I read 80 books last year, mostly science fiction, new adult and fantasy.
Because I blog about books, I get advanced reader copies. I’m currently reading some great books that will be released later this year.
Even when I love the world these imaginative writers create, I’m disappointed by certain reoccurring elements:
Books written by women for a diverse (and occasionally a mostly female) readership yet is filled with coercive intimate physical activity between men and women. We are all talking about it, especially after what one woman wrote about her alleged date and sexual encounter with actor Aziz Ansari. The conversation about more nuanced sexual encounters between men and women is in full effect. I’ve seen more than one writer speak out with her full feminist voice and I want to clap back with a snippet from her own writing, but that would be more petty than edifying. But we need to talk about how specifically Teen and YA writers can’t seem to properly communicate the importance of consent.
Take a second look at those forced first kisses and no’s that turn into acquiesce and “happy endings” with almost predators.
Why is everyone so white? Even in complex fantasy realities, the main love interest or protagonist is hardly ever an Asian or Black guy. Only white folks survive dystopian worst case scenarios?! How can anything be possible in your fantasy novel but a brown girl being the main protagonist? I read a book where even the blue hued race of people seemed white in terms of hair, eyes, body, etc.
Why is everyone so skinny? Why can’t the main protagonist be fine, brave, skilled at combat and kind of chubby? Why can’t she have a body type other than waif?
Why are some of the greatest fiction writers of our day afraid to challenge the status quo?!
What did you say?