Their Eyes Were Reading Smut
January 9, 2006 – 12:27 pmPosted Under: bookshelf
I met Nick and his wife Denene. I liked them and I’m an African American author too so I figure I’d post this article and see if it gets an stimulating discusssion here or if the issue continues to be ignored and glossed over as it has been for the past few years in the name of making a quick buck.
Their Eyes Were Reading Smut
By Nick Chiles
Published: January 4, 2006
Snellville, Ga.
LAST month I happened to go into the Borders Books store at the Stonecrest mall in Lithonia, Ga., about a half-hour from my house here. To my surprise, it had one of the largest collections of books by black authors that I’ve ever seen outside an independent black bookstore, rows and rows of bookcases. This is the sort of discovery that makes the pulse quicken, evidence of a population I’ve spent most of my professional life seeking: African-American readers. What a thrill to have so much space in a major chain store devoted to this country’s black writers.
With an extra spring in my step, I walked into the “African-American Literature” section - and what I saw there thoroughly embarrassed and disgusted me.
On shelf after shelf, in bookcase after bookcase, all that I could see was lurid book jackets displaying all forms of brown flesh, usually half-naked and in some erotic pose, often accompanied by guns and other symbols of criminal life. I felt as if I was walking into a pornography shop, except in this case the smut is being produced by and for my people, and it is called “literature.”
As a black author, I had certainly become familiar with the sexualization and degradation of black fiction. Over the last several years, I had watched the shelves of black bookstores around the country and the tables of street vendors, particularly in New York City, become overrun with novels that seemed to appeal exclusively to our most prurient natures - as if these nasty books were pairing off back in the stockrooms like little paperback rabbits and churning out even more graphic offspring that make Ralph Ellison books cringe into a dusty corner.
Early last year I walked into a B. Dalton bookstore in a New Jersey mall where the manager had always proudly told me how well my books were selling. This time, I was introduced to a new manager who was just as proud to show me an enhanced black books section teeming with this new black erotica. I’ve also noticed much more of this oversexed genre in Barnes & Noble bookstores over the past few months, although it’s harder to see there since the chain doesn’t appear to have separate black fiction sections.
But up until that visit to Borders in Lithonia, I had thought this mostly a phenomenon of the black retail world, where the black bookstore owners and street vendors say they have to stock what sells, and increasingly what sells are stories that glorify and glamorize black criminals. The genre has been described by different names; “ghetto fiction” and “street lit” are two I’ve heard most often. Apparently, what we are now seeing is the crossover of this genre to mainstream bookstores.
But the placard above this section of Borders in Lithonia didn’t say “Street Lit,” it said “African-American Literature.” We were all represented under that placard, the whole community of black authors - from me to Terry McMillan and Toni Morrison, from Yolanda Joe and Benilde Little to Edward P. Jones and Kuwana Haulsey - surrounded and swallowed whole on the shelves by an overwhelming wave of titles and jackets that I wouldn’t want my 13-year-old son to see: “Hustlin’ Backwards.” “Legit Baller.” “A Hustler’s Wife.” “Chocolate Flava.”
I’ve heard defenders say that the main buyers of these books, young black women, have simply found something that speaks to them, and that it’s great that they’re reading something. I’d agree if these books were a starting point, and that readers ultimately turned to works inspired by the best that’s in us, not the worst.
But we’re not seeing evidence of that. On Essence magazine’s list of best sellers at black bookstores, for example, authors of street lit now dominate, driving out serious writers. Under the heading “African-American Literature,” what’s available is almost exclusively pornography for black women.
As I stood there in Borders, I had two sensations: I was ashamed and mortified to see my books sitting on the same shelves as these titles; and secondly, as someone who makes a living as a writer I felt I had no way to compete with these purveyors of crassness.
That leaves me wondering where we - writers, publishers, readers, the black community - go from here. Is street fiction some passing fad, or does it represent our future? It’s depressing that this noble profession, one that I aspired to as a child from the moment I first cracked open James Baldwin and Gabriel Garcia Marquez about 30 years ago, has been reduced by the greed of the publishing industry and the ways of the American marketplace to a tasteless collection of pornography.
