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Romance Fiction: A Guide to the Genre
Ramsdell's book responds to the tremendous growth in and diversification of romance fiction over the past decade and to the demand for a thorough guide to the literature. After a fascinating overview of the genre as a whole (e.g., definition, history, reasons for appeal), the author discusses each of its major subgenres, listing and describing the titles in each and offering tips for readers' advisory and collection development. A revision of Happily Ever After: A Guide to Reading Interests in Romance Fiction, this book has been entirely updated and rewritten. It includes new sections on Alternative Reality Romance (e.g., time travel, angels, vampires), Ethnic/Multicultural Romance, and Developing the Collection-with a suggested core collection list. Substantial additions have been made to the Research Aids section, and major revisions have been made to the historical and contemporary romance sections. A list of recommended titles for YAs appears in an appendix. A must buy for librarians inv
- GenresNonfictionRomanceHistory
435 pages, Hardcover
First published June 15, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 29, 2013
I just finished the Romance Reader's Advisory guide the other night, and was sorely disappointed, so this was a nice find.
Of course, the book is geared toward librarians (specifically for the purpose of readers' advisory). It does a great job at discussing some subgenres and bringing up the history of certain lines of romance literature. The bibliographies are quite extensive, with a good mix - and even better, the author makes sure to suggest some possible materials that are somewhat similar to this or that subgenre, even if they don't fit precisely into that area themselves.
There were just two things that I wish were different:
1. The bibliographies were extensive, but only certain titles had any description. Even a sentence on the others would have been fantastic.
2. The Multicultural section really could have used some more variety. It focused pretty much solely on African-American and Native American characters in romance literature, even though she lists some authors for Asian or Latino characters in the appendix.
Of course, the book is geared toward librarians (specifically for the purpose of readers' advisory). It does a great job at discussing some subgenres and bringing up the history of certain lines of romance literature. The bibliographies are quite extensive, with a good mix - and even better, the author makes sure to suggest some possible materials that are somewhat similar to this or that subgenre, even if they don't fit precisely into that area themselves.
There were just two things that I wish were different:
1. The bibliographies were extensive, but only certain titles had any description. Even a sentence on the others would have been fantastic.
2. The Multicultural section really could have used some more variety. It focused pretty much solely on African-American and Native American characters in romance literature, even though she lists some authors for Asian or Latino characters in the appendix.
October 18, 2020
Designed for use by librarians and booksellers, this book provides a resource to educate on what makes a romance, the subgenres, and the history of romance. Through that exploration, the reader will be provided with examples and possible suggestions.
The Genreflecting Advisory series has always been a great source for me beginning when I first became a bookseller. Especially in genres and subgenres I read little in. This second edition, published in 1999, updates books available for examples, but sadly dumps a lot of great books, so if you can, hit up the original edition.
Each chapter about the subgenres have a selected bibliography, and there is also a collection listing in the back that focuses on themes and tropes. The subgenres explored include contemporary, romantic mysteries, historical, alternate reality (time travel, fantasy, paranormal, etc.), gay and lesbian romance, and more. Then the subgenres are broken down even more. For instance the Contemporary can include Americana, Soap Opera, Glitz & Glamour, and more.
While some of the information on organizations, periodicals, and internet sites are long out of date, the majority of the books are either in print or still available at the library or used book stores. I still find this a great reference, especially if I'm exploring a new subgenre or sub-subgenre and want suggestions. Check your local library, they should have a copy of some of the series. I think you'll enjoy the experience and learn some new facts and books. 4.5 out of 5.
The Genreflecting Advisory series has always been a great source for me beginning when I first became a bookseller. Especially in genres and subgenres I read little in. This second edition, published in 1999, updates books available for examples, but sadly dumps a lot of great books, so if you can, hit up the original edition.
Each chapter about the subgenres have a selected bibliography, and there is also a collection listing in the back that focuses on themes and tropes. The subgenres explored include contemporary, romantic mysteries, historical, alternate reality (time travel, fantasy, paranormal, etc.), gay and lesbian romance, and more. Then the subgenres are broken down even more. For instance the Contemporary can include Americana, Soap Opera, Glitz & Glamour, and more.
While some of the information on organizations, periodicals, and internet sites are long out of date, the majority of the books are either in print or still available at the library or used book stores. I still find this a great reference, especially if I'm exploring a new subgenre or sub-subgenre and want suggestions. Check your local library, they should have a copy of some of the series. I think you'll enjoy the experience and learn some new facts and books. 4.5 out of 5.
May 14, 2024
4'5⭐
Muy útil. Me gusta como divide por subgéneros los tipos de romance que existen.
Muy útil. Me gusta como divide por subgéneros los tipos de romance que existen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 8, 2016
This book is best borrowed from the library. Not the one you would want to waste money over. I bought it under the delusion that it would have some refreshing new criticism on romance fiction, but it just turned out to be a bibliography of various romance novels (just American ones). Her section on multicultural romances was highly disappointing. I expected her to mention the newer romances published all over the world, but it was only a list about American romances with Native American or European protagonists.
May 29, 2012
While perhaps mostly geared toward librarians, this is really a great resource for all fans of the romance genre. Breaks down the various sub-genres such as romantic suspense and multicultural romance, identifies key authors, and much much more. A good way to ensure that you've read the best authors in the business.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews