gentle reads
DEFINITION:
Gentle reads pretty much nutshells it -- this fiction is gently themed, with protagonists (often female) who experience hardship but triumph through positivity, kindness, strength, love, and compassion. There are various subgenres that fit comfortably under this umbrella: Classics, cozy mysteries, some women's fiction, and inspirational romance.
CHARACTERISTICS:
Gentle reads can be found across many genres, however, they are not likely to be in horror or thriller genres. Relationships and character development are the important factors and the pace is usually slower. Whereas these stories are not devoid of problems to solve or difficult situations to face, the response is upbeat and positive. Sex can be hinted at but not graphically described. The murder in the mystery book usually happens off-stage. Many of the popular authors of gentle reads write books in series.
APPEAL:
Gentle reads have a satisfying, if not happy, ending. Series books allow the reader to become involved with the characters and, along with them, explore the joys and hardships of everyday life. These books are suitable for a young adult audience as well as the more mature reader.
READERS:
Gentle fiction readers are looking for a good story with wholesome characters who have positive values. People who are offended by the portrayal of sex and violence and the excessive use of strong language in today’s popular movies and television programming would be likely to seek a gentle read.
TRENDS:
Gentle reads are less susceptible to shifting trends than some genres -- their essential character stays the same. Yet these books see ebb and flow, especially the popularity of certain settings or cultural elements. Inspirational romance originally surged due to Amish fiction and prairie romances, but other settings have since come into vogue for this subgenre: The Gilded Age and Edwardian period, the US Civil War, and World War II. For cozy mysteries, the Victorian era, Gilded Age and Edwardian Period, Jazz Age, and Great Depression are always trending.
AUTHORS:
Classic - Elizabeth Cadell, Miss Read, Barbara Pym, D.E. Stevenson, Angela Thirkell
Cozy mysteries - Susan Wittig Albert, Ellie Alexander, Rhys Bowen, Rita Mae Brown, Amanda Flower, Joanne Fluke, Dorothy Gilman, Alexander McCall Smith, Ann B. Ross,
Popular - Mitch Albom, Nancy Atherton, Jennifer Chiaverini, Sandra Dallas, Clyde Edgerton, Richard Paul Evans, Fanny Flagg, Philip Gulley, Jan Karon, Debbie Macomber, Joan Medlicott, Sharon Owens, Ann Purser, Marilynne Robinson, Rebecca Shaw, Nicholas Sparks
Inspirational Romance - Tamara Alexander, Wanda Brunstetter, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Karen Kingsbury, Lisa Wingate
Gentle reads pretty much nutshells it -- this fiction is gently themed, with protagonists (often female) who experience hardship but triumph through positivity, kindness, strength, love, and compassion. There are various subgenres that fit comfortably under this umbrella: Classics, cozy mysteries, some women's fiction, and inspirational romance.
CHARACTERISTICS:
Gentle reads can be found across many genres, however, they are not likely to be in horror or thriller genres. Relationships and character development are the important factors and the pace is usually slower. Whereas these stories are not devoid of problems to solve or difficult situations to face, the response is upbeat and positive. Sex can be hinted at but not graphically described. The murder in the mystery book usually happens off-stage. Many of the popular authors of gentle reads write books in series.
APPEAL:
Gentle reads have a satisfying, if not happy, ending. Series books allow the reader to become involved with the characters and, along with them, explore the joys and hardships of everyday life. These books are suitable for a young adult audience as well as the more mature reader.
READERS:
Gentle fiction readers are looking for a good story with wholesome characters who have positive values. People who are offended by the portrayal of sex and violence and the excessive use of strong language in today’s popular movies and television programming would be likely to seek a gentle read.
TRENDS:
Gentle reads are less susceptible to shifting trends than some genres -- their essential character stays the same. Yet these books see ebb and flow, especially the popularity of certain settings or cultural elements. Inspirational romance originally surged due to Amish fiction and prairie romances, but other settings have since come into vogue for this subgenre: The Gilded Age and Edwardian period, the US Civil War, and World War II. For cozy mysteries, the Victorian era, Gilded Age and Edwardian Period, Jazz Age, and Great Depression are always trending.
AUTHORS:
Classic - Elizabeth Cadell, Miss Read, Barbara Pym, D.E. Stevenson, Angela Thirkell
Cozy mysteries - Susan Wittig Albert, Ellie Alexander, Rhys Bowen, Rita Mae Brown, Amanda Flower, Joanne Fluke, Dorothy Gilman, Alexander McCall Smith, Ann B. Ross,
Popular - Mitch Albom, Nancy Atherton, Jennifer Chiaverini, Sandra Dallas, Clyde Edgerton, Richard Paul Evans, Fanny Flagg, Philip Gulley, Jan Karon, Debbie Macomber, Joan Medlicott, Sharon Owens, Ann Purser, Marilynne Robinson, Rebecca Shaw, Nicholas Sparks
Inspirational Romance - Tamara Alexander, Wanda Brunstetter, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Karen Kingsbury, Lisa Wingate