I realize that publishing is a business, but publishers also have a responsibility to balance street lit with more quality writing. After all, how are we going to explain ourselves to the next generation of writers and readers who will wonder why they have so little to read of import and value produced in the early 21st century, why their founts of inspiration are so parched?
At times, I push myself away from the computer in anger. I don’t want to compete with “Legit Baller.” But then I come across something like “The Known World” by Edward P. Jones and again I am inspired.
But I must say that I retain very little of the hope and excitement and enthusiasm that I had when my first book was published eight years ago. I feel defeated, disrespected and troubled about the future of my community and my little subsection of this carnivorous, unforgiving industry.
Nick Chiles, the editor in chief of Odyssey Couleur magazine, is the co-author, with Denene Millner, of “A Love Story.”
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43 Responses to “Their Eyes Were Reading Smut”
When asked what she considered the major difference between the literature written by black and by white Americans, Alice Walker says black writers “seem always involved in a moral and/or physical struggle, the result of which is expected to be some kind of larger freedom.” Is this true of today’s black popular novel? In a hyper-sexed, hypertext markup society where anything you want you can get in 30 minutes or less it seems that the concept of reading for introspection, or spiritual enrichment gives way to quick sound bites of fiction and escapism.:idea:
By Tzynya on Jan 9, 2006
I have not read a book in years….
I used to read all the time..
Now I have no time..
I miss it so much.
By Chele in [dot] LA on Jan 9, 2006
i’m a lil torn here, Dom. I can empathise with the author’s embarrassment at being lumped in the category with Street Lit. Always looking at the glass being half full though, I think the bigger picture is that these major outlets have recognized that there IS great market share out there for recouping sales from AA literature. I truly believe that once you open the mind’s eye to reading, a person will just naturally “graduate” to new types of literature and in doing so will eventually discover works like that of Nick Chiles
By Walee on Jan 9, 2006
Tzynya–Escapism is great. That’s what I’ve always loved most about reading, I guess when I’m set free from the story, I still want to have that lingering care for the characters I’ve read about. And I don’t mind reading a creatively constructed sensual episodes between two people either–my thing is that I wish the publishers would learn to balance things–you don’t have to abandon everything in lieu of following the latest book trends–what about the people like me that wants to read a great story set in the backdrop of Morrocco?
By Princess Dominique on Jan 9, 2006
This topic has been debated in various online groups. There’s a reading audience for everyone. What I like to read, you might not like to read. I’ve learned to keep an open mind. As long as you write what is in your heart and what you feel, then as an author you’re doing your part. As a consumer, we all have preferences on what we’ll spend our money on.
By Shelia on Jan 9, 2006
Walee, I think it’s hard for me because I’ve been published since 1998 when The Coldest Winter Ever was the only new trend book on the market and now you do literally have to “dig” to find a gem. It makes me think maybe there shouldn’t be an AA section, just categorize it under genre so if someone wants to read erotica, urban or mystery, they can go directly to it. As for recouping the sales, major publishers just need to learn how to promote ALL of their authors and not just the “lead” authors and when they promote them it needs to be wayyyy beyond the tiny sliver of a 3 month window…it takes longer than that for a book to even gain momentum.
By Princess Dominique on Jan 9, 2006
Linda,
This has been going around several of the groups I belong to so I am just going to post of a few of my comments. I have tried to ommit third party names as much as I could, because I in no way want to slam another author.
1) It’s funny and somewhat ironic, that in MY observation, more and more AA authors have emerged and more and more AA are reading, regardless of what they are reading. A former co-worker who found it difficult to read, just didn’t read, until he found out that I had a book out. Initially he read the book because he wanted to get next to me, but after a while, that man started to read books faster than I did, and before you knew it, his entire family, including his 8 year old son were constantly reading. He said the last book he had ever picked up before this was a textbook..If think that if we as AA writer can achieve the each one reach one, teach one, concept, then our job here is done.
