranging from: women's relationships, thoughts on sexuality, friendships and support, careers-life balance, going after our dreams. It's all there in so many of these books, and it has been for years. I think that's pretty powerful.

Bottom Line: Let people read what they like, and leave them alone about it. Don't base an entire reader-base's interest in a genre on their sex life or intelligence. That's just pathetic.

What Y'all Had To Say:

 

Helpful & Entertaining Links:

The Ripped Bodice - State of Racial Diversity in Romance Publishing Report
Nielsen - Romance Readers by the Numbers (2016)
Why Smart Women Read Romance Novels
Men, Stop Lecturing Women About Reading Romance Novels
The Changing Face of Romance Novels (Thanks for sending to me, Heather!)
Powerful Twitter Responses as To Why Romance Novels Matter to Readers 

See my Favorite Romance Novels (or romance in novels) here.

What do you think? 

Have you ever been book shamed?

Is there a genre (or genres) that you are embarrassed to read?!

XO,

Alexandra

Roaring, Swinging, Fabulous, Groovy Blog Collaboration // 1950's

It's one of my favorite days! Audrey & I's Roaring, Swinging, Fabulous, Groovy Blog Collaboration! :) I was a mood-reader (again) this month, so I didn't get to any new titles. Boo. But oh well!

Today, Audrey and I are talking about the 1950's. MAKE SURE TO HOP ON OVER TO AUDREY'S BLOG TO CHECK OUT HER RECOMMENDATIONS! :) 

Here we go:

On the first Tuesday of the month, February through November, we're highlighting books & films from/about specific eras that we recommend! (Television shows, too, sometimes!) There's no commitment or link-up during those months on your end, but in December we’ll host a recap/link-up for the entire year!

I'm learning a lot from this challenge already: 

Books, Films, and Bonus will be things that I HAVE read or watched. "On Deck": will be things that I am hoping to get to soon!

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger - I read this last year, and really enjoyed it.
Fahrenheit 451 - just read this... takes place sort of in the 1950's. Didn't really like it. Read about that next week for SUYB.
101 Dalmations - one of my very favorite books! 

Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights - No shame, I like this more than the original. It's more interesting to me... sorry... I said it! LOL
Great Balls of Fire - A movie about Jerry Lee Lewis, who marries his 13 year old cousin. Controversy! I did enjoy the sets though, it felt so 1950s! The scene where Winona Ryder goes shopping for their house is my favorite!
Edward Scissorhands - one of my all-time favorites.
Julie and Julia - Meryl Streep forever. :) This movie is so delightful!
Grease - my little sister, Olivia's favorite.
Snow Falling on Cedars - I saw this a very very long time ago.

Call the Midwife (BBC) - This is my go-to Netflix show. It follows the midwives in London's East End. The show starts in the 1950s, and is still coming out on BBC. I think it is in the mid to late 1960's now. I have a little catching up to do.. but I think I've seen about 5 seasons. This show while very real and emotional... is very heartwarming for me. It's still good for my mental diet! Babies, nuns, people rising above it. A gem you guys, watch this. But be ready to sob.



I would also like to remind everyone of the fabulously silly episode of Gilmore Girls, "That Damn Donna Ried". Rory in all of her temporary housewife glory. Plus Apricot the kitten.

Walk the Line (movie)
Ray (movie)
My Week with Marilyn (movie)
Wonder Wheel (movie) - this looks sooo good!
Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepeyts (book) - great author, set in NOLA, must read.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (tv show)

What books, movies, or shows can you recommend that take place in the 1940's? Is there a goodreads equivalent for movies?!

Be sure to hope over to Audrey’s blog and check out her recommendations!

The 1960s was a time of revolution and political unrest. From the rise of the Vietnam war to the death of President John F. Kennedy to the birth or hippies, the 60s were quite the time to be alive! Join us next month for our entertainment recommendations from the era!

