Comments on: Jodi Picoult:Why Is It A Sin To Read For Fun?

By: Miss Miriam

Miss Miriam — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 03:32:15 +0000

I know…but I can dream.

By: Rehanon

Rehanon — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:49:54 +0000

I think that the lighter books can be divided into two groups. There’s the fluffy, badly written novels, that could be easily read in an hour, and then there’s the books appear to be light, but actually get you to think. The Twilight series falls into the second category. I have friends who hate reading, and picked up Stephenie’s books because they thought they would be easy, and ended up not being able to put them down.

I don’t agree with her dissmissing the books for being escapist. The whole reason we read is to escape. To experience another world, another time. As for the classics thing, I don’t think you can critizise other books if you haven’t experienced well written literatue. Having said that, you don’t need to read every single book that fits into that category. Pick the ones that interest you. Enjoy them. It’s what they were written for.

Yes, Twilight is a little ridiculous, but so what? I think what attracts people most is the idea that there is someone perfect for you, who will always look after you. And a lot of the sacred Classics go there too. Just because a book becomes popular doesn’t make it bad. I was in grade three when Harry Potter first came out, and I loved it straight away. Now it’s a household name. That doesn’t make me hate it. And frankly, I don’t give a crap what critics say or if a book has won a prize. I choose books that interest me.

By: Rehanon

Rehanon — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:17:46 +0000

LOL, i’ve never heard the term ‘book-slut’ before.
love it.

that’s definately me, right there.

By: Amber Pederson

Amber Pederson — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 21:20:01 +0000

Ugh. Yes. The Cast novels are very poorly written, in my opinion. I honestly can’t stand the main character. But I DO love Stevie Rae, and I HAVE been reading them because dang it, those girls put such horrible cliffhangers at the end! D< If there’s something about a book that I LIKE at ALL (Like Stevie Rae) and I don’t get the whole story, I have to keep reading.

By: Susieqtpi

Susieqtpi — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:29:26 +0000

I’m an English grad student, and I’ve always specialized in popular fiction and its fans. It’s important to realize that there are TONS of popular books that become classics, and even some that, taken out of their time period, we can appreciate as being well, not exceedingly well written. But I feel a book’s importance and worth is not and should not be entirely based on the author’s ability to manipulate the English language – and particularly not some of the bizarre standards set up by the literary establishment. It’s also important to recognize ideas, trends, and what attracts a large audience to a particular book; particularly when, as the Twilight Saga does, it reflects a certain time of political and economic conflict (as many key fantasy series do around the turn of this century).
To reject the book as unworthy of serious consideration or dismiss it as “bad” or “popular” reflects a naivete on the part of literary snobs who are not forward-thinking enough to consider whether study of popular literary techniques might help more “serious” authors expand the reach of their ideas. It’s a rejection of the notion that literary critics are meant to improve literature as a whole through their observations and an embrace of the idea that literary critics are simply gatekeepers who allow some to pass and deny others entry. To those that think the Twilight Saga is bad, I simply have to say “Yes, it may be poorly written (depending on your definition – I prefer to think of it as “differently” written), but doesn’t it make you the least bit curious as to what work it is performing on its mass readership, and what the effects of that work might be?” You don’t have to like the book to acknowledge that something is happening through it. I don’t particularly like Ulysses, but I can recognize what’s going on in it and what the author is doing and what it’s important.

By: ScarletRubie

ScarletRubie — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 03:26:30 +0000

i do have to say that SM did get me into reading, I’m not going to lie. I hated reading, i was always like Pshh I’m never finish this crap but with her i realized there are stories out there that do grip you and make you love the characters. Shortly after twilight i discovered My Sister’s Keeper and i adore that book. I think they do have general similarities. They both grip in a way that won’t let you stop reading and they both get you emotionally attached to the character. They are both wonderful authors obviously Jodi has more experience and variety.

By: Lee Ann

Lee Ann — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 03:23:01 +0000

Thank you for posting this link. I was annoyed with Stephen King’s comments for exactly the reason that in my book, reading is reading; no matter the quality. I think the great thing about books like “Harry Potter” and “Twilight” are that they get the masses reading. Personally, I have always been an avid reader, but have never loved the classics. “Twilight” actually got me to try out and enjoy the classics.

By: Diana

Diana — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 02:56:25 +0000

Thanks for saying that Miss Miriam. You took the words out of my mouth. I’m at school all day long, and if I’m not there, I’m home studying. All the reading I do is very technical and a lot of it is very dry. So, when I pick up a book, I want it to be something light, something fun… something to help me escape from my day-to-day life. Why does that mean it is a “lesser” book than some other (classic literature, non-fiction, etc) book? That is just ridiculous. At least these “fluff” books are getting people to read instead of rotting their brains with endless hours of reality tv trash.

By: sue

sue — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 01:04:59 +0000

I’m sorry but i don’t think that will EVER happen.

By: Miss Miriam

Miss Miriam — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:54:06 +0000

Also, I would like to add that some day I hope Edward Cullen is held on the same level as Mr. Darcy and Mr. Rochester. In fact I think that Edward is a perfect mixture of these two characters and I hope some day The Twilight Saga is held on the same level as anything writen by Jane Austen.