The Worst Writer Ever?

[wessexgirl]

Good post Night. Most of the books on the R & J list are not my cup of tea, but I'm not going to dismiss them all. As someone whose job is to get people into reading, as is yours, I find this constant sneering quite disheartening. I admit I personally can't read utter drivel, (*cough* Dan Brown), but there is something quite condescending about attempts to get people to read. Literacy levels are shockingly low, and what do we do when attempts are made, successfully, to get people reading, but sneer at them. It's like the same syndrome with exams. Every year when the results come out, what are the headlines? Exams are getting easier.......the students do well, after working hard, and then they're knocked What are they supposed to do? Sorry if that seems off-topic, but it's a similar thing. Whingers and moaners slagging off any attempts to do anything positive. For people who aren't avid readers, are we supposed to scare them off with critically acclaimed, worthy fiction, when it's an achievement to get them to read something?

The clip was excruciating, but because that was bad, and the book sounded awful, it doesn't mean that every book that's been reviewed was. The knock-on effect of these programmes is on the whole positive. They get people interested and we can see the results in bookshops and libraries which are inundated with shoppers for the books. Who knows, get people in and they may progress onto more "quality" literature, but if they don't, so what? If they enjoy the books they've tried, who are we to sneer?

[Jozanny]

Well, since there was talk of nominating Oprah to SCOTUS--not joking--I am sure she'll form her own world government soon and we'll all be happily surprised at the strength of Winfrey utopia! But before Sche raps my knuckles for faux political statements, she does do her followers a good turn with her book club. I have not liked some of the selections (not that I've read many of them), like Poisonwood Bible, or White Oleander, both of which suffer from plodding, stretching the plot development like salt water taffy, but they aren't the worst white-girl novels in the world. Kingsolver, especially, if she had a better editor, would have a stronger voice. And The Corrections, which I believe is one of her picks, isn't so bad for a non-academic reader to try. It is not the great American novel either, but Frazen does a fairly decent character study of a typical messed up family.

[kevinthediltz]

Cant we all just decide on Dan Brown and leave it at that?
That or Stephinine Myre (spelling? Oh well, I dont care.)
Friggin Twilight anyway.

[LitNetIsGreat]

For people who aren't avid readers, are we supposed to scare them off with critically acclaimed, worthy fiction, when it's an achievement to get them to read something?

Yep said that:

Yes I've not got a problem with non-readers cutting their teeth on books like this, I would agree with you that it is a good thing to get people reading who wouldn't normally do so, however I won't be tuning in to get advice, I've already read too much rubbish when I was younger and I don't need to go back to that.

I'm sure that they are not all rubbish anyway, I'm sure that there are some that are only slightly rubbish.

However my thoughts on Richard and Judy remain the same.
__________________

[Nightshade]

like Poisonwood Bible

I hated that book!So much so I got to the last 70 pages and gave up. Which isn't as bad as Jane Eyre which I suffered all the way to Reader I married himand then gave up. Mostly because I already knew how it ended and couldn't stand a moment more with annoying characters ( although that was 6 years ago so am going to try again this summer seeing as recent rereading of Tale of Two cities and Wuthering Heights have cured e of my unreasonable hatred for both of them.

Good post Night. Most of the books on the R & J list are not my cup of tea, but I'm not going to dismiss them all. As someone whose job is to get people into reading, as is yours, I find this constant sneering quite disheartening. I admit I personally can't read utter drivel, (*cough* Dan Brown), but there is something quite condescending about attempts to get people to read. Literacy levels are shockingly low, and what do we do when attempts are made, successfully, to get people reading, but sneer at them. It's like the same syndrome with exams. Every year when the results come out, what are the headlines? Exams are getting easier.......the students do well, after working hard, and then they're knocked What are they supposed to do? Sorry if that seems off-topic, but it's a similar thing. Whingers and moaners slagging off any attempts to do anything positive. For people who aren't avid readers, are we supposed to scare them off with critically acclaimed, worthy fiction, when it's an achievement to get them to read something?

The clip was excruciating, but because that was bad, and the book sounded awful, it doesn't mean that every book that's been reviewed was. The knock-on effect of these programmes is on the whole positive. They get people interested and we can see the results in bookshops and libraries which are inundated with shoppers for the books. Who knows, get people in and they may progress onto more "quality" literature, but if they don't, so what? If they enjoy the books they've tried, who are we to sneer?

