Don't get me wrong. I love Barnes and Noble. Most likely, this is an issue that most book stores have. Actually, it's an issue with novel writing these days.
It is impossible to go into a book store-- at the very least, a Barnes and Noble-- and expect to find a respectable, positive novel, that will not destroy all of your feelings.
This is, of course, not including comics or manga. Or the romance section-- I did say "respectable." Maybe sci-fi. I guess it's just fiction, really.
Good fiction is now defined as a story that presents you with a flawed or helpless protagonist who loses everything and begins a touching and brave journey toward fixing or getting over whatever happened. Of course, you will not be recompensed for having accompanied her-- it's most likely a her-- on her journey. You, too, will have your heartstrings pulled out. You turn slowly to the last page, and the very last period hits you like a heavy stone in still water, and as a result, a tear springs forth, and strikes the table beneath you, and you feel empty inside. So empty.
This is a good novel. That's like saying a good friend is someone who meets you on the street, tells you their life story, gives you hope about your own life, and then takes all your money and beloved possessions while you watch. A good novel is a con artist. A good novel these days is someone who scams you out of your right to happiness.
Either that, or it's a funny tale about zombies. I guess I can't complain about that. Zombies are fun, but there are only so many original plots you can come up with when writing a zombie novel. Believe me, I tried, and already there are novels out that did almost the exact same thing.
Thoughts, anyone? I recently picked up Jane Austen's Emma, in hopes that it won't, at least, break my heart, but any good, contemporary novels that are written to be happy?
No comments:
Post a Comment