|
Rae Renzi | Escapism: (Arguably) a Critical Skill for Survival
February 16, 2011
Why are do we get hooked on fiction? What in us supports the reading habit and
the huge industry that feeds it? Escapism of course. Escapism has a bad rep. Undeservedly, in my (possibly self-serving) opinion. I
think that far from being a sign of mental deterioration, it is a hallmark of
adaptation. Animals, humans included, evolve in response to stress of one kind or another.
Not going deep into Darwinism here, but survival of the fittest is the
basic rule. Early on, this meant those who had the skills to get food, to run
off competitors, to ward off threats and to abundantly procreate won the day.
(Sound familiar? The romantic hero/heroine is a prototype for successful
biological adaptation.) These days we have come up with group solutions to most of the stressors: we no
longer have to chase down our food, we have laws to define our turf, police to
deal with threats to life and limb, and procreation in vast numbers—no longer
necessary to the survival of the species—is now frowned upon. Along the way, we've collected a host of other stressors: various health woes
because we don't have to chase down our food, annoying neighbors we
can't knock off because of our protective laws. New pressures about car
status and fashion faux pas, because catching food and beating off saber-toothed
tigers are no longer reasonable selection criteria for mates. Bad news on a
global level, far removed from our ability to intervene. So, how do we survive these new stressors? What mechanism, what strategy is
common to those who thrive in this world? Escapism, of course. The ability to sweep these new and largely psychological
threats out of one's mind and replace them with images that are exciting and
romantic (I use the term broadly: apocalyptic swashbuckling and hard-edged
heroism for men is just as romantic as flowers and hearts for women) is like a
reset button for beleaguered souls. There are other benefits, too. Reading fiction gives the mind permission to roam
into unfettered territory, to stretch creative muscles in an institutionalized
world. It diminishes the stress of daily problems by implicit comparison to the
dire situations faced by our heroes and heroines—if a teen boy can face the
greatest evil in the world, can I not face a traffic ticket? I've never seen a scientific study on this, but I bet dimes to dollars that, all
other things being equal, people who read romantic fiction are healthier,
happier and better adjusted than those who don't. It is THE adaptive skill of
the moment (in moderation, of course—Aristotle was no dummy). And that leads to RIVERTIME, my debut
novel. The heroine of RIVERTIME, Casey Lord,
embarks on a river-rafting trip for some serious escapism of her own. Instead of
finding peace, she is heaved into chaos when a flash flood sweeps her away and
deposits her on a rocky beach in the wilderness. Casey’s not the only one the river captures. Jack Raines is thrown from his
river raft by the flood, and washes up on the same shore. Quiet and moody, he’s
as different from Casey as night is from day, but he doesn't mind: he’s happy
for an unscheduled break in his sharply tangled life—a life he’s determined to
keep secret from Casey. It should be a desperate struggle to survive until they’re rescued, but their
sojourn in RIVERTIME—their term for
the isolated time and space they now inhabit—takes on an altogether different
feel. But change is inevitable—it’s only a matter of time before they are rescued.
They each face the prospect of return to the world in their own way: Casey
reasons about what is real and what is fantasy, while Jack pretends the outside
world doesn’t exist. When their rescuers arrive, neither is prepared for what awaits them—deceit,
betrayal, and danger. RIVERTIME is a story of
adventure, romance and escape from the ordinary. It is published by Carina
Press, and is available now.
Rae Renzi Website * @RaeRenzi Comment to win a copy of RIVERTIME
Comments
40 comments posted.
Re: Rae Renzi | Escapism: (Arguably) a Critical Skill for Survival
I really like the story line of this book, it kind of reminds me of Lost!
(Renee Pajda 9:55am February 15, 2011)
I agree with your post, reading and escapism is the only thing to keep us sane in this mad world...hehe!!! I love reading and read at least a little every day.
Your book sounds really interesting too. I wish you lots of sales!!!
