[The_CEO]

From the NYT today:


In 2009, when more than 9,000 titles were published, romance fiction generated $1.36 billion in sales, giving it the largest share of the overall trade-book market, according to the Romance Writers of America, which compiles statistics on romance books.

Nearly 75 million people read at least one romance novel in 2008, the group said. (Ms. Wendell and her co-author, Candy Tan, wrote in “Beyond Heaving Bosoms” that romance novels are “easily the most-hidden literary habit in America.”)

Romance readers tend to be women ages 31 to 49 who are — contrary to the popular image of Miss Lonelyhearts living vicariously through fictional tales of seduction — in a romantic relationship, according to the writers group

[cinnamon]

I think romance novels exist and sell because of the same reason men like action films: to fill a void through fantasy.

Maybe these girls are in a relationship, but they don't find their boyfriend or husband as romantic as the novel heroes ^^ Romance novels are pre-cooked fantasies where even a plain or ugly girl can land the prince of their dreams.

I think they may be a little dangerous, though: I've just seen a book where a fat girl actually gets the best liked lad in her high school because, unlike everyone else, she treats him rudely! No wonder you guys complain, the girls you meet may have learnt from these books and just be trying to be "special"!

[Rocco81]

Cinnamon where did you learn English?

[cinnamon]

Ohh here and there, but it actually became intelligible during the time I spent studying in Holland, and then improved a little after I worked in Illinois.

You're a good observer!