Every Book its reader and Every reader his book eh? One of the Collection development principles for people not in the know. the as is yours bit is directed at me right? Cause yeah I also find the sneering annoying. My flatmate who has been a librarian for 15 years only reads Historical romances. Well she will read modern romances but I can't understand her criteria for choosing modern romances. I inevitably bring back the wrong ones for her.
Anyway the point is the woman is highly intelligent and all that but she just loves romances, so why shouldnt she read them? Course it is frustrating and I am constantly trying to slip something else like chicklit past her, to no avail, as it would make getting her books that much easier for me. I do find sneering annoying, I got sneered at my a member of staff at a library in Manchester for asking for a romance author. I was horrified, that is almost fireable offence at work, or it should well be.
See you get someone started on romances, then you move them on to the Original modern romance E.M. Hull ( or was it Dell? ) The sheik ( I thought it an awful book by the way but interesting point of view on arabs, similar to the view in E.R Burroughs, Son of Tarazan. Then you go you know what how about Austen??
And voila building reader confidence 101.
But like my flatmate you will always get confident strong readers, who have read the classics and the worthy books for years and decided you know what ? They like the romance novels so they are going to read romance novels. And that is perfectly OK.

[Emil Miller]

Also it wasn't published by Mills and Boons, from whose 'wagon' incidentally Jack London was launched amongst other greats, it was published by TimeWarner. And aside from the fact Mils and Boons isn't even called Mills and Boons anymore, officially as a company the imprint still exists, you do realise they are one of the most successful publishers of all time?

Mills and Boon didn't become exclusively purveyors of "Romantic" fiction until later in their existence. Originally they were publishers of straight fiction; hence Jack London and others. It doesn't matter who actually publishes chicklit, Mills and Boon has become a generic indicator of the genre.
I do realise they are one of the most successful publishers of all time but, by the same token, Barbara Cartland is one of the most successful writers of all time, and here's why:

Racing around Tesco the other day, my trolley dash was brought to an unexpected halt by the sight of a striking couple whose compelling appearance snagged my attention.
The man was tall, lantern-jawed, the expression on his ruggedly handsome face unreadable but utterly mesmerising.
Edging closer, I could see the fragile blonde by his side thought so too; for though the upward tilt of her delicate chin hinted at defiance, the way she leaned into his muscular body was suggestive of a woman almost liquid with desire.
The chemistry between the two was so electrifying that suddenly all thoughts of my weekly shop were abandoned and replaced instead by a desperation to know how such a captivating partnership had come to pass.
And so with one fluid movement, I grabbed the Mills and boon paperback on which they were cover stars and quickly concealed it in my trolley as though it were a topshelf magazine.


As I have said before on this thread, one has to laugh because the only alternative is

[Nightshade]

Mills and Boon didn't become exclusively purveyors of "Romantic" fiction until later in their existence. Originally they were publishers of straight fiction; hence Jack London and others. It doesn't matter who actually publishes chicklit, Mills and Boon has become a generic indicator of the genre.
I do realise they are one of the most successful publishers of all time but, by the same token, Barbara Cartland is one of the most successful writers of all time, and here's why:

Racing around Tesco the other day, my trolley dash was brought to an unexpected halt by the sight of a striking couple whose compelling appearance snagged my attention.
The man was tall, lantern-jawed, the expression on his ruggedly handsome face unreadable but utterly mesmerising.
Edging closer, I could see the fragile blonde by his side thought so too; for though the upward tilt of her delicate chin hinted at defiance, the way she leaned into his muscular body was suggestive of a woman almost liquid with desire.
The chemistry between the two was so electrifying that suddenly all thoughts of my weekly shop were abandoned and replaced instead by a desperation to know how such a captivating partnership had come to pass.
And so with one fluid movement, I grabbed the Mills and boon paperback on which they were cover stars and quickly concealed it in my trolley as though it were a topshelf magazine.