Valerie
in Germany
(Valerie Bongards 1:31am February 16, 2011)
Bravo! for giving escapism an intellectual spin of being necessary for survival. I'd never thought of it in this way. Your story also sounds interesting. Which kind of escapism does it offer--the literal kind?
(Sigrun Schulz 1:31am February 16, 2011)
Survival, fear & instinct...sounds like a book of total raw emotion.
(Darci Paice 2:25am February 16, 2011)
WOW!! Love the premise. It sounds like a great debut read to me.
(Mary Preston 2:43am February 16, 2011)
I've escaped to books very often, but when I really don't even want to think of food, water, or anything beyond the second, it's time to hit a concert. I've gone a thousand miles to see a concert. The trip there and back was just another escape with my sister. Time out of the house to make memories that were funny or stressing, depending on the car, the show, the clothing malfunction, or who was at home waiting for us to come back.
Reading about an unscheduled escape with an unplanned (but he has to be hot) man can bring us an escape with them. I like that.
(Christina Harrison 3:26am February 16, 2011)
Who wouldn't like to be marooned on an uninhabited beach with a handsome man? Sounds like a fun book!
(Pamela Stewart 5:43am February 16, 2011)
It appears that you are off to a wonderful start with your first novel!
Congratulations and blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 7:11am February 16, 2011)
Congratulations on your book!! The story sounds very interesting, and I can't wait to read it!! I think everyone needs time to put their problems on the back burner, to grab a book, and to put themselves in another space and time, if only for a while. I find it very entertaining and therapeutic. You can always find a book to match your mood as well. If you need a pick me up, there's always an author within reach to put a smile on your face, or there's always an author with a great love story that can bring tears to your eyes. The possibilities are endless!!
(Peggy Roberson 7:52am February 16, 2011)
I have read for escape for what seems like eons. Your book seems to fit into
that need. When I can't read to escape (too noisy, too antsy etc.) I grab a
leash and walk my dog. When my husband is in "a mood" and I don't want to
deal with it walking my dog works. I sometimes take a book in my pocket
and sit in a park and read while my dog gets a break from his routine. The
combination is the best! Congratulations on the start of a wonderful and
appreciated new career.
(Sandra Spilecki 8:37am February 16, 2011)
I so agree with your interpretation of escapism. That is definitely the reason that I read.
(Joanne Reynolds 9:01am February 16, 2011)
Book sounds great, I like some of the others read to escape but if I need to escape and think then it's walking alone.
(Vickie Hightower 9:08am February 16, 2011)
I love to read. It makes me happy and brings a safe kind of excitement to my life. I believe Escapisim in reading helps keeps the balance in our lives when the stresses seem to be piling up.
The plot in Rivertime sounds intriguing and exciting. I want to hear more about Casey and Jack and look forward to reading it.
(Christine Stack 9:15am February 16, 2011)
I love the plot for Rivertime !! sounds like a wonderful book! Before i started reading i had been threw several bad changes at one time, my brother dieing, job closed, moved, my mother got a anurism near her brain, moved back etc...anyway all this together put me in a serious state of depression. My very reason for reading started out as therapy a avid book reader friend recomended me to try for a hobby and i laughed at that because i have no patience to read a book. I wanted to make sure i found something of interest to me that could hold my attention to finish it. I knew if i couldn't finish it i would not try again seeing i was 42 when reading became my new hobby : ) I was so excited that i finished it and loved the story i went on the net and ordered and web sites. I clearly took this to the extreme however my husband and kids tolerate my books because they know they have helped me so much it's exactly what it is a escape : ) gives me something to look forward to without having to leave my house. I would love the chance to win a copy of Rivertime !! : )
photoquest(at)bellsouth(dot)net
(Lori Barnes 9:37am February 16, 2011)
I read for escape, entertainment, and education. I enjoy a variety of
genres depending on my mood.
Your book sounds like a fun read. I wouldn't mind being stranded with...