2) Why should you sadness or disappointment? I’m sure you of all people know that NOT everyone is going to be happy for you or NOT everyone is going to like your work, and there will be some “haters”. This should not affect anyone, especially a good writer and entrepreneur as yourself in any shape, form or fashion. Maybe the person wrote the article because it was basically HIS opinion, and we all know that just like ________ everyone has one. Or perhaps, just like political propagandist (I know it’s not a word…yet) who keep up all this ruckus about taking God from church and state, but when a disaster happens, the first place they run to is a church house or a religious group for help or scream Jesus! Some people as my buddy Georgie Bush says “flip flop” the issues. Or perhaps those folx who swear they live by the bible but take OUT the parts that they don’t want to relate to. Girl you just keep doing your thing, keep pumping out those books, keep building, keep growing, and as my sixteen year old would say, “shake the haters off”. I bet you the very same person that wrote the book got at least on of the ____________ installations hidden somewhere for his “enjoyment” if you know what I mean. and that is just my .02 cents.
PS: Who cares if you write porn….. because reading books from you like ____________ is my idea of SAFE SEX. Now ain’t THAT something.
3) let me clarify, Go out and BUY the book. And tell your sister she can’t read yours, she gotta buy her OWN. Now Run Tell That!
By Yolanda on Jan 9, 2006
I like having an AA section. I am intelligent enough to skim through the smut. I don’t read black erotica. A good story is what draws me to a book. Thanks to you, I am starting to slowly get back into the world of reading which pleases my aunt, the librarian. Also here in NYC we have more options than the chain bookstores although I know that isn’t the case in other places. I’ve lived in cities where there was only one black bookstore and it was usually black owned as well. I am big of library books too though because my book collection is getting out of control. I know authors depend on sales but storing books can be expensive. Honestly, I will rarely buy black books (unless they are in the clearance section) from a major chain. I tend to purchase them from the small black bookstore. Sometimes you pay more but other times you don’t. There are a lot of good black bookstores in Brooklyn and a few in Harlem (not counting the vendors on 125). Also the book fair and Harlem Day events provide added exposure to authors. I was disappointed that so many gangster girls and such were the only authors with booths during the street fairs though. I know I’ve jumped all over the place but I wouldn’t worry too much about that smut writers because the quality of your work is long term whereas that stuff is a flash in the pan. Even before The Coldest Winter was Flyy Girl. I HATED that book with a passion. That seemed to be the beginning of the end. As an educator though, whatever gets people reading. So, to each his own.
By Berry on Jan 9, 2006
1st I would just like 2 say at least people are READING!!!!!
2nd. the fact that we still have to have our “own” section of books says SOMETHING!!!!!!
3rd. everybody has their own tastes in books. what I read or you read may be at 2 different ends of the spectrum but hey at least we are reading!!!!!!
By dee on Jan 9, 2006
I really don’t see why we have to have a separate AA section. Why the need to be separate if we’re equal? (I know that’s a whole ‘nother discussion, sorry.)
I’ve been seriously considering writing a book this year. Personally, I would want to write something with meaning, at least something not crass. Not because I’m black but because it’s not a part of my character. That said, we can’t really say much until we know the ratio of crass vs non-crass books in general. Then we’ll know what percentage to expect and accept among AA lit. The question is, Is it above average?
By ShellyP on Jan 9, 2006
As someone who observes people and is an author its easier for a non-AA person to “happen” upon your book if its not sectioned off–because with having it sectioned off anyone not interested in AA fiction can skip it altogether just by avoiding that section of the store. As for people being able to write what they want, sure, go on, but I still say what makes the most noise, is constantly “in your face” and has the backing of major publishers is what you’re going to see more of and lately is just isn’t a “though-provoking” story. I don’t want serious stories that give you something to chew on to become extinct. I’m all for people reading but I also believe what in you or gets put into you, comes out of you. Just like you can tell a lot about a society by the music they listen to, you can tell by what they read too.
