Armchair BEA: Genre: Literary Fiction

May 30, 2013

Well...this one has thrown me for a loop! To me everything written is literary, per se. However, according to Wikipedia "Literary fiction is a term principally used for certain fictional works that are claimed to hold literary merit."  and "Literary fiction (a.k.a. mainstream fiction) is usually contrasted with paraliterary fiction (e.g., popular, commercial, or genre fiction). This contrast between these two subsets of fiction is highly controversial amongst critics and scholars who study literature."
 Have a looksy!

Literary fiction to me then is not exactly classics like Little Women, Dickens, or Bronte, but fiction written with in the last 100 years or so that will stand through the test of time. 

So, in accordance with that, here we go!

1. What books have you read this year that would fit into this category?  
 Outlander by Diana Gaboldon...ok, this might be questionable, but I don't care. I love this series. Outlander just had it's 20th anniversary and we're still expecting more books (hurry up December 2013!). The following of Outlander as I've seen on message boards grows every year. The characters and the richness of the story seals it.
 I haven't read these this year, but I do believe they fit.
Harry Potter for sure. J.K. Rowling's style of writing and her ability to spin her story over so many books and tie it all together, while ripping your heart out over characters places her right near the top for me.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett. The time that this book was set was such a tense time and the character bond in the book just makes you want to reach out and give each and everyone of them a hug...well, except Hilly, I wanted to slap her! The Help draws you in.
Gone with the Wind by Margret Mitchell. What's not to love about Scarlett and Rhett?!
Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. It touches your heart and makes you look at yourself.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It's popular yes, but the story is timeless. It's the same thing you have seen repeated through history. The heartbreak, the anguish, with a little humor that carries it over. It's not a phase like others that try to mimic.
 

2. Is there anything coming up that you're particularly excited about?
Written in my Own Hearts Blood by Diana Gaboldon I'm counting down the days till December! It's been a looooong 4 year wait for this book.

3. What authors/novels would you recommend to someone new to the genre?  
J.K. Rowling most definitely. 
I have recommend Diana Gaboldon to a friend and I got her hooked on  the Outlander series...I'm not ashamed!
Cliff Graham...his Lion of War series is a series for anyone.


4. Are there any misconceptions or things that you'd like to clear up for people unfamiliar with literary fiction?
I cleared up my own misconception tonight...it's not classics! And it is not  popular fiction (gotta say it Twilight). It's that fine line between the two. Those books that could one day be the classics our grand-kids are pointed at to read and write book reports about.

5. What got you started into this kind of book?
 Curiosity. You can only read so much of one kind of genre before you have read almost everything. I had reached that point and I wanted to expand my genres, and I'm glad I did.

6. Name a novel that hasn't received a lot of buzz that definitely deserves it.
Day of War by Cliff Graham. The historical detail that went into this book is phenomenal and with Mr. Graham's military background he was able to enhance and bring the reality of the grittiness of battle. The harsh conditions that were faced and the personal struggles that were faced.




14 comments

  1. J K Rowling's the best! I've also read a few of Diana Gabaldon's books, though I cant say I loved them :)

    Fahima @ I Read, Ergo I Write

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    1. I have heard that from others who have tried Diana Gaboldon's books as well. :-) Just like any other author, it's hit or miss.

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  2. I love The Outlander series as well, and I can't wait to get my hand on Written in my own Heart's Blood!! I look forward to more of Clare and Jamie, Brianna and Roger.

    Here's my Literary Fiction post.

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    1. I can't wait to dive back into these character's lives! And also Ian. He has become one of my favorites as well. :-)

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  3. I love Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. I have the last one but still haven't finished reading. May have to in time for December :-)

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    1. If I had known how long the wait would have been, I would have held of on reading it. :-) I just finished another read through the series, it was a great to get reacquainted with the characters.

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  4. I guess I know more about modern literature than I gave myself credit for. HP and tHG! Oh and Redeeming love is a wonderful read

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    1. This topic threw me for a bit of a loop, but I was happy to see I knew more then I thought as well.

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  5. I loved that you defined literary fiction up there. It actually helped me realize that I know more than I thought I did :-)

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    1. Thanks! I had to look it up. I had to make sure it wasn't literary fiction that was associated to literature class.

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  6. I agree with many of your choices. I can't wait for Written In My Heart's Own Blood!

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    1. It has been a long wait for Written In My Own Heart's Blood...not too much longer. :-) I can't wait to hear what everyone thinks of it.

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  7. I was initially super annoyed with today's topic when ABEA posted it, but I love how everyone's taking it in different directions! Some great titles mentioned here and the one I keep recommending is Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

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    1. It took me a minute to really figure out what the genre was really about. It has been great seeing all the books listed. Thanks for passing on your recommendation. I don't think I've seen that one yet. I need to check it out.

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