Genre Fiction

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Permalink Reply by Dave on June 24, 2011 at 10:31pm

First of all, I have to object just a little to the term 'guilty pleasure'.  I think genre fiction is just as valid an art form as contemporary fiction.  That being said, I do understand your meaning here.

Personally, I kind of like the old Doc Savage novels.  Old school pulp is pretty great.

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Permalink Reply by Stephanie Mann on June 27, 2011 at 8:52pm

I am a huge science fiction fan.

I wouldn't call it a guilty pleasure, as it's what I read the most.

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Permalink Reply by Tim King on June 27, 2011 at 9:15pm

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't any fiction in some genre of fiction?

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Permalink Reply by Athena on June 28, 2011 at 8:41am

Wow, did not know that, thanks for the info :D  Learning is fun.
I suppose I read genre fiction as well then, as I usually read fantasy novels.  I agree that some of them aren't very literary and good for brainless relaxation (like many of those vampire novels), but many fantasy novels are very well written.
Just look at Lord of the Rings, a book that should definitely fall under the category of 'literary'.  So definitely not a guilty pleasure, but an amazing piece of work.  Been reading George RR Martin lately, and it's not something you casually read, you really need to focus and get into it.

I'd say chic-lit is more something that falls under the guilty category, it's pretty silly, but sometimes silly can be fun.  But really it's kinda crap, but who cares sometimes.

 

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Permalink Reply by Tim King on June 28, 2011 at 11:19am

Thanks for the explanation of its usage, I genuinely mean it.  I just thought it was kind of a silly term, since by definition literary fiction is a genre of fiction in and of itself.  Kind of like how "post-rock" is kind of a dumb term for that style of music.  It signifies something, yes, but doesn't really mean anything.

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