Do you read novels characterized as chick-lit or romance? Do you ever feel like you have to defend them as a “guilty indulgence”? Or perhaps you look down your reading spectacles at those who choose to indulge in that kind of “trash”?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, do I have a novel for you.
Joanne Rendell’s latest novel Crossing Washington Square uses the fictional facade of an English Lit department at Manhattan U to challenge, debate, and debunk the place of popular women’s fiction within the greater sphere of literature for women.
Rachel Grey gained a few minutes of fame on Oprah discussing her book about women’s bookclubs and the validity of popular fiction within the canon of women’s literature. That attention got her recruited to the prestigious Manhattan U. faculty, but now she wonders if that decision was a bad one. Although she doesn’t miss running into her ex (from whom she was escaping when she moved cross-country to take the job), she also doesn’t feel as if she’s connecting with the students, and especially not with the old-guard mostly-male faculty.
The plot develops quickly and easily. I truly enjoyed reading this book, and the close of each chapter begged me not to stop but to read “just one more.”
I have to admit that I tend to classify books such as these as “lighter reads” and therefore put them in a sort of lesser class in my mind. But this novel has it all — the tension between Rachel and frosty senior professor Diana; a romance with a dreamy visiting professor, and yes — issues that make me think, both about my life and culture in general. Isn’t that one purpose of literature?
There are discussion questions included, as well as an interview with the author, and I think that this would be a great book to discuss with a bookclub to examine the role of women and even our own personal reading choices.
We have a SIGNED copy to give away to one of you (U.S. or Canadian addresses).
Leave a comment and tell me your very favorite kind of read, be it Harlequin, Horror, or History (or whatever other genre keeps you turning pages hour after hour). We’ll announce the winner on next Wednesday’s giveaway post (This giveaway has closed).
Managing editor Jennifer Donovan most enjoys popular women’s fiction and literary fiction. She also blogs at Snapshot.
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My favorite kind of book is historical fiction, although I enjoy books from all different genres.
When I’m just wanting to zone out, I love inspirational fiction…
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
Sounds very interesting considering my favorite books to read are suspense/who dunit ones.
My favorite genre is Young Adult, if only because those are the books I can’t seem to put down. But I’ve been expanding my repertoire and have really started to enjoy some adult non-fiction. This sounds like a book that would expand my horizons even farther, and I’d love a copy!
My favorite books are mysteries, but I confess that I will pretty much read anything I can get my hands on!
My favorites are fantasy and science fiction, although mystery is a good third place. And friends know, I’ll read just about anything.
This book sounds interesting, I’ll have to look for it.
I read romance, though mostly historical romance. I love historical novels.
For pure enjoyment, inspirational or Southern fiction.
Ooh fun! This books sounds perfect. I enjoy chick lit occasionally, viewing it as a nice mindless escape, but it can’t be too light–at least in my own mind. I reread “bridget jones’ diary” this week and thoroughly enjoyed it! This sounds like a nice light read.
As for what I read, I read it all–mystery, history, classic (I also reread Pride and Prejudice this week), and modern lit.
I love just about all genres except Sci fi..
not real hip on that one.
I really like historical fiction. However, it has been awhile since I have had a book I had difficulty putting down. I just found your site so hopefully that will end! Thanks!
hard to pick a fave genre but I do tend to really read alot of historical fiction novels set and/or written in other parts of the world
this looks like a tempting read indeed
If I have to choose, either fantasy or young adult. I adore them both ♥
…inspirational fiction, historical fiction, biographies, true stories. All of the above, esp. in audio. I love books in Spanish &/or Hispanic cultural settings. And I love to read out loud to others!
I love a good mystery! I keep going and going trying to figure out “who don-it”. : )
I devour historical romance. The kind with the handsome half-way dressed men on the cover!
Thanks for the giveaway!
I pretty much love Christian fiction that isn’t super action/adventure type. Historical or current, if it has a good plot with not too much suspense I love it!
No need to enter me. That’s a good thing because my favorite kind of fiction is GOOD fiction. Try finding THAT on a bookstore shelf!
I’m dropping in because Joanne sent me the link and asked me to post about this giveaway at my Win a Book blog. It’s great to meet you 5 Minutes for Books folk; I hope you’ll send us more things to post. Anything to help get the word out about good books.
I read all sorts of things and enjoy most all of it. I do like like chick lit, christian fiction and southern fiction a lot! This one sounds intriguing.
I love contemporary literary fiction but I’m a HUGE chick lit fan too!
My favorite is anything that will make me both laugh and think. This sounds like it could be a good candidate!
I don’t know if I could pick a favorite although I seem to be reading a lot of YA lately. Like another poster, I should probably say my favorite kind of fiction is good fiction. Crossing Washington Square sounds like a fun read!
I like mysteries,romance,cooking,historical,inspirational..thx for the contest
Hmm, I’m a total sucker for chick-lit or historical fiction!! 😀 Thanks!!
I’ve been known to read everything from the dictionary to cereal boxes. Right now, though, I’m enjoying historical fiction.
This book sounds wonderful – please include me in your giveaway… I follow via Bloglines.
thanks!
My favorite types of books are biographies. Lately I’ve been reading too many political type books and need some romance. Please enter me! Thanks!
Bridgette Groschen
[email protected]
I’m not sure what my favorite genre is. I like all sorts of things if they’re well-written and make me think. This book sounds like something my daughter, who’s a graduate student, might enjoy.
I’m an avid reader and it’s hard to select one genre. But for today I’m going to say poetry.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
Enter me, please! thank you!
My favorite is romance, but I enjoy all types of books.
oh, this looks good!
i love a good historical fiction with some romance thrown in.
I like romance and chick lit!
I like romance with a little mystery.
denise22315(at)gmail(dot)com
My favorite kind of read is a mystery. But I’m fond of romance too.
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
This book sounds wonderful…a great review.
I don’t think that I have a ‘favourite’ type of book…I love mystery, romance, chick-lit, suspense, biographies, and true stories.
karen k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com