Fast Food Literature

Fills a gap, but without the added nutrition.

We’ve all been there. We want a book to read, but we don’t want to have to think too hard whilst we’re on a relaxing holiday. So what kind of thing do we choose? Normally this category of ‘Easy reads’ would fall under ‘Summer books’ or the ‘Chick Lit’ genre. Well, I have a better option for this category that would encompass other books and leave out the ones who have fallen into disrepute by their previous labels.

Fast food literature. Catchy, huh?

The concept is simple enough. You can read these novels, but you don’t really take anything away with you. There are no underlying morals or theories, and the writing is full of simple grammar that would make a BA. English student cry with frustration. Trust me, I know firsthand. In short, such novels are perfectly fine in and of themselves. After all, how many teenagers still wouldn’t be reading if it weren’t for the ‘Twilight’ series? (There. I said it. I expect hate mail after this, but I don’t particularly mind). You certainly can’t take away anything from such books, but at the same time they can hardly be compared to works by the Bronte’s when it comes to the standard of writing attained. Perhaps I’m being a snob. But then again, I never buy burgers from fast food places if I can help it, either.

The main problem with such novels, is that they can be rather addictive. You read one and the next thing you know, you’ve read twenty, and your mind begins to think ‘hey, at least I’m reading’. Well, that’s both a good thing and a bad thing. If all readers want in this age of spontaneous fulfilment, are books they can get through in a few days…then I’m rather worried for the future. You may have enjoyed said book. You may have even never read a volume before…but like a high-calorie burger, just because you enjoy it (and hey, at least you’re eating the bit of lettuce they put in, right?) doesn’t mean that it’s good for you if you overdose.

Go ahead and enjoy the book you’ve picked up for your summer holidays, but when you get back…just remember to pick up a book that makes you think once in a while. There’s something out there for everyone. A hundred different genres and sub genres with a million different authors. All of whom know how to weave subtlety into a story to make it a little more challenging in themes and morals expressed, but still just as enjoyable to read.

Now, where did I put that burger…?

3 Responses to “Fast Food Literature”

1. daveyboy says:

   December 22, 2009 at 4:12 pm

   You, sir just aquired a subscriber
2. richknap says:

   December 25, 2009 at 7:28 pm

   Hey, I love your site.
3. Harvey says:

   January 11, 2010 at 7:40 pm

   Thank you so much for putting this online.