By Princess Dominique on Jan 9, 2006
i read quite a bit. when school is in, i don’t read quite as much for pleasure. i have read several books during the holiday break.
first - at the bookstores i frequent in texas, the fiction books written by african american authors are located in the fiction section with everything else. there is a separate african american history/nonfiction-type section in the local barnes and noble. that section includes books about martin luther king, the civil rights movement, black entrepreneuship, etc.
second - i like to read chick lit. and i have strayed away from some books written by some african american authors because the stories all seem the same. man does woman wrong (i.e. cheats on her) and woman is out for revenge, usually involving some sexual encounter (sleeps with his brother).
lastly - i wish we, as african americans, could be a little more diverse in our writing. perhaps, i just haven’t come across the right author for me. (and i will shamefully say i haven’t read one of dominique’s books - i should. and i will. and soon). but i think we need the erotica, the crime, the comedy, the story about the average african american family, the celebrity, the successful business man or woman, etc. we need all of that because as a people we are all of that.
thanks!
-m
By melyssa on Jan 9, 2006
Perhaps instead of separating the books by race they should be separated by genre. I know that there has to be some “chick lit” written white authors (e.g., Danielle Steele) where’s her stuff?
I feel the author’s frustration. I love to read books by Black authors, but I don’t want to be bombarded with poorly written sex scenes and profanity-laden dialogue.
By Michele on Jan 9, 2006
Princess, I’m not supposed to be blogging, but you’ve struck a chord with me. I’ve been posting some similar things over at my writer/illustrator blog, and it hasn’t been so well received. The thing that scares me is that books that are being written for the YA market, 12-18 are also getting sexier and slimer, and for the sake of protecting authors intellectual freedom, folks with attitudes like mine are considered way out of step. I’m gonna have to post a link to this blog post, too. Yesterday, I found a book in the childrens section. It was a book of erotic love poems with half naked pictures of people. This book was right along with the childrens picture books and marketed to “all ages.” It is a book intended for black kids, by an imprint that publishes books spefically for black kids. So, its starting earlier. Ok, nuff said.
By BRotha Buck on Jan 9, 2006
i need to find a good book and just read…this computer addiction doesnt allow for that
By courtney on Jan 9, 2006
Melyssa I love the chicklit too.
Michele–I’m with you, nothing against a sex scene, but give me something that isn’t just stick it in, hump hump, you’re done.
Berry–I think my problem is I’m tired of skimming, I feel like I’m clam digging for a good book, there’s something wrong with that.
Buck, the horror of erotic poems for children? What the HECK?!?! I mean freedom is one thing, lighting a crack pipe and putting it in the mouths of children is completely another!
By Princess Dominique on Jan 9, 2006
I believe Nick Chiles made some valid points. I’ve noticed the same thing in recent years. The black erotica books now share the same shelf space with those of black authors who strive to write more serious pieces. I’ve noticed that book stores separate the white romance novels from the works written by Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, and James Joyce. But all the black books are lumped together. I know my view may be unpopular, but I get tired of the erotica titles. To me, the black erotica books basically follow the same story line, lack vocabulary, and don’t challenge me at all. So basically within 25 pages into the erotica book, I’ll end up getting tired of it and won’t pick it up again. Simply put, it bores me.
But a friend of mine from New York does a great job of introducing me to various authors of the African Diaspora. For example, I remember a couple of years back when he introduced me to Edwidge Danticat’s books, involving story lines related to Haiti. Initially, I had a hard time trying to understand the patois. But the book held my attention, because it challenged me with her writing style and not smut.
It’s just a shame that there’s not much diversification in black writing at the moment. Or perhaps, diversification does exist, but the market isn’t willing to sell it, because they think it won’t sell. It would be nice to see a black pilot write about the future of aviation, or an artist write a book about his perspective and interpretation of art, or a great thinker write about her perspective on life woven into fiction.
By Aziza on Jan 9, 2006
This is indicitave of the same percipitous slide our culture has experienced in music. Im shocked anyone is surprised by any of this. Criminals are lauded, desired by women and are heros while the most productive among us are said to have sold out. Is there anything new here? No. Give them what they want and get paid. Our culture is already wrecked for the most part anyway.
By Mister Bachelor on Jan 9, 2006
I FEEL YA! I AM DEALING WITH THE SAME THING IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY. IT’S FOUL! WE ARE LOSING SUBSTANCE IN EVERY “ARTISTIC” MEDIUM.
By JAZZ on Jan 9, 2006
Aziza–you’re right, publishers aren’t inking deals for the Danticat’s as readily as they are the latest craze. Its solely about $$$ and if your title will guarantee a sale soon they’ll let you put the eff word and the b word on books. I’m just expecting a title with those words in it any day now.