As I have said before on this thread, one has to laugh because the only alternative is

Heh. Ok I hate to assume but I am going to on this occasion assume that you have never read either a M&B or a chicklit book, that is other than maybe a quick look at one to confirm your opinion.
Now Ive got to say they are NOT intercchangable as genres. The M&Bs and especially mills and boons imprint, are formulaic. You can tell exactly what will happen by the colour of the cover. Bluey-green medical romance. Dark blue modern/contemrary Romances. Pink, are those corporate romancces. Drak purple is Inruge and also HIstorical romances and so on anyway.
Mills and boons operate a formula style the book has to fit into one of the established frame works. And for the most part to quote my course mate " the women are all tiny, beautiful and the men are all Good noble brave and gorgeous." actually she was talking about Feehan and the like, but the principle stands.
Chicklit on cthe other hand is much more varied and take themselves less seriously than proper romances. Off the top of my head I cant think of a perfecct example other than the Book lover which was kind of wierd but had a brilliant ver literatry book list on the front.
Oh I know some of the Margret AtTwoods are chicklit.

( can you tell I have been in charge of the romance section in the libray for the last 3 and a half years?)
Speaking of which if I dont get on I will be late, Ill think of better examples while I am working.

[Emil Miller]

Well I was using chicklit in its broadest sense but I won't argue that there may be different degrees of competence within the genre. However, I think you will enjoy the Mills and Boon cover designs on the link below.
They are absolutely hilarious but No.3 must take the cake for both title and picture,have you ever seen a guy wearing a leopardskin with a haircut like that?



http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/gall...nd-boon-covers

[LitNetIsGreat]

Well I was using chicklit in its broadest sense but I won't argue that there may be different degrees of competence within the genre. However, I think you will enjoy the Mills and Boon cover designs on the link below.
They are absolutely hilarious but No.3 must take the cake for both title and picture,have you ever seen a guy wearing a leopardskin with a haircut like that?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/gall...nd-boon-covers

Wonderful, no.3 spot on! Didn't they make no.6 into a carry on film too? Agatha Christie missed out on no.7 big time, that sure had potential.

[kelby_lake]

What's with Number 1?! And Number 2 she's rubbing up against him...

[Scheherazade]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/gall...nd-boon-covers

These are excellent!




Romance Goes Tenting

WAAF to Wife

Grace Before Meat

[Nightshade]

wait a second some of those are real titles!
Pleae tell me they arent all , though I wouldnt put it past them. I Love mills and boons titles, they are almost always garnteed to cheer me up on a horrible day

[Lynnwood]

I recently had the misfortune of picking up a book to read from a dusty collection I found in my closet. This was two weeks ago. It was so awful I searched for it on the internet to see if anyone had heard of it.

It's called Silk and Steel by Ron Miller.

Luckily, or maybe unluckily, someone on Livejournal not only heard of the book but made a blog entry about it. http://vandonovan.livejournal.com/1088311.html


I also read the Twilight series not too long ago as part of a reading challenge with a couple of friends, so......I'm going to also vote for Stephenie Meyer. I think what made me most irritated about those books is that she started out with an interesting enough concept, but it's as if when writing it she simply didn't care about character development, plot structure, continuity, canon rules, word repitition, purple prose, dues ex machinas etc etc. She either doesn't care, or has no idea what those are.

All that wasted potential made me cry. T_T

[Xylophanous]

As to Amanda McKittrick Ros, yes, she perplexed most conventional readers, but you must admit that there is a certain perverse brilliance to a book that begins

Have you ever visited that portion of Erin's plot that offers its sympathetic soil for the minute survey and scrutinous examination of those in political power, whose decision has wisely been the means before now of converting the stern and prejudiced, and reaching the hand of slight aid to share its strength in augmenting its agricultural richness?

Another author worthy of mention here, since he is frequently described as "the worst ever", is the American mystery writer Harry Stephen Keeler. Again, I cannot help but recognise his peculiar genius:

For it must be remembered that at the time I knew quite nothing, naturally, concerning Milo Payne, the mysterious Cockney-talking Englishman with the checkered long-beaked Sherlockholmsian cap; nor of the latter's 'Barr-Bag' which was as like my own bag as one Milwaukee wienerwurst is like another; nor of Legga, the Human Spider, with her four legs and her six arms; nor of Ichabod Chang, ex-convict, and son of Dong Chang; nor of the elusive poetess, Abigail Sprigge; nor of the Great Simon, with his 2163 pearl buttons; nor of--in short, I then knew quite nothing about anything or anybody involved in the affair of which I had now become a part, unless perchance it were my Nemesis, Sophie Kratzenschneiderwümpel--or Suing Sophie!

[StefR]

I haven't read everything in existence, but the first 30 or so pages of Twilight are pretty bad.