The Inevitability of a Romantic Link

I don't think that I have ever read a book where there has not been any form of romantic or sexual attraction between characters.

This begs the question as to if this is deemed a necessity by authors and readers alike. Do authors just think readers want a bit of the romance factor? Is it something so fundamental to human beings that we can't prevent it seeping into our literature?

Recently I read an historical thriller novel where a doctor becomes attached to a family who own a declining estate. It is clear from the start that he will eventually pursue or confront romantic interest from the daughter, or vice-versa. However, as the book progressed it seemed promising that their relationship was more friendly than romantic. Then just as I was thinking: "finally, something different" he kissed her.

Where literature is simply a romance, it is of course expected of it, the reader is reading the novel for the indulgence of a fairy tale romance (Take 'Pride and Prejudice', for example). Romance however, seems to penetrate almost every genre and style of writing, almost to the extent of its own!

As a writer, and a teenager, I myself fall party to this trap of romance. Sometimes it is hard to prevent your characters from falling in love. And once the plot line has begun, it is stuck like super glue!

I would argue then, that the answer to both of my questions is a YES. However, to the latter, above the former. Sometimes the writers just can't help it. Characters have hearts and minds of their own.

Kindle vs The Real Thing

I won't pretend to be an expert on e-book readers, and I only have limited knowledge of the Kindle, but from my experience, it's is brilliant.

When the idea first came about, naturally I was dismayed. As someone who loves to be curled up with a book and feel the paper and even, yes, the smell of it, I don't much like the idea of someone making books electronic.

However, when you actually get a Kindle, your view changes rapidly. I have a Kindle Wi-Fi 6" which I got for Christmas 2011. This is brilliant value for money and the best Kindle if you want to feel it out and get to know it without spending a 'small fortune' on the newer Touch or the (older but still sold) Kindle Keyboard Wifi/3G. Though the Touch has enhanced features such as MP3 capabilities. It also one-ups the Kindle Wi-Fi in that when you are typing (either in search or to add notes) you can use the touch screen, whereas the WiFi model you have to use a 5-way square cursor style button which can get irritating when typing extended amounts of text. The obvious advantages of the most expensive Kindle (Keyboard 3G) are the keyboard (excellent for literature students or others taking copious amounts of notes) and the advantage of being able to download books on the move.

The Kindle is also brilliant for the Travellers out there. You can load it up with Thousands of books and save all that space in the suitcase! (I speak as someone that takes 5-7 books for a week's holiday!). The fact it's lightweight, discreet and designed for reading in the sun means its perfect for taking to the beach, or in fact, anywhere. It barely takes up any room and if you're worried about scratches there are so many different cases you can get for it: Some even have lights.

The reading and buying experience on the Kindle itself if brilliant. The only one time you can't read the screen is when you have direct glare on the screen and even then it only blocks a word or two. Also, you can use both hands for something else while reading (for me its eating!). This may sound silly but in all honesty, how many times have you sat there eating cereal and trying to prop the book open with your elbow?! Purchasing of books is so simple and easy! Just turn on the wifi and search through the store, or even buy via your laptop on the usual Amazon site and you can get the book delivered to your Kindle. Money savings vary greatly from book to book. Most of the Classics are free, so if you are a fan of Austen and the Bronte's, it's definitely worth a go. Often books in a series offer massive savings on the Kindle, especially if you buy it as a series in one e-book as opposed to several separate ones, sometimes saving up to 70%!

Aside from all of that, 'The Real Thing' (books; yes they still exist!) is still brilliant, and if you aren't a massive reader, it is worth sticking with the good ol' Paperback, or Hardback if you prefer. I still read mainly paperbacks and still love buying new ones.

Welcome to Bookworms uk!

As a bookworm, with interest in many genres and a long going love of all things literature, and someone interested in journalism and blogging, it made sense to me to start this blog.

The idea will be to discuss novels, short stories, poetry and drama. To review them, reccommend similar books or other works by the author.

Watch this space.