Comments on: A rollicking ride

By: What's on Your Nightstand — November

What's on Your Nightstand — November — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:11:36 +0000

[...] Janet (Across the Page)2. carma3. Ana T. (Aneca's World)4. Laura5. Katrina, Callapidder Days6. Gail7. Nise' 8. Jana (sidetrack'd)9. Jennifer, Snapshot (some reviews)10. [...]

By: Mary Ann

Mary Ann — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 20:00:29 +0000

After reading all the comments…my head is “spinning”, however you have piqued my interest in reading this book by Meltzer.

By: Alyce

Alyce — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:03:14 +0000

I don’t think any particular genre that is “better.” Better is in the eye of the beholder. There are genres that are more intelligent and verbose and those that are short and to the point. I like literary fiction and chick lit, and if I’ve had a hard day, am tired and needing something to relax, chances are I’m not going to choose the literary fiction, even if it is more scholarly. There is a time and place for everything. Is that enough cliches for you?

By: Alicia @ Experiencing Each Moment

Alicia @ Experiencing Each Moment — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 19:15:11 +0000

I laughed out loud when I read “objectively better”. The writer of that used a subjective opinion to state that one thing is objectively better. It’s all just too ironic!

This books sound great, though! I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a story from Cain and Abel. Very interested.

By: stephaniesmommybrain

stephaniesmommybrain — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:46:47 +0000

I think I disagree with the “objective value” part. Books are very subjective based on the values of the reader at the moment of reading. Those values or preferences change from day to day. We really need both kinds of books – some to inspire our thoughts and others to escape our thoughts.

By: Barbara H.

Barbara H. — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:03:37 +0000

That’s an interesting question, Katrina. I think when what we regard as classics were written, they didn’t have the same criteria as we do now — “the plot grabbed me and drew me in,” “can’t put it down,” “a real page-turner,” etc. Those things can’t be said about most of the classics I’ve read, yet there is great depth and beauty and/or much food for thought in them. My first inclination is that literary fiction is better-written, higher- quality — but then it just depends on the standard. It takes a different kind of talent to write an action novel that stays interesting and plausible, yet a different talent to write mysteries that keep the reader guessing, etc. So I don’t know if it’s really a matter of one being inherently better than the other or just that different genres require different styles. Sometimes you just want something that grabs you right off the front page and takes you for a ride — sometimes you want something of sheer beauty that speaks to your soul.

By: Carrie

Carrie — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:27:28 +0000

Well, when I think of the Narnia series I totally agree with the guy. It’s well-written fiction that “sings.” I think of The Mysterious Benedict Society and the author didn’t intend any great meaning but it’s now one of my favorite books ever. So that makes me want to disagree.

Interesting thoughts. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:24:01 +0000

I agree with Gail. There is a space for both.. however, I tend to find myself not putting down the book that has lots of action even if it is not the most eloquently written book..

By: Janet

Janet — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:02:06 +0000

I find myself skeptical of the evaluation the other blogger makes, starting even with the categories “genre fiction” vs. “literary fiction.” Doesn’t every written artifact belong in both of these categories?

I think we apply different criteria of judgment to our reading all the time… or at least, we prioritize the criteria in different ways based on the effect a work has.

By: Gail

Gail — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:29:49 +0000

I think there’s a place for both too! I mostly read for entertainment and to escape but from time to time really enjoy something that makes me think….those I have to savor a bit longer sometimes.