Comments on: Clues for the clueless ... men should read romance novels!

By: J. Arthur Rath

J. Arthur Rath — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 04:53:32 +0000

Why We Need Newspapers

In “Homer and Langley” (2209), E. L. Doctorow reminds us why we need newspapers in the first place. (Of course those two were a bit compulsive about never wanting to let go of a good story.):

…They help make humans of us, reminding us of our connections, not only to one another, but to our pasts and what remains of our future.

By: J. Arthur Rath

J. Arthur Rath — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:06:12 +0000

Friends of the Library Readers' Report

We’re working our way through the books listed here. Local Vietnamese wives nodded vigorously over sightings and citings in “Catfish and Mandala” (Andrew X. Pham) saying “people over there speak that way of us who came over here.”

Before returning backstage, a comment on: “Cyberspace Civility:" Blog exposure may be like having too much sun at one time—possibilities of making one’s face red. One posted to me: “You write too often, give others a chance to express their opinion.” A Phd’s response to another piece: “And I resent that Mr. Rath ended his essay by asking, ‘Are you stirred to comment.’”

By: John Formby

John Formby — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:50:03 +0000

Sorry Lynde, but being a male and having read (out of curiosity) some "romance" novels, I can only say that if the level of fantasy displayed in those writings is what drives women, then heaven help them when they have to try and survive in the real world. They will find it a very lonely place, simply because no one man could meet all the pre-requisites of a romance novel hero.
As for lumping all romances into one basket, it's not very hard to do, simply because, apart from a very small number, that's where they all tend to fit. Read one and you have read them all. And that's probably why most men don't read them. Oh and by the way, my relationship with my woman was successful long before I ever read a romance novel.

By: Lynde Lakes

Lynde Lakes — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 07:34:49 +0000

Sally, your article is right on. But I think more men read romances than gets into the statistics. Because of the wrong impression and the usual lumping of all romances into one basket, I believe it takes a heroic and couregous man to admit he reads them. And I'm proud of those strong men who don't mind admitting it. But I also appreciate the closet readers as well. You know who you are. You are more apt to have a successful relationship with a woman than a guy who'd rather walk through fire than touch one, let alone read it.

Quite a few, tough well-trained brave military men read romances and I salute them for their bravery on all fronts. Three cheers for the military. Look at the great job they are doing in Haiti. No wonder military men are romantic. They are living heroes.