Enjoying this series? Check out the other posts:
1900s & 1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s

We are headed out on our cruise today!! So I'll be MIA for a little while, excited to catch up with y'all when we get back! Enjoy your week, friends! :) 

XO,

Alexandra

My Favorite Sub Genres to Read! // Bookworm

I've been thinking a lot about books. I'm pretty sure I check Netgalley and First to Read every. single. day. Netgalley I check multiple times per day. I'm always reading at least two books... buying ebooks on sale, looking in Little Free Libraries, and checking for jobs at my local library... the book lust is strong my friends.

Anyhow, today I was thinking about specific sub genres that I have been really into lately or for quite a while, and thought it would be fun to share! Here are my top 6 sub genres to read, and a few recommendations within each genre.

Magical Realism 

I love dreamy stories with little bits of magic and symbolism woven in. 

Anything by Sarah Addison Allen
Chocolat

Fairy Tale Retellings

Re-write a fairy tale and I will read it. #nevergrowup

I have two whole posts about this, Vol. I and Vol. II! :)

Travel Fiction (romantic comedy) 

Exotic destinations + Romance = I'm in.

Destination Thailand
Happiness for Beginners
On The Island (survival-y)
Girl off The Grid.

Christmas Fiction (romantic comedy)

These books give me the warm fuzzies!

Merry & Bright
Trading Christmas
Christmas Letters - technically part of a series, but you don't need to read the others to "get it".


Travel Memoirs/Essays

Please let me live vicariously through your travels!

The Yellow Envelope: One Gift, Three Rules, and a Life-Changing Journey Around the World
No Baggage: A Minimalist Tale of Love and Wandering
A Fork in the Road - currently reading
Bella Figura: How to Live, Love, and Eat the Italian Way - currently reading


Fairy Tales, Folklore, and Myths from Around the World

Collections of tales from around the world are so much fun to read! Especially ones about mermaids.

Mermaid Tales from Around the World
Mermaids: The Myths, Legends, and Lore
The Book of the Goddesses

What are some of your favorite sub genres to read?!

Have you read any of these books?!

XO,

Alexandra

Roaring, Swinging, Fabulous, Groovy Blog Collaboration // 1940's

It's one of my favorite days! Audrey & I's Roaring, Swinging, Fabulous, Groovy Blog Collaboration! :) I was a mood-reader this month, so I didn't get to any new titles. Boo. But oh well!

Today, Audrey and I are talking about the 1940's. MAKE SURE TO HOP ON OVER TO AUDREY'S BLOG TO CHECK OUT HER RECOMMENDATIONS! :) 

Here we go:

On the first Tuesday of the month, February through November, we're highlighting books & films from/about specific eras that we recommend! (Television shows, too, sometimes!) There's no commitment or link-up during those months on your end, but in December we’ll host a recap/link-up for the entire year!

I'm learning a lot from this challenge already: 

Books, Films, and Bonus will be things that I HAVE read or watched. "On Deck": will be things that I am hoping to get to soon!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Schafer - loved this!
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden - read ages ago, it was so stunning.

Mrs. Henderson Presents - quirky film about rich widow who opens a theater in London. Her stage director has much more risque thoughts about the direction of the show.
Australia - I'm a sucker for Baz Luhrmann
Pearl Harbor - Young Josh Hartnett, be still my heart!

Goodbye Christopher Robin (movie)
42 (movie)
A United Kingdom (movie)
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (movie)
Professor Marston and the Wonder Women (movie)
Code Name Verity (book)
Lilac Girls (book)
Land Girls (BBC Show)
The Book Thief (book)
The Nightingale (book)
Between Shades of Grey (book)
The Bronze Horseman (book)

What books, movies, or shows can you recommend that take place in the 1940's? Is there a goodreads equivalent for movies?!

Be sure to hope over to Audrey’s blog and check out her recommendations!

Throw on your poodle skirt and leather jacket, and meet us at the sock hop next month to dive headfirst into the 1950s! We’re rockin’ and rollin’ our way into the next decade and we hope you’ll join us!

XO,

Alexandra

Roaring, Swinging, Fabulous, Groovy Blog Collaboration // 1930's

It's one of my favorite days! Audrey & I's Roaring, Swinging, Fabulous, Groovy Blog Collaboration! :) I learned A LOT about the Dust Bowl this month!

