jacquelyn Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 My english professor asked us this question in lecture and it got me curious. I like to read romance novels but I wasn't able to answer the question myself. I don't even know why I like them. I just do. Does anyone have any idea why women like to read romance novels? Link to post Share on other sites
crazy_grl Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 Same reason men like to watch porn???? I couldn't tell you as I've never read one. Link to post Share on other sites
millefiori Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 What do you mean with romance novel? Books by Barbara Cartland or like "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë? Link to post Share on other sites
Iluvsiamese Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 Good question. There are a number of different classifications within the genre. Personally, I like the murder/mystery type as if they are done well, they challenge my brain. The Jayne Ann Krentz type of thing. There are a few good authors in this category. The other favorite are the really funny ones--usually by a British author. Carole Matthews is one. As for why, well, I think that a major reason is because they all have a happy ending. It's a relief in our world of reality. A good romance novel will provide some all around entertainment and what other reason would you bother reading a novel of any genre? If I want misery, I will watch the evening news. If that's not enough, then there are plenty of horror novels or dramas to boost it. As for the sexual connection, if the author has overdone it, it becomes boring and I skip over it. But that's just me. If it's done right and is not exaggerated, yes, I read it. The major criteria for me is the degree to which it makes me think. For this reason, I also enjoy Robert Ludlum, Agatha Christie, I enjoy Science Fiction and fantasy as well. So perhaps escape is the reason?? Link to post Share on other sites
lindya Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 What a fabulous signature, iluvsiamese! I like a good romantic tale, but there has to be more going on than the "boy meets girl" snoozefests churned out by the publishers who specialise in that genre. Captain Corelli's Mandolin, was a cracking read and incredibly romantic. I defy anyone to read it and not be moved to tears...but it had the sense of being written from the heart rather than churned out to a tired old formula and a publisher's deadline. Link to post Share on other sites
alphamale Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 Originally posted by jacquelyn Does anyone have any idea why women like to read romance novels? Yes, I know....women enjoy these books cause they feel their lives are lacking in romance and excitement. Men watch porn cause they feel their lives are lacking in hot sex and excitement. Link to post Share on other sites
EC Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 So perhaps escape is the reason?? Thats my reason. Link to post Share on other sites
quankanne Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 as pointed out by other posters, to escape to a place where the ending is happy. To assume the role of the leading lady who is very much wanted by a hot guy who is willing to be romantic and sexually pleasing in order to get (and keep) you. not all romance novels are equal, though. Some have an historical aspect to them, so you learn something new if the author incorporates fact into the writing; others have a wonderful comedic sense that can really hook you because the characters are so snappy with comebacks; some just have really well-written characters or plots, so they're a joy to visit. like siamese, I don't care for the in-your-face-with-sex style of writing. I think the better romance novels leave a lot up to your imagination, and that's even more fun than reading about how "his throbbing red love muscle slides into her moist secret place" ... it's not very imaginative, and gets explicit to the point of where you start skipping over those parts because you're just not interested. Mind you, I don't mind reading about love scenes, but less is generally better -- I want to know how the characters interact, what's going on inside their heads as they experience that bond that comes with sex, not get bombarded with body parts! Link to post Share on other sites
quankanne Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 Men watch porn cause they feel their lives are lacking in hot sex and excitement. So do women, alpha ... so do women. Where else can you find a man who is going to please you the way you need to be pleased except in a book? Many guys just don't have a clue when it comes to sex, just climb on and hang on until the ride's over for them. Then think it was good for all parties involved, when in reality, it wasn't. Link to post Share on other sites
EC Posted July 14, 2005 Share Posted July 14, 2005 like siamese, I don't care for the in-your-face-with-sex style of writing. I think the better romance novels leave a lot up to your imagination, and that's even more fun than reading about how "his throbbing red love muscle slides into her moist secret place" ... it's not very imaginative, and gets explicit to the point of where you start skipping over those parts because you're just not interested. Mind you, I don't mind reading about love scenes, but less is generally better -- I want to know how the characters interact, what's going on inside their heads as they experience that bond that comes with sex, not get bombarded with body parts! LOL when I was younger thats the only parts I would skip to....now I roll my eyes and pass over them wishing they weren't so explicit. LMAO Link to post Share on other sites
Author jacquelyn Posted July 15, 2005 Author Share Posted July 15, 2005 Originally posted by millefiori What do you mean with romance novel? Books by Barbara Cartland or like "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë? romance novels in general.. with or without the sex scenes Link to post Share on other sites
Author jacquelyn Posted July 15, 2005 Author Share Posted July 15, 2005 Originally posted by Iluvsiamese So perhaps escape is the reason?? Yeah. I think escaping from our reality is the main key here. Link to post Share on other sites
Author jacquelyn Posted July 15, 2005 Author Share Posted July 15, 2005 Originally posted by alphamale Men watch porn cause they feel their lives are lacking in hot sex and excitement. That's not necessarily true. My bf said he watches it only because it arouses him. Unless you're talking about the single guys. Do you watch porn because you feel the lack of hot sex? Link to post Share on other sites
d'Arthez Posted July 15, 2005 Share Posted July 15, 2005 It is not just escape, but romance novels (and we are not talking about the 13 in a dozen modern spawn) have more qualities than that. Even in its "escapism" it offers us an understanding of the world we live in. Of course not in the sense, that all problems become solved, it is more an awareness (depending on the reader) of the constant problems people face. You must be wary of overgeneralizations. Escapism is an too simple explanation. It also has to do with the specific roles of females in society, behavioral expectations et cetera. Link to post Share on other sites
Reflection Posted July 15, 2005 Share Posted July 15, 2005 I'm a woman. I have absolutely ZERO interest in romance novels. Guess I'm the odd one out. Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts