When someone talks about reading a “trashy” book, they are almost always talking about women’s fiction, or “chick lit.” This term extends beyond erotica, like the famous Fifty Shades trilogy, to cover many other things, but romance is nearly always included. “Chick lit” is defined as an informal, derogatory noun for literature that appeals mainly to women.
But “chick lit” isn’t the only term we use to talk about feminine books. Often, young adult contemporary romance gets grouped into this “guilty pleasure” genre as well. Many of us have probably referred to light, easy-to-read romances as “beach reads.” These terms all seem to downgrade the quality of the book. But why?
Many of the books that society looks down on are written by female authors and directed towards female readers. Think about it: have you ever heard someone call a book a “guilty pleasure” when it was masculine? Of course, not all novels are literary masterpieces, but it’s problematic that society automatically devalues feminine fiction.
As long as you enjoy what you’re reading, its perceived quality shouldn’t matter. We shouldn’t have to feel “guilty” about wanting to read a happy love story where the protagonist is a twenty-something woman who we can see ourselves as. Books about realistic relationships shouldn’t be relegated to the “chick lit” forever.
So, how can we solve this problem?
Change the way we think.
Next time you check out a Sophie Kinsella book at the library, hold your head up high. Don’t feel embarrassed. Move beyond the “guilty pleasure” mentality and accept that this is a book you’re excited to read. Don’t sell yourself (or the author) short.
Change the way we speak.
When you’re discussing what book you want to read over Spring Break, try not to call it a beach read, even if you fully intend to flip its pages by the ocean. There are so many ways you could talk about it instead: say it’s by one of your favorite authors, or that you relate to the main character.
Celebrate the books we love.
Maybe “chick lit” is your cup of tea, or maybe it’s not. Whatever genre you like: champion it! Support your favorite authors by buying their new books. Recommend your latest page-turner to a friend. Create a positive dialogue that encourages people to be unashamed of what they love to read.