Today, Audrey and I are talking about the 1930's. MAKE SURE TO HOP ON OVER TO AUDREY'S BLOG TO CHECK OUT HER RECOMMENDATIONS! :) 

Here we go:

On the first Tuesday of the month, February through November, we're highlighting books & films from/about specific eras that we recommend! (Television shows, too, sometimes!) There's no commitment or link-up during those months on your end, but in December we’ll host a recap/link-up for the entire year!

I'm learning a lot from this challenge already: 

Books, Films, and Bonus will be things that I HAVE read or watched. "On Deck": will be things that I am hoping to get to soon!

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Meet Kit (American Girl) by Valerie Tripp - childhood favorites!
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse - just read, see my review next week for SUYB, Spoiler: I loved it!
Midnight at the Electric by Jodi Lynn Anderson - set in three time periods, stories woven together, see this review next week too!

Paper Moon - 5 Stars! - Possible father/daughter con team sell bibles in Kansas. A classic and I enjoyed the re-watch very much!
Water for Elephants - a great book to movie adaptation
Cheerful Weather for the Wedding 3.5 Stars - sort of odd, but very atmospheric and cinematically beautiful.
Ballet Shoes - 3.5-4 Stars - three orphans are adopted by an explorer, and follow their dreams.
The King's Speech - Colin. Firth.

Upstairs, Downstairs - BBC Miniseries
The Durrells in Corfu - BBC Miniseries (also books!)
Amelia (movie) - about Amelia Earheart (a Kansan!)
Dust Bowl Girls: The Inspiring Story of the Team that Barnstormed Its way to Basketball Glory by Lydia Reeder
The Worst Hard Time: The Untold Story of Those Who Survived the Great American Dust Bowl by Timothy Egan

What books, movies, or shows can you recommend that take place in the 1930's? Is there a goodreads equivalent for movies?!

Be sure to hope over to Audrey’s blog and check out her recommendations!

Big bands and WWII await us in May when we cross into the 1940s. Possibly one of the most romantic eras, Audrey loves this decade for its big band music and sharp fashion. Plus we start to see women hold down the fort and demand some credit!

XO,

Alexandra

Spring & Summer Reading Bucket List!

Hello friends! I hope that you had a great weekend! :)

I've been extra book crazy lately, and I wanted to make a little list of things I want to accomplish book-wise this spring and summer.

Finish Erin's 8.0! (April 30 deadline, 5 books left!)
Read historical fiction/classics for Audrey and I's decades collaboration (at least 1 per decade)
-1930s -1940s -1950s -1960s -1970s -1980s -1990s -2000s
Check off AT LEAST 3 Netgalley reads (old ones)
Read 'First Reads' Book by (May 4)
Re-Read Little Women before PBS Show is Released (May 13)
Read At Least 3 Neil Gaiman Books (he's coming to speak in November!)
Finish 2 Books on my "Currently Reading" Shelf
Pick back up the Throne of Glass series
Acquire and Read A Court of Frost and Starlight! (ACoTaR spinoff)
Read a travel memoir or travel-based novel
Read a romance novel
Read The Hate U Give 
Read a book about mermaids
Read Sing, Unburied Sing
Complete my library's Summer Reading Program
Read a fairy tale re-telling

What book goals do you have for spring and summer?

XO,

Alexandra

Roaring, Swinging, Fabulous, Groovy Blog Collaboration // 1920's

It's one of my favorite days! Audrey & I's Roaring, Swinging, Fabulous, Groovy Blog Collaboration! :) 

Today, Audrey and I are talking about the 1920's. I still want to watch more period movies and read more historical fiction this year! SO MAKE SURE TO SHARE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW IN THE COMMENTS! :) :) AND MAKE SURE TO HOP ON OVER TO AUDREY'S BLOG TO CHECK OUT HER RECOMMENDATIONS! :) 

Here we go:



On the first Tuesday of the month, February through November, we're highlighting books & films from/about specific eras that we recommend! (Television shows, too, sometimes!) There's no commitment or link-up during those months on your end, but in December we’ll host a recap/link-up for the entire year!

