"Christine," Lyle breathed as he strode toward her. His deep, penetrating, blue eyes showed the agony he'd endured during their interminable separation.
His thick, dark hair ruffled in the breeze he created with his brisk stride.
The crowd in the packed ballroom parted before his fierce but determined gaze and bold step....
What? Did you want something?
Oh, I know. It isn't great literature - that's kind of the point.
Ultimate escapism
Once upon a time, my life had become just a little too Greek-tragedy. In search of entertainment and escape, I found popular novels that recounted the bitter struggles of protagonists enduring unremitting tragedy.
"Didn't you just cry at the end?" friends would ask me, as if this were a good thing.
Sometimes, I don't need to cry. Sometimes I need a belly laugh and a glycemic overload of escape.
In those cases, a bodice-ripping, trashy romance novel - no matter how sullied its reputation - cannot be beat. For distraction and lighthearted fun, they are the ultimate.
AN UNDERAPPRECIATED GENRE
As a single woman, I give the genre - and its underappreciated writers - a huge standing ovation. And not just because the books include some (whew!) incredibly racy scenes!
Romance is wonderful between the cardboard covers of a novel, where it can be read and experienced on demand. In reality, romance is difficult to capture, create or force; more difficult still when you go looking for it at bars or over the Internet.
Romance novels restore faith in romance and belief in there being somebody special for everyone. But not through the stories, which are as much wishful thinking as most Internet personal ads.
It's the authors who share a common vision of the world: Good men (and women) do exist and will find each other, eventually.
WORST ENEMY
I recommend the books - with caution. Single, powerful, rich men who always know exactly the right thing to say only exist in novels and sales ads. Real men can have potbellies, bald spots and foot odor - all at once. Romance novels do not mirror reality, and they provide a dangerously inaccurate view of life.
The novels end where reality doesn't. Marriage is hard work. I know; I was married. The day after my wedding I was shocked to discover my problems not magically solved by the addition of Mrs. to my name.
Some of the novels take us into the marriages of the characters, especially those who marry in haste; but, within a few chapters, the characters solve their problems and create a future so bright they've just gotta wear shades.
Granted, two people working together resolve issues faster than one, but a healthy marriage also includes some genuine pain and frustration as two singles change into two halves of a double.
Romance novels remain good friends, but are the kind you watch out for around the booze or when playing cards. In a pinch, though, say after a breakup, they're the best.
I won't cancel a date just to read the last chapters, but it's nice - after being dismissed because I don't have enough degrees in my education - to return to find out just what Lyle has in mind when he captures Christine.
Sofia lives in North Seattle and can be reached at needitor@nwlink.com.
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