Re: Re: Sawdust and Milkshakes

[deemoyza]

And re: my rant on ridiculous male beauty standards in romance books, I really enjoyed this segment of SavyWritesBooks' review of The Love Hypothesis:

Watch on YouTube

Now, romance fiction, of all genres, does not need to be realistic, but this is a very good framework within which to develop a more diverse cast of male love interests. Away with the obligatory six-pack abs! (Personally speaking, guys with protruding muscles like that kind of squick me out; they look as if they've been skinned.) And hooray for men who can actually surprise the heroine with their strength, because no one would've ever assumed they were that strong from just a cursory glance! And in with all those everyday guys who don't have to push trucks uphill to prove something -- those who are just decent loveable men in their own right!

C'mon girlies, we can do it! Let's let our standards -- and our imaginations -- rise and roam! ♥

Comments

[a_natural_beauty]

I plan on watching this video soon when I have time - thanks for sharing! I like the idea of this. Recently I noticed in one of my book groups online that someone posted they don't like book covers with the characters on them since it sort of messes with their image of what they think the characters should look like... And that made me think, they have a good point!
I feel like society in general thinks that there are certain types that we are always attracted to. And it gets tiring! Like the big, macho, muscular men - I dislike those kind of men! I'd rather have an average joe joe guy to look at or read about in a series/book. And I feel like when it comes to women they always have to be super skinny, big boobs or a big but... I'm sure I'm not right about this all of the time, but I feel like it's common enough in society.
Sorry for my rant ^^;;

[deemoyza]

That is a good point about characters on book covers, especially when they don't match the author's description. Everyone has their own unique vision of described characteristics informed by their experiences and references, and imagining a character's appearance for oneself is so much a part of the fun of reading! :)

And I agree, beauty standards are ridiculous, and you don't have to apologize for ranting about them. Not only is seeing the same type of person over and over again boring, but, especially in romance, it's disheartening. Love is love, and there should be no arbitrary barrier to finding it, and that's precisely why I would love to see different-looking characters in both lead roles in a romance. Or, better yet, and tying into the point above, I'd really like to just get a basic idea of the characters' appearances and fill in the details myself -- a DIY your own hero/heroine to suit your personal tastes! Kind of like those "Choose Your Own Adventure" books but for romance! :D

[a_natural_beauty]

Yes, I've thought about it once or twice in the past but what she said really made me think about it further. Now I am a bit more cautious about it, it doesn't keep me from buying a book but I do laugh to myself about it when I notice it.

Oh I love that idea! And I couldn't agree more. There are so many different people that fill this beautiful planet... they all need to be noticed and appreciated once in awhile when it comes to romance stories. Reading should always keep our minds open and fresh, not closed off to just one or two types of people. I'm glad you wrote about this! :-)