Anonymous wrote:Why are people getting so mad when posters say it’s low brow. It IS low brow. Just own it for godsakes instead of denying it. It’s that’s your jam, fine. But also understand that the books are lower lexile and they aren’t going to satisfy other book worms.
1. "Low brow" is a derogatory term. It would be more appropriate to call it "commercial," since that's the industry designation.
2. PP's have associated it with *checks notes* women with "low education" who are "basic." This is utterly wrong, insulting, and reeks of misogyny. Women scientists can and do wear lipstick and high heels. Women politicians who are wicked smart read romance -- see Stacy Abrams and Katie Porter. Women are not a monolith.
3. Every time we denigrate women's literature in the genre of "women's fiction" or "romance" ("chick lit" is outdated), we collectively hurt women. Women are bigger consumers of literature than men, yet women writers win fewer prestigious awards, get fewer reviews in the NYT, and get fewer press mentions and best of lists. (Google old article by Jennifer Weiner to see her outrage on these omissions.) Thank goodness Colleen Hoover is helping to break the ceiling. Finally, the NYT has to include her in the best of lists because she sold more books than any other author last year, by far. Also, her sales revenues help the publisher take on smaller books that may not have as much commercial success (i.e. likely won't earn out their advance). Even if you don't appreciate Colleen Hoover's work, you might think about applauding her success.
4. Judging a woman by the cover of the book she's reading means that you are missing out on who she is as a full person. It's really your loss.