Hmm--who do I choose? There are so many ;)
(Mona Garg 10:14am February 16, 2011)
There's bad news on TV and in the paper - not to mention in my bank statement. I'm trying to escape all that. Your book sounds like it fits the bill. I'd love to win it.
(r w 10:50am February 16, 2011)
I think escapism comes naturally to us---who hasn't day dreamed of being stranded somewhere with that guy that just never seems to notice them in daily life.
(Sue Farrell 11:12am February 16, 2011)
i would like reading thia anyway
(Debbi Shaw 11:12am February 16, 2011)
Reading is the best escape for anywhere in the world. Your books sounds not only a great escape but a really exciting read.
(Karen Gervasi 11:13am February 16, 2011)
It sounds like a good book to read, I'm always looking for new books.
(Wilma Frana 11:13am February 16, 2011)
Rivertime sounds excellent. I'd like to read more.
(G S Moch 12:41pm February 16, 2011)
A good book and a glass of wine is my favorite way to rid of my stress!!
(Dawn Staniszeski 1:34pm February 16, 2011)
Your debut novel sounds interesting. Lots of exciting things can happen while they are stranded on the isolated river bank. Good luck!!!
(Anna Speed 2:25pm February 16, 2011)
This sounds like a fabulous novel guaranteed to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Can't wait to read it!
(Connie Fischer 2:43pm February 16, 2011)
Best of luck in your book sales. Reading is my way of escaping troubles.
(Ann Garland 2:47pm February 16, 2011)
Looking forward to reading your debut novel (best wishes for much success) it sounds really interesting. I've read to escape for a long time and for various reasons. Thanks to authors like you who provide such good material to take me away!
(Karen Cherubino 4:06pm February 16, 2011)
I agree with you about being happier people by reading romance stories. I think we also have a better sense of humor.
(Joy Isley 4:31pm February 16, 2011)
Escapism,I do this every day.
(Deb Pelletier 4:34pm February 16, 2011)
Congrats on your debut novel! I really like the sound of it...
(Colleen Conklin 4:36pm February 16, 2011)
I loved the cover of your book. The section to read of the book was terrific. I could see her standing up on the beach - not knowing the hunk around the corner waiting for her.
(Kathleen Bianchi 4:49pm February 16, 2011)
I only started to read romance books in the past couple of years. I was mystery all the way. Well, in real life there is a bit of mystery, love, comedy history and the list goes on. I find that I now read one romance to every mystery novel and enjoy the change. I find the humor in a romance novel is endearing to the story and true to real life.
(Rosemary Simm 5:10pm February 16, 2011)
I think Escapism is like self-therapy, it allows you to decompress, recover & then go back to all the stresses of life. Reading for enjoyment (ie escapism) is probably beneficial to your physical & mental health, so keep writing for all our benefits.
(Diane Sallans 6:58pm February 16, 2011)
wow the book great cover and then the book will do good for you eye catcher
(Desiree Reilly 7:26pm February 16, 2011)
What an interesting approach to escapism!
(Tina Grinde 7:50pm February 16, 2011)
Reading romance is a great escape for me. I don't really need
to escape as I have a great life, but it's great mini vacations
every time I open a book. I always say that it's my "Calgon"
moments.
(Lisa Richards 8:06pm February 16, 2011)
Great post. Reading romance is an enjoyable way to spend some time and keep stress levels down.
(Leni Kaye 8:34pm February 16, 2011)
Thank you for giving me a chance to win your book. Sounds interesting.
(Linda Hall 9:45pm February 16, 2011)
Story sounds interesting. Stranded together. I read to escape my dramatic boring life.
(Lisa Kendall 11:09pm February 16, 2011)
I love escaping everyday live thru books.
(Pam Hager 12:34pm February 17, 2011)
I love reading to escape and go into the territories that I'm not used to while learning new history. I'm never without a book.
(Alyson Widen 10:46pm February 27, 2011)
Registered users may leave comments.
Log in or register now!
| 
© 2003-2024 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy