Reading Life #7: In defense of the gentle read
And a list of books that feel smart and cozy just like Gilmore Girls
This is Reading Life, a monthly series featuring a short essay on reading reflections, tips, and the bookish life and a thoughtfully curated book list. Love this post? If you haven’t already, consider joining the 1,350+ other readers who subscribe to Literary Leanings.
It's Gilmore Girls season. Everywhere I look, there is mention of the show that epitomizes fall and the changing seasons. Admittedly, I started a rewatch a few weeks ago and have enjoyed spending time in Stars Hollow each evening as I unwind from the day.
I'm in a busy work season as I make the final push to close the wedding season. So, my September word is gentle. I wanted to set myself up to prevent burnout by having gentle TV shows, books, and a mindset on deck this month for my downtime. You know, the ones that make you feel cozy and cocooned.
As I was putting together this list, I found myself justifying why reading gentle books was okay. Gentle reads can often have a negative connotation to them. We feel the need to justify them by saying they are our guilty pleasures. They aren't always seen as 'real literature.' I've been guilty of this over the years as I've expanded my reading tastes from mostly literary fiction to different genres.Â
I saw Ann Patchett speak back in August when she was on tour for Tom Lake, and she addressed this very predicament. She talked about how joyful and gentle reads often get a bad rap because they are seen as turning an eye to the struggles of life and not taking life seriously. They aren't seen as real art.
But she suggests that this is...bullshit. And I agree.
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