Blasé or Brilliant?General Fiction
Hey all! It's been a while but I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack! This month as I perused the FAR genre listings, as any angel in good standing should occasionally do, I saw the category GENERAL FICTION. That stopped me. General? What made it general? We have lots of sub genres here at Fallen Angels. Did that mean the books that fell into this category were - gasp - Leftovers?!
  
The idea of that appalled me as I'm sure it would the authors who so lovingly crafted their tales of love lost and gained. Would they want to be thought of as "other" or "general". Webster's dictionary defines general as:
(adjective) 1 : involving, applicable to, or affecting the whole; 2 : involving, relating to, or applicable to every member of a class, kind, or group ; 3 : not confined by specialization or careful limitation; 4 : belonging to the common nature of a group of like individuals : GENERIC ; 5 a : applicable to or characteristic of the majority of individuals involved : PREVALENT ; b : concerned or dealing with universal rather than particular aspects; 6 : relating to, determined by, or concerned with main elements rather than limited details ; 7 : holding superior rank or taking precedence over others similarly titled
or as a noun
1 : something (as a concept, principle, or statement) that involves or is applicable to the whole; 2 : SUPERIOR GENERAL; 3 archaic : the general public : PEOPLE ; 4 a : GENERAL OFFICER; b : a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps who ranks above a lieutenant general and whose insignia is four stars ; compare ADMIRAL
  
So, then General Fiction is a good thing, not bad. This means this is the fiction that reaches such a broad base, it actually defies sub-classification. Actually, that sub-classification would be determined by the reader. Each reader would have a different perception on where the story belonged.
Very cool!
This told me I needed to delve more deeply into the topic. At FAR in 2005 three of the Recommended Reads fell into this category:
Angel Anita reviewed BAD JUDGEMENT by Tempra Collins.
"I have never read a book so tragic and earth shattering as this one. Tempra Collins has written a story that has made this reader's emotions go crazy. I went through the rollercoaster ride of being surprised, horrified, sad and tearful. I cannot say this is a happy-go-lucky type of novel, but it will turn your world upside down. It made me realize that one fatal mistake can follow you for the rest of your entire life. The consequences of Megan's decisions leaves a path of utter desperation and destruction. The really sad part is this makes Megan seem even more real to the reader. Megan is not perfect, nor does she pretend to be. Some readers may judge her harshly, but what would YOU have done differently. Great book club discussion material. I highly recommend Bad Judgment. "
Requiem For The Devil by Jeri Smith-Ready was reviewed by angel Serena. This is what she had to say.
"Ms. Smith-Ready tells an amazing story that reads very quickly. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. I had a hard time categorizing this book. It does have a romantic story, but I think that it's more than a romance. I understand that the subject matter isn't for everyone, but it is an amazing story that really engages your mind. It's because of this that I give it a 5 Angel Recommended Read."
Point and set!
And the last Recommended Read of 2005 was
While the Daffodils Danced by Cathie LaMarche, which was reviewed by angel Amanda. Here is what she had to say about this fantastic novel (this is one I, too, personally read and loved!)
"While the Daffodils Danced is an excellent story that is sure to touch every woman's heart. The emotions reflected in this story are poignant. The author uses simple scenes to focus the attention on the emotion and depth of the plot. Readers will be amazed at the realistic interactions and foibles of the characters. The humanity Ms. LaMarche has captured is astounding. The main character may be Cara, but this story is rich with additional characters that enhance the story. The evolution of the characters is well done and believable. The growth of the individuals ensures that their lives will stay with you even when you have finished reading this book.
While reading this book, the Robert Frost poem "The Road Not Taken" comes to mind. The concept that every decision, event in life, has a reason and consequence is deeply moving. Ms. LaMarche builds this belief beautifully into While the Daffodils Danced. Readers will be moved to tears, jubilant, and inspired by this heartrending tale."
  
These are some of the Best of The Best that FAR has reviewed this past year. Other fantastic authors who fall into the General Fiction category are:
T.C. Jilke
Herb & Muncy Chapman
Kowanda Stroud
Erv Bobo
Andy Juniper
H.J. Courtright
Kim Robinson
Lola C. Hardaway
Max Overton
Mary L O'Dell
There are several fantastic authors showcased here. In the end, I determined general was not general at all. General houses many different tastes umbrellaed under the auspice of Romance. That, my friends, is a beautiful thing!
Cheers! Until next time, enjoy your reading and may all your endings be happy ones.
Thanks for stopping by!
Article Written by Izzy
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