Recently (aka a while back) I watched a video that’s topic inspired me to think about the genre that is Christian Fiction (or as I typically coin it, “inspirational fiction”), and its many attributes.
Though the majority of this reader’s opinion is not my own, there is one point I agree with. Irrespective of this, the topic mostly reminds me of the reasons I can appreciate this genre, and why I do.
This one opinion I reference is from a Christian reader’s perspective.
Before I go further, like I previously said, I will reiterate there was one thing I did agree with; but I don’t think this thought warrants the kind of bookish outburst that, in my opinion, degrades the industry, the authors, and even readers. Of course, I also respect that as people, we all have a right to an opinion, and the freedom to express that opinion. Rather, I thought this subject was an interesting one.
Is there some inspirational books that disappoint me? Yes!
But this doesn’t mean I want to make a blanket statement or assume that there are no books in this genre that are worth reading. In fact, I believe quite the opposite. I have a long term relationship with this genre. I’ve been in a bookish relationship (on, then off, and on again) with it for as long as I can remember. Over these many years, I’ve seen it evolve and change, and impress like never before.
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It all begins with a little series called Love Comes Softly. It’s easily one of the industry’s more popular and recognizable titles. Then, my reading habits transitioned from Janette Oke to the “adult” titles that were by Lori Wick. Then came Lori Copeland (where my once-upon-a-time obsession with “cowboy fiction” derives), Susan May Warren (romantic suspense introdution), and eventually Jill Elizabeth Nelson.
Today, genre’s landscape is quite different.
Some authors weave cultural hot topic issues into their story (usually subtly), others write with a simplistic delicacy that reminds us why the genre is relevant. Whatever the case, there’s been change. Some good, and then some unfortunate.
My takeaway is, no matter the story or author, there will be novels that disappoint. Some already have. Then there will be those books that remind me why I still admire and respect the market; the reasons why I began to read, and still return to the genre. It’s these stories that, for me, make the chance worth the risk.
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Whether it’s a favorite author with a new series or a debut author in the genre, I will continue with the genre. In fact, there’s debut authors whose upcoming novels excite me because of their respective novels, and the genre. As each piece of society does, this market has and will continue to change. Things will shift, authors will try new things and explore new topics, but for my reading preference, I love the places they take us now.
They may not delve into the nitty-gritties of what society says we “must” address, but that’s a large part of why I read. I read to go on a journey. I read to experience escapism and forget the bad things. I read to laugh and sometimes, even to swoon over a noble hero. ♥
A #Bookish Discussion about why I support the Christian #fiction genre. Is there a genre you support no matter what? Discussion: A Few of the Reasons Why I Support Inspirational Fiction Click To TweetWhat are your thoughts? Why do you (or don’t you) read inspirational fiction or any specific genre. I’d love to discuss this topic with you in the comments. Share all of your thoughts – disagree? agree? – down in the comments.
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A while back I was convicted about some of the books I was reading. A few time-jumping Scottish novels may or may not have made their way into my house. ;) I felt God telling me that this was not how I should be spending my reading time. So I started a book club and started reading CF almost exclusively. And while there have been disappointing books (an experience I had with general market books too), I am glad I have spent my mind-time with uplifting, encouraging, and generally God-honoring books. As you have stated, the genre has changed significantly over the past couple of decades. There are many thought-provoking novels and authors honing their craft. And I like the way the genre is heading in telling stories that resonate with people of all faiths and circumstances. One of my favorite authors that I feel is telling stories we need to hear is Amy K. Sorrells. Here books have touched my heart and made me think.
Thanks for starting this great discussion.
Great post, Rissi! Honestly, I’ve read loads of secular fiction that I didn’t like or finish. I think Inspirational (I call it that, too.) fiction gets a bad rap because it’s Inspirational. I hate to use this visual but it’s the best one I can think of, 50 Shades was awful but those of us who thought so were the problem not the book but when an Inspirational book gets the same bad publicity for whatever reason the entire spectrum of Inspirational fiction gets hit. That’s why blogger’s like you are important.
Yes, I agree with you and I, too have seen a huge change in Inspirational fiction since I read the Love Comes Softly series when I was a pre-teen.