This Week's Topic
Does It Have to Be Important?
Hello, Friday! I recently read a book that was about a television family. Think Ozzy and Harriet, Leave It to Beaver, and Donna Reed. They had a wholesome family program where dad jokes dominated and everything was resolved by the end of the show. These were the shows I sought out as a kid. I was jealous of that calm and stability these families enjoyed. I wished June Cleaver was my mom. But alas, I lived in the real world and had to return to my scheduled life after 30 minutes of bliss.
Back to this book, there was this one character who I found to be insufferable. She felt the show needed to tackle "important" topics. The idea was that this show, this entertainment was worthless because they weren't taking on feminism or abortion or other topics deemed worthy of this character's time.
I am sorry, but I disagree with this whole line of thought. Different people are looking for different things when it comes to the entertainment they seek. I don't watch television, but I read, and I have heard this argument when people talk about books. And let me tell you, the number one way to get me NOT to read a book is for a reviewer to refer to it as "important".
The world is chaotic and ugly, and I don't have a lot of control over what goes on out there, but I do get to choose the books I read, and I choose escape. I want to crawl into a world where things work out and endings are tidy. I want to feel good at the end of the book because that is what I need to nourish my soul. Why devalue something that makes people happy or brings them comfort?
Just because a story doesn't involve BIG topics doesn't make them meaningless. There could be a storyline that is not "important" but does affect a character's life. It could also be something that a reader has experienced first hand, and I like seeing people make it though these common situations. It's encouraging and helpful to know I am not the only one who has experienced such things.
Maybe it's me, but esteem these books. I revel in the warm-fuzzies, HEAs are my drug of choice, and up-lit is my poison. I am thankful that there are authors out there that see value in stories like this and am grateful that I get to read them.
Now it's your turn!
Do you think book have to
cover important topics?
Let us know in the comments!
cover important topics?
Let us know in the comments!
I really think it just depends on the reader. There is so much research that shows how important the act of regular reading is. My take is that if you're reading, anything really, that's a good thing. My "in" to reading was mysteries, and it continues to be the main driver of my daily reading. My SIL loves a romance, and read over 100 of them last year. And while that wouldn't be my "go-to" I was certainly proud of her for it.
ReplyDeleteAs for the message, I will say that the books that tend to stick with me longer have some kind of deeper meaning. But that's not say that a crime thriller I read for entertainment is any less worthy of my time or respect.
My point is captured in your closing statement. I hate when people discount something that serves the purpose of being entertaining. Sometimes, that's what the person is looking for or needs, and it's enough.
DeleteI do not read or even watch a movie to be preached at or to learn something important. That's why I won't watch the other Avatar movies. I feel like I'm being preached at. Like they are trying to compare what's going on in the world to what's going on in the movies and that's not why I watch movies. Don't be preachy or try to teach a lesson. I will DNF a book for those reasons.
ReplyDelete*High Five* I don't open a book for a lecture. I can go on socials or watch the news for that.
DeleteI completely agree with everything you've said here, Sam! If I want reality and unhappy endings I can tune into the news. I want an escape with a happy ending in my entertainment!
ReplyDeleteTHAT is exactly how I feel. There are places to see all the grim realities. We live in it. My entertainment is strictly separate, and I grateful that there are people who want to make that sort of art for people like me.
DeleteFor me, it's a mix. I believe that not every book needs to cover important topics, but that the important books need to exist as well. Does that make sense? I also love the happy endings and sometimes want that light, fluffy book that just makes me feel good. At other times, I need to be challenged, and I need that book that does tackle the issues and force me to rethink my perspective. They both help me grow as a person.
ReplyDeleteI am not saying "Important" books should not exist. My issue was with discounting things that are just entertaining. That's what the character in the book was doing. As if only shows tackling "important" topics (as determined by her) should be given time and consideration. I am glad that there are books and other art out there that can fit everyone's tastes and needs. I just don't like when people act like there's only one kind of acceptable way to do it all, you know?
DeleteNo I definitely agree with you! You know I like reading darker and grittier fare, but that doesn't mean it is somehow more valuable that a happy, warm-fuzzies book with an HEA! I don't like that line of thinking either, that it has no value if it isn't hard-hitting. Frankly, some folks NEED that "fluffier" escape for their sanity! (For me, I usually feel sadder when reading happy books, which is why I tend to read them in small doses, but I feel like I am just a weirdo in that regard heh.) It sounds really pretentious to think that ONLY issue-driven books are worthwhile, honestly!
ReplyDeleteThat was my whole problem. The way something was considered less than. I just like to think that there can be different things for different people, and what's important to one person may not be important to someone else.
DeleteYou clearly are talking about Meet the Newmans and I know the character you are talking about. It also totally agree with you on reading some "lighter" reads or at least where the world doesn't end in ruins and where we get HEA. I love to read both. Lighter reads, purely for entertainment and also, in a smaller part, "important" reads. What I mean by "important" is usually books that will open my eyes on some injustice or situations that I had no idea li The Lion Women of Tehran, Birthday by Meredith Russo etc. BUT I need to be in the right mood to read these! For example, I got the ARC of Bright we Burn bu TJ Klune and even if I adore that writer I haven't read the book yet as it's about the literal end of our world. I confess that I am not in the mood at the moment. Also everyone is free to read what he or she wants!
ReplyDelete