I'm learning a lot from this challenge already: 

Books, Films, and Bonus will be things that I HAVE read or watched. "On Deck": will be things that I am hoping to get to soon!

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald - Check out my post about Gatsby, here. - PS I do not like Daisy. ugh.
The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty - Check out my thoughts on this one for SUYB next week! Spoiler: I loooved it!
Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence - Currently Reading!

Anastasia - all time favorite (obviously)
The Great Gatsby - The Baz Luhrmann version... because I love him, obvs.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - I adore this movie! (sorry for double sharing, Audrey!)

Downton Abbey - TV - I know it's shameful... but I haven't finished this!
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries - TV - THE BEST SHOW EVER, GO WATCH IT!

The Romanov Sisters: The Lost Lives of the Daughters of Nicholas and Alexandra by Helen Rappaport (book) - So fascinated by the Romanovs... this might be mostly the 1910s...
Z: The Beginning of Everything (show)
Women in Love (mini series)
The Immigrant (movie)
Dreamland Burning by Jennifer Latham (book)
Florence Foster Jenkins (movie) - watched this later it is from the 1940's... whoops! I definitely recommend.
The Rest of Fitzgerald's Books

I clearly have a lot of work to do! 

What books, movies, or shows can you recommend that take place in the 1920's? Is there a goodreads equivalent for movies?!

Be sure to hope over to Audrey’s blog and check out her recommendations!

Next month we’re checking out my favorite era- the 1930s! It was a tough decade for our country but from devastation and depression is born hope and stories of courage and resilience! We’ll share some of our favorites in April!

XO,

Alexandra

The Roaring, Swinging, Fabulous, Groovy Blog Collaboration // The 1900's and 1910's

It's a new week, of a new(ish) month. I think I'm going to be posting on different days depending on the week this year, since I've got some fun blogger collaborations planned! :) This week Audrey and I are talking about the 1900's (aka The Edwardian Era) & 1910's for the Roaring, Swinging, Fabulous, Groovy Blog Collaboration. So far, this challenge has me noticing that I want to watch more period movies and read more historical fiction this year! hehe SO MAKE SURE TO SHARE YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW IN THE COMMENTS! :) :)

Here we go:



On the first Tuesday of the month, February through November, we're highlighting books & films from/about specific eras that we recommend! (Television shows, too, sometimes!) There's no commitment or link-up during those months on your end, but in December we’ll host a recap/link-up for the entire year!

I'm learning a lot from this challenge already:

Mainly the that as much as I love historical fiction, classic novels, and period dramas... I haven't seen/read that many. So, please give me your recommendations for the decades and as we go so I can expand my horizons too! :) In the meantime, I'll plan to read and watch more when I can! :) Books, Films, and Bonus will be things that I HAVE read or watched. "On Deck": will be things that I am hoping to get to soon!



Anne of Green Gables (1908) - Check out my post about Anne, here.
The Secret Garden (1910) - Check out my post about The Secret Garden, here.



The Secret Garden (1910) - a classic from my childhood (Maggie Smith!)
A Little Princess (1905) - another classic from my childhood. I think I like this one better..?
Titanic (1912) - few are as dreamy as young Leo.
Finding Neverland (1903) - It's been a looong time! The story behind the inspiration for Peter Pan!
Anastasia (1916 - when it begins at least) - all time favorite (obviously)



When Calls the Heart (1910) - TV - I love mounty Jack. *swoon*
Downton Abbey (1912) - TV - I know it's shameful... but I haven't finished this!
Anastasia Broadway (1916) - Musical - AMAZZZZINNNNG!

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Book)
A Little Princess (Book)
Anne of Green Gables (other books + shows)
The Romanov Sisters: The Lost lives of the Daughters of Nicholas and Alexandra (Book)
Renoir (movie)
A Christmas Carol (book)
Sweet Land (movie)
The Ottoman Lieutenant (movie)
Joyeux Noel (movie)
A Very Long Engagement (movie)
Finding Neverland (musical) - has anyone seen this?

