The “mainstream media reviewer who doesn’t like or understand genre reviewing a genre thing and not liking it” is–hardly surprising. But like a bunch of others, what got me about the NY Times review was this bit:<\/p>\n
While I do not doubt that there are women in the world who read books like Mr. Martin\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s, I can honestly say that I have never met a single woman who has stood up in indignation at her book club and refused to read the latest from Lorrie Moore unless everyone agreed to \u00e2\u20ac\u0153The Hobbit\u00e2\u20ac\u009d first. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n
I actually sent her an email:<\/p>\n
Taken literally, I can believe your statement, as that would be rather rude to the rest of the book club. But taken as I assume you meant it, that women don’t read gritty epic fantasy–<\/p>\n
Really? You might not know any, but we’re out there.<\/p>\n
I read Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. Arya Stark, Brienne of Tarth (who you won’t have met yet), Daenerys are all strong female characters. Why would women not want to read about other women (or girls, in Arya’s case), doing amazing things in a harsh world? Isn’t that what literature is about–seeing people struggle against obstacles of all kinds? I would much rather read about Brienne’s loyalty, dedication, and inner strength than about some editorial assistant shopping for shoes.<\/p>\n
Never having heard of Lorrie Moore, I looked her up and found this line in Wikipedia: “Moore writes frequently about failing relationships and terminal illness”. That’s exactly why I don’t read much mainstream fiction–I joke that it’s all about rich white people committing adultery and getting cancer. However, I have read enough mainstream fiction that I know my joke isn’t true. It would be nice if the New York Times would find fantasy reviewers who are similarly willing to learn about the genre they’re reviewing and its audience.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The “mainstream media reviewer who doesn’t like or understand genre reviewing a genre thing and not liking it” is–hardly surprising. But like a bunch of others, what got me about the NY Times review was this bit: While I do … Continue reading