Bachelor–you’re right too, criminals go to jail, get out, write a book, get a Lifetime or Showtime movie deal or music deal and become worshipped for their ingenuity and ability to do right in society (which should be a requirement of all citizens) as they expertly weave it into a career. This is definitely a culture in ruin.
Jazz–Yes music is no different. I mean when you lose the “substance” what’s next?
By Princess Dominique on Jan 9, 2006
I like the fact the B&N doesn’t have am “African American” section. Why should literature…and it’s all literature…be labeled based on the race of the writer?
There are just as many, or even more romance novels with white characters in them…I’m sure white people aren’t enbarrases when they see them.
We need to stop taking everything so personally. We don’t want white people putting us in blanket groups…why should we put ourselves in them? I think it’s rediculous to be embarassed in a bookstore.
That’s part of Black folks’ problem. Quit tearing down other folks work…just be proud that there are Black writers out there getting payed.
Can’t we all just get along?
By Quel on Jan 9, 2006
Dom,
I’m lost. It’s all greek to me.
By Sharon Dianne on Jan 10, 2006
I read the post and all the comments, and to all who said “at least people are reading” wouldn’t you rather we read books that are more enlightening and educational than books that essentially bring us down? Think about it, you may say well how does erotica bring us down? half the time i’s about cheating and so the theme is “it’s okay to cheat cos the sex’d be better” Another theme is “black men are no good but we gotta handle them with iron fists” and the ever popular “black women are drama queens”
And you’re sitting reading “hey I can relate” when you should be reading a book that will not only relate, but help you get up and get out of the negativity.
I used to love reading black books a couple of years ago, but I’ve gotten so tired of the same old same old erotica/gang glorification that seems to be the standard these days. It is sad that Essence is jumping on the bandwagon. Another reason why I am not renewing my subscription this year.
By ceecee on Jan 10, 2006
ok read the article and skimmed the comments. I’ll let you know where I stand , I think I’m sort of a literary snob in the sense that I cant deal with some of the stuff I’ve seen on the shelves in the ‘black section’. I’ve been known to reject books on covers alone.
My thing though is the writing. One can write chick lit, street lit or erotic and have great writing. In that case I’l give you a chance because I love well formed prose but just from skimming some of that stuff out there the actual writing isnt the best.
Yes its great to get our young people away from the music and video games and back to reading but at some point I’d like to see more Edward P Jones’ or Colson Whiteheads and less of the hood lit.
Of course with 50 cents starting a publishing house i’m not too optimistic.
Oh and in regard to the whole section I think real literature should just be in the literature section not the AA section. Maybe I have a sellout mentality but if/when I write something I’d like it to be good enough that even if the subject matter is about black folks the writing is so good it appeals to everyone.
By jdid on Jan 10, 2006
The fact the subject has such gravitating pull (well, gravity is a downward pull isn’t it?) - so, let me say such polarizing pull in both directions is very significant. Now that the reading attention of the masses of color has been whetted by subjects that might have caught their peripheral vision I feel the sky is the limit.
By Peggy on Jan 10, 2006
I I posted this at my writing blog and one of the comments was that other authors were jealous of these authors! I couldn’t even believe it!
By Hapee2bnapee on Jan 10, 2006
I understand and agree with your post. The sad thing about this is that white authors write the same type of lit but it labeled romance. But in the books it the same dirty, sleeping with every man, filth.
Black books and the perception of a black person is always gonna stick out worse than every other natinality. It’s just another struggle we must overcome!
By Juicy on Jan 10, 2006
Quel that is true about the romance novels, thing is that they’ve had the market locked down forever and like what Nick seems to be getting at, we’re just now really getting our turn. I guess its like anything else, we want to “secure” a place and not have the industry regret opening that door.
CeeCee–I can definitely relate to what you’re saying, especially since my Essence subscription ran out several years ago. I think that we have to safeguard the kids too, they’re reading a lot of these books and its not just about reading, I’m you’re ingesting what you read and people are seriously overlooking that.
