Thoughts on 1001 Romances to Read
As has been noted in the forums, the book 1001 BOOKS YOU MUST READ BEFORE YOU DIE, and the resulting posts on blogs, has inspired some of our wonderful readers. They are taking suggestions for a list of 1001 Romances to Read. I was asked my thoughts on the list, and recently took a look.
Going through that list, I found around 40-45 I had read (some books blurred in my memory, so I had a hard time with a definitive count. At the time of my writing this, there 667 books on the list.
I was thrilled to see a few books on the list: THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE by Audrey Niffenegger, SCREAM FOR ME by Karen Rose and PRISONER OF MY DESIRE by Johanna Lindsey. I was disappointed there were not more African-American romances listed - where are Brenda Jackson, Francis Ray and Leslie Esdaile Banks? Also a glaring omission for me is Bobbi Smith - the queen of the Western romance.
What books would I like to add to the list?
• THE PRINCESS BRIDE by William Goldman
Most people get distracted by the humor, but it's truly a wonderful love story. And it seems everyone just loves pirates.
• PROMISE ME ANYTHING by Meryl Sawyer
I have read this one at least 10 times. Wonderful love story, well-written.
• WISHES by Jude Deveraux
I still picture scenes from this book, and I reread it often. Humorous, with a wonderful blend of fairy-tale and reality. And the version of purgatory in the frame story is hysterical!
• TO TASTE THE WINE by Fern Michaels
One of the first romances I ever read. Have bought it twice, simply so I could save the hardcover and be able to read the other one anywhere.
• CYRANO DE BERGERAC by Edmond Rostand
A classic love triangle that breaks your heart, but also makes it soar.
• FRENCH SILK by Sandra Brown
One of my favorite Sandra Brown romances. Also, WHERE THERE'S SMOKE.
There are a few others that might be nice to add to the list, too, but these are the main ones I think should be added. If you have books you think should be added go here. If you are just looking for inspiration, go to the post that lists them all here.
Nicole
posted at 2:32 PM
2 Comments:
Thanks Nicole for your thoughts. When we decided to take the plunge and try to list not to be missed Romance books, the one area I immediately noted was that Brenda Jackson was no where to be found.
Ultimately, this was similar to the original concerns about the 1001 books out there...they only gather a certain perspective of those who contribute. see Gem's and others comments on the ORIGINAL 1001 books book.
We hope folks will stretch themselves by reading and sharing all the diverse offerings of the list and making it more diverse with their additions.
Peace and happy reading, Julie
You may have missed them but Brenda Jackson and Francis Ray are on the list #496 and 532. Other African American writers included are Beverly Jenkins, Giselle Carmichel and Kimberly White. I'd like to see more. Hopefully more people will participate before we get to 1001. It's fun project to be a part of.
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