Required Readings for Spring!
In case you want to read along with my students...
Hi folks!
First off, if you’re new you might want to check out my Welcome page, to know what you’re in for.
I always get asked what I’m teaching at Seton Hill, and I thought I’d share my two reading lists this term, especially as they’re FUN. This semester, for my online graduate class, I’m teaching Subgenres of Romance. And for my undergraduate course, I’m teaching Introduction to Popular Fiction (and yes, I do pinch myself all the time that this is my JOB).
For Introduction to Popular Fiction, we read a book each from the following genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Romance and Mystery. Here’s what I chose:
Science Fiction: Semiosis by Sue Burke
Horror: The Changeling by Victor LaValle
Romance: Rebel by Beverly Jenkins
Mystery: Still Life by Louise Penny
I’ve not yet read the SF and horror books, but I’m exited! That’s what’s so fun about teaching this stuff…I get to assign myself books I want to read! I adored The Bear and the Nightingale, and I think it represents how the fantasy genre is exploring new territory after many decades of foaming tankards of ale. Beverly Jenkins is always a favorite of mine, and I love learning about our history along with enjoying her lovely romances. And as for Louise Penny, the Armand Gamache series is one of my all time favorites and it’s a really neat blend of thriller in the backstory and cozy-ish as the actual plot, so it’ll be great to teach about both subgenres.
For my Subgenres of Romance class, I’m teaching:
Historical Romance: Rebel by Beverly Jenkins (we can’t get enough Beverly!)
Paranormal Romance: Burn For Me by Ilona Andrews (this was very fun and fast-paced)
Romantic Suspense: Till Death by Jennifer Armentrout (I always love her books and this was no exception)
Inspirational Romance: The Nanny’s Secret Baby by Lee Tobin McClain (I wasn’t struck by lightning opening this novel and I REALLY enjoyed it. In full disclosure, Lee is my colleague at SHU, and this book was full of her wit, wisdom, and insight. It’s as generous to its protagonists as she is to her friends. Jesus would approve)
Erotic Romance: Never Sweeter by Charlotte Stein (this had a very New Adult plot so it was BONKERS but Stein is an excellent writer and made it work. It’s also verrrry sexy, so a total 180 to read after Lee’s book)
YA Romance: Somewhere Only We Know by Maurene Goo (a sweet little romance and I learned a lot about K-pop, which was fun)
I’d love to hear your thoughts on any of the books on here that you’ve read, or to hear from you if you were inspired to read any by this post. Feel free to comment below!