Romance is Real Literature: Why Shaming Readers is a Bad Look

In response and why we should be reading more romance.

I came across a recent article about romance books from The Asbury Collegian. The writer, Molly Jane Ader, in an opinion piece, argues that modern romance novels are a “bad look for literature.”

While I respect the right to critique and evaluate literature—that’s what makes literature an art form many may say—I strongly disagree with the premise that romance novels, as a genre, are somehow lesser, shameful, or not worthy of serious literary consideration. In fact, the dismissal of romance as “bad literature” says more about narrow views on what constitutes “real” literature than it does about the novels themselves or the readers who enjoy them.

The article claims that modern romance is formulaic, overly simplistic, and not substantive enough to be classified as “literature.” But this view not only ignores the diversity and richness within the genre, it also perpetuates an elitist perspective that fails to understand the evolving nature of literature.

The Value of Romance as a Genre

Romance has evolved far beyond its early, formulaic roots. Yes, the "boy meets girl” narrative is a central theme in many romance novels, but these stories can explore profound human experiences. Love, loss, identity, and self-discovery are pivotal to creating a worthwhile romance book to fully enjoy and feel a part of.

Romance novels often offer nuanced character development, emotional depth, and, yes, even social commentary on complex issues like gender, power dynamics, and societal expectations.

Romance, at its best, touches on universal human emotions. What could be more quintessentially literary than that?

When we talk about what makes something "real" literature, we must acknowledge that literature’s role is to reflect the human condition in all its complexity. And there is no experience more universally relatable than love.

The Power of the Reader’s Connection

The underlying problem with the tone of the original article: the subtle—and sometimes not-so-subtle—judgment of readers who enjoy romance novels.

The idea that romance novels are something to be ashamed of or looked down upon is damaging, not only to those who enjoy the genre but also to the broader understanding of what reading and literature can mean.

Shaming readers for what they enjoy reading is a bad look for any literary community.

If we truly value literature and the diversity of voices within it, we should respect people’s reading choices. Literature isn’t about imposing a singular definition of what’s “worthy.” It’s about the personal connection between reader and text.

Romance novels, like any other genre, allow for self-exploration, escape, and growth. In fact, many romance readers report that they turn to the genre not only for entertainment but for solace, hope, and a sense of emotional connection—things that, frankly, many other forms of literature fail to deliver in the same way.

The "Bad Look" Is the Judgment of Romance

The real “bad look” here is the elitist attitude that seeks to undermine the joy and value that romance readers find in their books or any genre.

Romance novels are not any less significant than works from other genres simply because they focus on love or relationships.

If we are going to place any genre in the box of “lesser” or “insubstantial,” we need to ask why we elevate one set of narratives over others. What makes the romance novel any less valid than, say, a sensational literary fiction novel, or even a mystery or a thriller, the latter of which are often dismissed as pulp fiction or pure entertainment as well, but still widely respected in literary circles?

Romance novels often feature strong, well-rounded characters, explore themes of personal growth, and depict relationships in all their complexity—both the highs and the lows.

The notion that this is somehow unworthy of literary merit is an outdated and harmful notion that marginalizes a huge swath of readers, particularly women, who are the primary consumers of the genre. To dismiss an entire genre as unworthy of attention is to shut out an entire demographic and refuse to acknowledge their literary contributions.

A Diverse Literary Experience

We need a broader definition of what constitutes good literature, one that isn’t confined to a narrow set of themes or narratives. What makes a book meaningful is not how "serious" it is or how closely it adheres to a preconceived literary standard. It is, rather, how it resonates with its readers.

If a romance novel speaks to someone’s heart, helps them understand themselves or the world around them, or even just provides an escape from the everyday, then it’s serving its purpose.

Who are we to say that this is any less valuable than, say, dense modernist novel that takes a reader a month to trudge through?

In an age where the popularity of romance continues to rise, it’s clear that there is something about the romance genre that people value. Whether it's the comfort of a happily ever after, the joy of seeing characters overcome personal obstacles, or the exploration of human connection, romance novels remain a staple of popular literature for a reason.

Dismissing them as mere fluff does a disservice to both readers and writers who pour their hearts into creating these stories.

We Should be Celebrating the Diversity of Reading

At the end of the day, the most important thing is that people are reading.

The diversity of having so many different genres allows for a diversity of readers. Each reader is able something that resonates with them.

Romance, like any genre, has its place in the literary world—and that place is not a "bad look," but as a powerful expression of human emotion and connection. Rather than shaming readers for their preferences, or wanting to try a new genre, we should celebrate the vast landscape of literature that allows for every voice, every story, and every genre to thrive.

So, to the original Asbury Collegian piece: Modern romance novels are a bad look for literature, I would encourage you to reconsider the dismissive stance toward romance novels. It’s not the genre that’s the “bad look,” but rather the mindset that seeks to belittle and shame readers for what they love.

Literature is for everyone, and romance, with its themes of love, hope, and human connection, deserves to be a part of that conversation.

Let readers read what brings them joy.

Let the romance novel, with all its richness and nuance, stand proudly among the many other literary forms that reflect the diverse range of human experiences.

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