Sara Reyes | Reason 108 ... What I Get From Reading Romance Novels

July 11, 2009

One of the popular sayings and truths among romance readers is "everything I know I learned from a romance novel." And it is very true. Well, maybe not everything but a great deal of information I obtained from novels has been helpful over the years and continues to be. This includes historical events, characters, geography, management skills, and lots of things not normally associated with "romance." So it was slightly gratifying to see the same thing happen to one of my children.

Recommended Reads

About eight years ago, Jemima J was published. It was one of the very early "chick-lit" books, in fact Jane Green and Helen Fielding are considered to be the "Queens of Chick-lit." Both had books out within a few months that were blockbusters around the world and exemplified a new genre of popular fiction -- young women searching for Mr. Right. My daughter got a copy of Jemima J from me...in those days I was trying to open her eyes to books past vampires and young love...what has changed? ... into something a little more mature. Needless to say, Jane Green changed her life. Not only did Jemima J inspire her to take charge of her life and lose 40 pounds but it also gave her the inspiration to write a stellar essay that helped her get early admission into the college of her choice. Pretty good in my opinion, best $20 I ever spent!

So this week, Jane Green came to Plano and of course we were there! I mean, this was a great opportunity. A little scary because sometimes expectations are not matched by reality. We've seen and met hundreds of authors over the past years, so we've experienced the great, the arrogant, the good, the boring, the charming, and mostly really nice people who happen to be authors. But this was special for my daughter. And she was nervous.

We arrived early, which for people who know us, is a shocker, and found a couple of great seats in a good location...not the front row, not the back row, middle of the audience on the aisle. Perfect. And since it was at St. Andrew's Methodist Church, they had refreshments as well! Soon the hall filled up, over a hundred people arrived including members of our book club. Then Jane was introduced. With her Brit accent she spoke about her life, her writing and experiences. She read several sections from her last two books. She told us amusing stories about life as an author without "people," about living in Westport, about what inspires her. She took questions and was so engaging they had to cut her off. Which was sad as we were all having a great time. Then it was time to get our books signed.

After negotiating who was taking what photo, it was our time to get DUNE ROAD and THE BEACH HOUSE autographed. Gwen started first. Jane graciously stood to be photographed with her and then Gwen told her all about the inspiration Jemima J provided. And I thanked Jane for getting Gwen into college (okay, so maybe it wasn't 100% just an inspiring book but trust me, those college essays were like pulling teeth before that book). Next thing I know Gwen is crying, Jane is crying, they are back around the table in each other's arms all emotional. And the people behind us were fired up as well. Before I could blink other women are telling Jane how her books inspired them. It was an emotion-filled room. Imagine over 100 women all stirred up! The five men just stood around confused .... it's good for them *grin*

So bottom line is not only do books and romance novels give us tools and knowledge but they also can be very inspiring!

As usual, we have a weekend giveaway (today and Sunday) for someone who comments about our postings. Unfortunately it will NOT be a Jane Green book. Gwen's keeping all the ones we got signed but I'm sure I'll find something fabulous in DC this week when I go to the RWA Literacy Signing. So don't despair! And be sure to follow us on Twitter as we'll be tweeting all about our adventures! As always, we hope you'll enjoy our ramblings and add some of your own.

Until next time...
Get out there and READ a book...
Sara Reyes
DFW Tea Readers Group
Join us at Readers 'n 'ritas November 13-15, 2009!

Comments

22 comments posted.

Re: Sara Reyes | Reason 108 ... What I Get From Reading Romance Novels

I enjoy reading, but sometimes I get a little more out of the book. My daughter had me read The Lovely Bones and I enjoyed the author's concept of heaven. You never know what you are going to find in books.
(Karin Tillotson 10:51am July 11, 2009)

Was there ever a time without romance novels? :)
(Margie Whitten 11:07am July 11, 2009)

Great story! My kids are always laughing at the odd trivia about geography, government, etc that I've picked up from romance books. I'll have to tell them I'm not alone.
(Kara Conrad 11:23am July 11, 2009)

I really enjoy reading and yes I get a lot out of it. I love to read historicals and I learn a lot about the history of the world this way. I travel in books.
(Gail Hurt 1:08pm July 11, 2009)

