Who doesn’t love a good romance? Nobody! There are probably many people in the world that are sucker for anything that centers on love, such as books, movies, songs, and TV shows. Well, the romance genre is definitely one of the best categories in literature, and perhaps on the other platforms.
Romance novels have been making people fall in love more than once, from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice to Nicholas Spark’s A Walk to Remember. It’s not just that, because there are many critically-acclaimed authors that are conquering this genre, such as Daniele Steele, Rainbow Rowell, Stephanie Perkins, Nora Roberts, and more. With that being said, listed below are the reasons why romance books are being widely read today.
They feature different types of love
Love is universal. It can be found in everyone and can come in different forms. There may be some misconceptions about it; but, everyone still believes in it despite all the myth and negativities. One of the defining traits of romance books is the kind of affection that they show to the readers, which is something that is bringing delight to the table. Love towards family, friends, opposite sex, the same sex, and God are among the things that are being tackled in one novel. Hence, they didn’t settle on showing the only the boy-girl relationship because they go beyond that stereotype.
They ignite unfamiliar yet beautiful feelings
Kilig, a Filipino word with an English translation of “romantic excitement.” You cannot deny the fact that when you read romance novels, you can feel the butterflies in your stomach as if you are one of the characters in the books. Hence, this genre definitely gives you the romantic excitement and other unfamiliar feelings that you may or may not have felt before. Take for example reading the book by Monique Boyd titled Jasmine: A Woman of Color that centers on romance, revenge, and murder, and raises the question: “will the fate give Jasmine a better love story?” Moreover, it also evokes other feelings from the readers depending on the story, such as enthusiasm, fear, thrill, pain, etc.
They teach valuable lessons about life
A good characteristic that every romance book possesses is its way of relating to real life. Yes, most of these stories are products of the imaginations of the authors; but, do not forget that authors have brilliant mind that can connect reality and fiction. There are many books that create great impact to the lives of the readers, especially romance novels. It is because of how these kinds of books closely relates to the real world that turns reading into an advising session. You never know what they’ll teach you, it could be about bravery, loss, heartbreak, respect, friendship, happiness, and a whole lot more.
They showcase diverse plots
Plots are important in every story. But sometimes, traditional plots become boring. There’s just no spices added, making readers predict the ending and other elements of it. Because of the growing number of romance books and authors, there have been diverse kinds of plots that were being utilized and literary devices as well. Some books are now starting at the middle by using the narrative technique called in media res while others contain more than one plot with the use of the element called subplot. The best example of the latter is F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Hence, you will surely enjoy these books because they offer more than what is conventional.
They cross multiple genres
What makes every reading experience better knows that you are not only reading a story from a single genre, instead you are reading for more than one category! There are many works that have crossed another genre either purposely or accidentally. But it is not a bad thing; it is rather beneficial to the part of the readers and authors. Romance novels are among the best examples of the works that go beyond their classifications. Take Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell for example, it is considered as a romance novel and a young adult fiction book as well. Therefore, romance books definitely bring the best stories and elements to the readers.
The Damsel’s Files 