Jdid-I saw a street survey once asking kids who black historical figures were. They knew who 50 was, and Pac, but a literary figure or an inventor, they were all at a loss. It say a lot. Call it censorship, but not in my house though, not even in 2006!
Peggy–I really hope that people do start broadening their minds. I’m doing it. I am not into sci-fi but read Kindred and haven’t been able to read another sci-fi book because it moved me so deeply. I wish that for everyone that picks up a book.
Hapee–what I’ve seen is that some authors make a legitimate point, kids are reading this stuff, preteens even. It is accessible to them. Buck said something about erotic poems in a children’s section. I think it goes beyond jealousy and yes I can say that there jealousy in the industry, I’ve personally beeen a victim of it, but for the most part, I hear people talking legacy–we’ve had black inventors and pioneers in various industries, and SOME people are wondering when or how we’ll ever find that kind of “example” in the writings of this particular era. I didn’t know you had a writing blog though. I’ll have to find it!
Juicy–sure its the same stuff, but we are going to be flagged for doing it the dirtiest! Just like in jobs or any other industry, we have to work harder to prove ourselves and we have to make sure that we don’t ruin our opportunity, this is all that I think Nick was trying to convey in the article.
By Princess Dominique on Jan 10, 2006
I agree with Nick Chiles on many levels.
As a reviewer for Romantic Times Magazine, we run the gamut of literature. And yes, there is a section for erotica and erotica Ebooks. But it is balanced with Paranormal, Inspirational, Mainstream, etc. And contrary to what some commenters think, there are many African-American authors that published novels in 2004 and 2005 that were not street lit writers. So the notion of african-americans dissappointment with bookstore shelves is a relevant one.
Bookstore chains and bookstore owners are competing with SAMS Club and Walmart. So they are trying different ways to meet customers where Wally World can’t. Some of these ways is providing works that those stores would not stock. Ergo- street lit and erotica. Moreover, publishing distributors are losing contracts with publishing houses, because thy can’t match Wally World’s pricing incentives. Therefore, authors who do not write in the trendy genre’s midlist and unless they have a good marketing plan and use there author advance to promote their book(something I recommend,) then nothing will change until an African-american author writes the next Narnia.
Readers like myself can contact our local bookstore and order certain books instead of using bookclubs like Black Expression. I don’t have anything against the club, but if many African Americans are purchasing their books via a bookclub, then that’s more reason for a bookstore manager not to stock a particular genre.
Thanks, Dom, for this topic. I might blog more about it in the future. Usually I list the top 50 Black Books of the Year and the Top Ten. But I didn’t do it for 2005. I only did the Top 25 and Top 10 African American Christian Fiction Books. The reason why I didn’t do the list is because I am a judge for a major book award this year and I didn’t want to disqualify myself (as I am the first and only black jjudge). Secondly, I wanted to focus on the books I thought were great reads for 2005. Now that I am a confirmed judge, I will post them before month end and email you when I have them up.
By Dee Stewart on Jan 10, 2006
Very true. Great Article. Excellent post Dominique.
By georgiapeach on Jan 10, 2006
That last comment sounded like I didn’t read anything. I did..lol. My brain is fried.
By georgiapeach on Jan 10, 2006
With all this discussion going on, I tried to think back to how I got into reading things like Their Eyes were Watching God and Native Son. How did I “stumble” upon them? I honestly can’t remember. I ask that to ask this question, IF we are saying that now that our people are at least reading something, we can get them to read more literary books, what’s the trigger? How do you get people to broaden their horizons knowing it’s going to take more than a well-written story (cause those do exist)?
By MsJayy on Jan 10, 2006
Dee–Thanks! I look forward to seeing your list. I’m always impressed with it and learn of many great new talents.
GeorgiaPeach–Thank you. As a writer it definitely affects me so I’d hate to stick my head in the sand.
Jackie–great point, for me it was 5th grade incidentally the whole Chronicles of Narnia story however it was titled something else back then in the book form. As my 5th grade teacher read to us in class for at least an hour a day I learned how you can escape and how a story can totally take you away. I was reading long before that but I know what you mean by trigger, and I think reading anything can be that trigger for some, but then there are those who can liken books to drugs and require something more potent, stronger with a more intense high with each reading so, I’m not sure if I answered your question or not–I vote no, no I didn’t, right?
