Contemporary Writing: Not Exactly Literature

This is a blog about the state of contemporary literature. As a huge bookworm, I have some qualms about what is published and considered legitimate literature today. When reading a modern book highly recommended to me, I often find myself muttering about the lack of real substance or (more importantly) the lack of good writing. It has become clear to me that, as consumers of books, the collective “we” prefer an interesting story above good writing and deeper meaning.

Firstly, I want to note that I do enjoy a great deal of contemporary literature; I am often entertained and appreciate a fast read. However, I am trying to look at the way in which most people in our society regard these books. I think it is highly probable that I am in the minority when saying that the Harry Potter series isn’t a great piece of literature with complex deeper meanings. I wouldn’t even call the series literature – I would call it entertainment. I have read the whole series and enjoyed them, but to call it my favorite of all time is nonsensical to me.

In my opinion, a truly great book is one that makes you think on a deeper level and in a different way. Perhaps it makes you ponder something you never had before, or see certain aspects of society in a new light. These are just a few of the many qualities of legitimate literature, as oppose to literature that serves no purpose beyond pure entertainment.

A phenomenon that interests me is the issue of published memoirs that are later shockingly discovered as being fiction, or at least fictionalized. The example I turn to is James Frey’s A Million Little Pieces. He had taken this book as a novel to several publishing houses, but it was rejected. Once he called it a memoir, it was picked up and went on to sell millions of copies. The book is a fascinating story, but the writing is mediocre and there’s not much below the surface. To be fair, it was an engaging read. Yet, why was it rejected as a novel, but celebrated as a memoir? What is it about the aspect of reality that we, as a society, favor? This is something I intend to delve into further.

Any blog discussing the subject of modern literature cannot ignore to the ridiculous trend of the Twilight series. What is most fascinating about this series is not that it is popular despite its seriously horrible writing, but that it has become an obsession for so many people. Many popular books have horrible writing, but very few have inspired such fanatic devotion. Harry Potter comes close, but the more ludicrous fans managed to stay underground, whereas Twilight seems to make every fan absurd in their adoration. There is much to be said about this series and the impact it has on our society, and more importantly, the impact it has had on young women (even older women) and their definition of an “ideal” relationship.

These are just a few of the subjects I hope to elaborate on. In essence, I am disappointed with the literature that is published. I am more disappointed with the literature that makes the bestseller lists, as that is an indication of what our culture craves. There is much to be said about these cravings and what we find entertaining.