I clearly have a lot of work to do! 

What books, movies, or shows can you recommend that take place in the 1900's or 1910's? Is there a goodreads equivalent for movies?!

Be sure to hope over to Audrey’s blog and check out her recommendations!

Hopefully some of these selections appeal to your history-loving heart! In March we'll be foxtrotting our way through the 1920's! We hope you'll join us!

XO,

Alexandra

7 Non Fiction Books I Want to Read // Bookworm

Happy Wednesday friends, I was thinking about post topics for today... and I started thinking about how a lot of us have goals to expand our reading horizons. I know that purposefully approaching under-loved genres has helped me grow a lot as a reader, and I know that a lot of you have been expressing a desire to do the same. A very common one I see, is that we want to read more non-fiction. So I thought, why not share a list of some non-fiction titles I've been wanting to read?!

Here we go, these are some that I already own:

Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls, and Everything in Between by Lauren Graham

This book is filled with essays and personal stories from Lauren Graham, as the title implies "from Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls, and Everything in Between".

I love Gilmore Girls and Lauren Graham, I read her fiction debut last February, and I really enjoyed her hilarious writing style. I can't wait to pick this up and read about the actress's life. Of course, the Gilmore stuff will be great, but really all of it will be a blast.

The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron

The book explores the idea of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), how to know if you fall into that category, how to manage that sensitivity, and "to create a fuller, richer life."

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you  know that I am dealing with and managing my new(ish) anxiety. At first glance, I don't feel that I fall into all of the categories to be deemed an HSP, but I do identify with others. I've heard that this book is a great resource, so I want to investigate it more fully!

The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik Wiking

Written by the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, this book explores hygge, and why it makes Denmark the happiest country in the world. Practical ideas, tips and tricks fill this beautiful book.

This has been on my TBR for a while, I picked it up in February and I cannot wait to read it. I like the idea of incorporating more hygge into our daily lives. In fact, I made it a goal for 2017!

The Yellow Envelope: One Gift, Three Rules, and a Life-Changing Journey Around the World by Kim Dinan

A true story about Kim and her husband who decide to quit their jobs and travel around the world. Before they leave, they are given an envelope of money and told to distribute it and share their experiences along the way. This book follows Kim and her husband's adventures in travel and in giving.

This book sounds very inspiring. I love travel memoirs, and I love books about giving. I think that this one will be a good blend of both and inspiring to read.

21 Life Changing Rituals: Daily Practices to Bring Greater Inner Peace and Happiness by Theresa Cheung

This book analyzes personal rituals and habits, and how they shape our lives. This book is broken down into 7 morning, 7 afternoon, and 7 evening rituals that are designed to help the reader impact positive changes in their lives.

I am fascinated by the idea of habit, rituals, and motivation. I think that reading this book will be really interesting to continue developing systems and rituals that work for me.

Your Life In Color: Empowering Your Soul with the Energy of Color by Dougall Fraser

This new age life guide is written by a renowned psychic and life coach, and explains the qualities and uses for each color, and how to draw on them in your daily life.

This book on "colorology" - is that a thing? sounds very interesting to me! I've always loved the idea that different colors symbolize different traits, moods, etc. I think that reading about it in more detail will be really interesting, and fun to try. :)

The Romanov Sisters: The Lost Lives of the Daughters of Nicholas and Alexandra by Helen Rappaport

This book revisits the lives of Nicholas and Alexandra's daughters Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia Romanov. With entries from their diaries and letters, this book explores their perception of the turbulent time in Russian (and world) history.

I think that Anastasia (the 1997 animated movie) has given me a disposition to love everything related to the real people behind the story, and many other things Russian. This book grabbed me immediately because it focuses just on the daughters, I feel like there are a lot of books about Nicholas and Alexandra, but this seemed like a fresh take. I scored this on kindle daily deals, and I cannot wait to read it!

What non-fiction books are you hoping to read soon?

Do you want to see more of these posts?

Are there other under-loved genres that you'd like suggestions for? 

Let me know in the comments! 

XO,

Alexandra