By Princess Dominique on Jan 10, 2006
MsJayy, I’m trying to figure it out. I’ll be doing a “reading circle” for youth at camp this year and I want to introduce them to a world of literature (current and the classics).
By Shelia on Jan 10, 2006
Ms. Jayy, I agree with your concern.
Furthermore, as a reviewer who stopped reviewing erotica two years ago, I found that the authors writing in this genre aren’t great literary craftsman. Lolita, Memoirs of a Geisha, My Concubine were erotica novels that were well written and are classics now. But some of these books lacing shelves are poorly written. And it’s not the genre, its the bad writing that bothers me the most.
Yet, I don’t think that the total problem is getting people to broaden their horizon. “I believe if people knew better; they’d do better.” But on the same part, some people feel removed from literary fiction for reasons I still can’t fathom.
When I posted my Top 10 of Gospel Fiction of 2005 I received many comments that people didn’t know these books existed. I’ve been talking about them for at least two years online and five years as a journalist.
I do believe that since there are many of us who want better works in bookstores that things will change if we become a squeaky wheel.
On another note…
This summer I hosted a reader series in Atlanta to provide another entertainment alternative and to see how many people in my community supported literary arts. I was floored by the response. Many people love to read, but they don’t know where to start and the think the only thing being written are books that don’t define them.
We have to do a better job at promoting our favorite authors and ourselves. Maybe this discussion can serve as a thinktank to get that started.
By Dee Stewart on Jan 10, 2006
Dee–I agree! I definitely want to do something about that, not just to promote my books but those books that I can’t put down.
By Princess Dominique on Jan 10, 2006
i believe if the shoe fits, wear it.
if expecting more out of our authors, or rather the bookstores, is being a literary snob, then i am one.
don’t get me wrong, i see the place for street lit and erotica. i really do. even james baldwin caught flack about the topics he touched on. but if you ever read his novels, the way he approaches them is one with care. even with “the coldest winter ever”, there is a style established. there was, in my opinion, an engaging plot, with characters that grow and learn and chage, and there was a feeling of engaging the reader’s intellect and imagination. isn’t that what storytelling is about?
a lot of the books that i have picked up lately just simply don’t do that.
by chapter 3, i am yawning because i know the story already. dude gets his rap contract, but his cousin dies. or homegirl gets that man she wants but he is gay, so she fucks his brother instead. whoopdy damn freakin’ doo. it’s the same story over and over again, poorly done at that. the dialogues are that which 3rd graders would have, and there is no beauty to any of the language.
i might as well read “dick and jane”. shit, at least i am reading.
but i choose to vote with my dollars. i don’t buy that crap. i support what i like, and i don’t complain. as long as these half ass authors keep getting paid for their “services”, they are going to keep the nonsense coming. i guess i rather be mentally made love to buy a book rather than mentally fucked.
By k on Jan 11, 2006
K–point well taken. I read The Coldest Winter Ever, but being from New York it was so familiar like hearing the latest gossip but I see your point. And I love what you said about being “made love to” by a book rather than…you know the rest. I couldn’t agree more.
By Princess Dominique on Jan 11, 2006
I agree to.
By Dee Stewart on Jan 11, 2006
Me too. Some books are for the litter box. Pee pee, poo, poo.
By grapenowandlater on Jan 11, 2006
i been missin u ma! i was on sabatical…lol…but i’m back!
happy new year
By chan on Jan 11, 2006
I really love this post.
I feel the same way when I roll into Borders or Barnes & Noble. I want to read a good book by a black author but 90% of it is porn in book form, which is why I usually opt for non-fiction books.
That whole trend disturbs me because it’s publishing isn’t the only field showing that imbalance…it’s everywhere. Music, television, you name it. They love to show us in a negative light as much as possible. But what’s even sadder is that there are thousands of us who love putting smut out there and millions of us who love to see it.
By Sunnchine on Jan 12, 2006
Sunnchine you’re right about that!!
By Princess Dominique on Jan 24, 2006