I was sitting in front of you at Jane Green's book signing and I was just as charmed by her as you were. I was crying as hard as Gwen when I spoke to Jane and told her how Jemima J touched me. She pointed out that Jemima J was her. That evening was truly special to me and Jane's warmth and kindness were added treasures.
(Jill Hayden 1:14pm July 11, 2009)

I have learned more about history, geography, and social issues. I sometimes get a good laugh to lighten my day. The main things that I get from reading romance are escapism, comfort, and enjoyment.
(Cheryl Castings 2:14pm July 11, 2009)

I get personal satisfaction from reading books. I love love stories and only read books that have a nice ending, but i know many friends who read anything and everything that is written. I have visited many countries, through reading only, seen cultural differences and languages and my spelling has increased too. I read for pleasure, for laughter and joy in simply living
(Diane Sadler 3:05pm July 11, 2009)

How people can say they don't "get anything out of romance novels", ESPECIALLY well-written historicals (yes, unfortunately, there ARE some poorly written ones!), I just don't understand. I can't begin to tell you how many times I've answered a question for someone, and they look at me and ask how I knew that, and the answer is from a romance novel!

What can I say? I learn stuff, have a good read, and a HEA (usually), and can share with my friends, albeit indirectly. What's not to like?

Later,

Lynn
(Lynn Rettig 3:22pm July 11, 2009)

Almost every book I read gives a somewhat different perspective on life and on myself. There many moments of "I've never thought of it that way before." And tht besides all I've learned about history, geography and different peoples of the world.
(Sigrun Schulz 5:19pm July 11, 2009)

Listening to romance authors talk about their books and how they came to be, I got inspired to put pen to paper and create more triangles in relationships.
(Alyson Widen 6:02pm July 11, 2009)

What a great story! Jemima J was one of the first chick lit books I read, and Jane has been a favorite ever since.
(Robin Mayerhoefer 8:36pm July 11, 2009)

I love to read romance to go places I;ve never been, learn things, and to escape from reality for awhile and to be entertained!!
(Martha Lawson 10:29pm July 11, 2009)

I'm sorry to hear I missed what sounded like a truly inspirational event. I could have used
some inspiration this week.
(Sandi Shilhanek 10:45pm July 11, 2009)

Enjoy your RWA trip. I am so jealous.
Jane Green sounds like a wonderful
person. How wonderful for your
daughter. As difficult as it is to get
into college, anything that helps is
welcome.
Good luck to her in school.
(Patricia Barraclough 10:49pm July 11, 2009)

My world has been broadened by my
reading as well as my mind.
(Sue Ahn 11:27pm July 11, 2009)

What a wonderful post. I have been greatful to see my children as excited about books as I am. Dinner conversations frequently hold ideas, or amusing dialogue of what they have been reading. They do inspire and enrich.
(G. Bisbjerg 11:32pm July 11, 2009)

It is a great way to fly to the moon without having to be in the training program! Just pick up a book & you're on the way to an interesting & often exciting place & time!!
(Jean Merriott 1:45am July 12, 2009)

I have learned many things from romance novels -- including some great recipes and sassy comebacks -- but most of all living vicariously through the heroine. So if she's a writer, I escape from my own life into her world. If she is a firefighter, suddenly I'm putting out fires. And, if she is off on my unexpected adventure, it's like I've been on an adventure before returning to my regularly Monday morning routine. I just love books. :-)
(Zoe Kleinman 3:28am July 12, 2009)

what a good story there are some authors I whould love to meat my self that have made me see life diffrent lee.
(Stacey Smith 4:19am July 12, 2009)

Romance novels have taught me so many things. They taught me that romance can be found in any age. From 20-120, love is as much fun, as precious and as romantic as you want it to be. I love it when I find a character I can relate to or one which I just fall in love with. Her journey becomes my journey and it takes me to different worlds, times and situations I would never have found if not for the book. Romance novels make you dream of the what if's and maybe's and that is so much more fun that the "here it is".
(Lauralee Benjamin 11:14am July 12, 2009)

Whenever people mock my romance reading I always whip out a historical fact I learned from my reading to impress them. And then inform them I'm probably more informed than Dr. Ruth and Sue Johanson on certain topics, which kinda frightens them I think.
(Jody Faltys 12:17pm July 12, 2009)

Well after reading your blog I am going
to go to my used book store and get
Jemima J! I have been eyeing Jane's
books for a very long time but not
sure I would like them. Now I have an
exceptional reason to try them. :)
(Ann Harris 1:46am July 16, 2009)

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