Romance Reading: A History

The first book I remember reading is Pippi Longstocking, a book I received when I won a reading contest in first grade. After that, I read just about anything I could find. By the time I started high school, I was alternating classics with teen romances. Quite a combination, I know, but I had to read something light after my required reading for school. Right before I went to college, I got a summer job at a used bookstore, and suddenly I had access to thousands of books. This changed my world. I tried Regencies, historical romance, and series, and soon developed a list of favorite authors. Though I didn't have that job long, my enjoyment of romance novels continued.

For several years, I stuck with the authors I trusted, along with the occasional new-to-me author. Usually I'd stumble across a book at the used bookstore or library that seemed interesting. You can imagine how that turned out--in between the occasional treasure or the completely hideous read were several interesting books and a number of forgettable ones.

Last year, I discovered romance review websites, and my reading world changed again. I had access to reviews that discussed plots and offered ratings. I started reviewing books, and I tried other new-to-me authors. It amazes me now when I think that two years ago, I had never read a book by Nora Roberts. I also discovered authors such as Rachel Gibson, Justine Davis, and Suzanne Brockmann.

It's been a fun journey. I buy many more new books these days, but I've been more pleased with the results, which is more than I can say for years past.

Alyssa