As an English major, I spend a majority of my time talking about books. Reading them, discussing them, and recommending them, over and over again until my list of novels to read by the end of the semester becomes my priority and my real coursework takes a backseat. I’ve always loved these discussions — my peers recommending their favorite texts as an icebreaker in class or seeing my friends light up when they tell me about the new novel — from autobiographies to fantasy — they picked up at Boulder Bookstore..
Recently, I’ve heard more and more discussion surrounding romance novels, and whether or not they’re legitimate books. As short form modern romance novels have gained popularity through platforms like Book-Tok, many loyal readers have begun to question the legitimacy of these texts and those who enjoy them, ridiculing the cartoon covers that illustrate basic relationship stereotypes, like “enemies-to-lovers,” or “academic rivalry.”
Although I don’t typically reach for these books at first glance, I’ve begun to find this narrative troubling. In a day and age where a large majority of the population is addicted to short form content and has remarkably high screen times, it’s difficult to see why reading novels, of any genre, should be discouraged or ridiculed.
This may seem like a recent phenomenon, but it’s actually an old stereotype. In the late 1700’s, Jane Austen’s now widely revered novels, treated as genius works that set the tone for romance hundreds of years later, were once considered meaningless entertainment — simple reads that had little value. She was criticized for her idealistic stories surrounding romance, particularly by the men of her time.
Romance novels, and their ties to femininity, have always been the subject of ridicule and constant criticism. Romance itself is an incredibly important genre, not only due to its popularity, but also as a result of its ability to transport readers into different worlds, illustrate relationships, and other social aspects of society in a form that’s typically very easy to consume.
All of this is to say, everyone should be allowed to love love. Enjoying romance as a genre does not discredit the reader, and treating those who favor romance novels over other texts as though they are inferior is only a step in the wrong direction. Reading is reading. Books are books. Let’s focus on encouraging literacy, rather than shaming others based on their preferences, and recognizing the importance of romance novels in modern society rather than discrediting them because of their simplicity.