This Week’s Topic:
How I Feel About Self Indulgence
I constantly lament my lack of free time, and therefore, authors who waste my time inserting things into a book, that have no place in the plot frustrate me. It's not that I don't get that it's THEIR art, and they can do what they want. I'm just saying, that I don't care for it.
In recent years, I have been seeing author's political views creeping into more and more non-political books. This has become a source of great annoyance for me, because I personally read to escape the chaos of real-life. It really bothers me, when politics come, uninvited, into my place of escape.
If the insertion of the political opinion makes sense and fits with the story, I let it go. However, more often than not, it is simply the author declaring their "side", which has become the new American pastime.
NOTE: I am actually referencing books I finished, and enjoyed, but I was still miffed and knocked off a half star from the final rating.Well, I personally don't care for their political grandstanding, when I am trying to enjoy a work of fiction. And, it's not just American authors doing this either.
I read a book by an English author, set in England, where she had the character commenting on American politics. Not once, but multiple times, and the book was a contemporary romance. If the author had inserted commentary regarding the prison system in England, it would have made some sense, but no, it was just random thoughts on politics in the US, that didn't even really fit the scenes where they appeared.
I recently finished a trilogy, where the author had this political subplot. I tolerated it, because I thought I would eventually see how it fit into the big picture. What I found out in the final book was that it had NOTHING to do with the big picture. It didn't figure into the mystery, the cover up, NOTHING! It was just a way for the author to vent about political things that matter to her. Well, I was annoyed, because I felt like the author wasted my time.
I read another book, where I am not kidding, a character made a political statement, which was not appropriate for the task at hand, and the teacher responded:
"If you want to use a homework task as an outlet for a political rant, there are many appropriate subjects."So, essentially, the character did sort of what the author did.
Another notable example, was a book, which I adored, except for the unnecessary political rants. The book was about people with chronic illnesses, and therefore, I expected maybe some commentary on the healthcare system and whatnot. But, what I got was a clear message from the author, that she hates ALL conservatives. I think there were at least three instances, where she made her point of view crystal clear, and it really didn't have anything to do with the story I was reading.
There have been a few books I have DNFed, because the author just could not rein in their soapboxing. Most recently, it was a book about a friendship, between two young women, which sort of exploded, when one told the other's parents about her self destructive behaviors. I let the first few bits of political talk slide, but when I reached this chapter, that was mired in all sorts of diatribe, I called it a day. I just could not go on.
The political creep in my books is getting to be about as exhausting as the endless Harry Potter references. I feel like there is a time and a place, and it's ok with me, even if I don't agree with the author's opinion, as long as it fits the story. There are certain types of books I expect to see politics, and it's ok, because I willingly elected to read the book, prepared for the political onslaught. But, these were all instances of the authors being self indulgent, and I didn't appreciate the sneak attack. If it does not contribute to the plot, it's sort of a self indulgence.
What is your opinion regarding the onslaught of politics in books these days?
Now it's your turn!
What are you feelings on political creep in books?
Let us know in the comments!
Let us know in the comments!
I agree with you 100% Books are my escape for everything that's happening IRL and I don't want all of the political nonsense in my escape... unless it is essential to the plot.
ReplyDeleteExactly. If it's part of the plot, I accept it, even if I didn't anticipate or expect it. But, political opining just to insert your views, where they were not expected irks me
DeleteI read a lot of apocalypse books. I expect to see right wing characters owning guns and maybe supporting a Trump type President but a few books take it too far. If it goes too anti-liberal or anti-conservative I can't read on ie an Obama style President conspires with Russia to let them invade the US, every liberal is a pathetic useless loser, or a character keeps ranting that their neighbour deserves to die because they are liberal. Likewise I hate seeing liberal characters calling conservative preppers weirdo gun nuts for trying to protect their family or objecting to bad guys being shot for their crimes. In apocalypse books I can take a little bit of politics but it needs to be non offensive.
ReplyDeleteBut they should keep their political views out of romance and other books unless there is a non offensive point being met, y'know? Like you said, I read for escapism and entertainment!
Even if I don't agree with the author's views, I don't get mad if a political thread fits the story and is part of the plot. It's the insertion of political views that are random that get to me, and I hate to say it, but most are lean sort of offensive, at least in the books I have read
DeleteI couldn't agree more! It's coming up more and more in TV shows and even movies as well and like you, I read and watch to escape those issues and realities, not be immersed into them more. I think it is sad that some people think it is okay to push their issues and beliefs on you in anyway that they can. They aren't being sneaky, we all see them doing it and I hope it stops, I really do.
ReplyDeleteI had stopped watching so many tv shows because of all the political creep. It was exhausting me. But again, if it fit the story, I let it slide, but when they sneak it in, I get very frustrated
DeleteHaha, one of my New Year’s resolutions is to write a political-themed horror novella . . . .
ReplyDeleteI hate preaching of any kind in books. I get really irritated when characters become mouthpieces for authors, or when the author hits the reader over the head with an opinion or moral. Even if I agree with the opinion, I take off stars because it’s annoying.
Aj @ Read All The Things!
I am reading a book about a teen getting an abortion, so, I know what I came here for. I accept that this work will most likely only present the author's view, and I am prepared for it. If you told me you wrote a political horror novella, I would accept the politics, because you it was presented to me and I still decided to read it. It's the ones who sneak it in that irritate me. They lose stars.
DeleteOh boy, so with you on this, Sam. I get (more than) enough political bashing (from all sides) on a day to day basis. I really do not need or want more of it in my fiction. Especially when I'm reading contemporary romance which, preferably, is escapist in nature. I truly do not care about an author's political affiliations or views. Totally inconsequential. Give me a good story and I'm there. But when you use your fictional story or fictional character as a mouthpiece to spout your own views... ugh, I'm out. With some genres or plots it's expected. But when it's out of left field and truly has no place in the story? So annoying.
ReplyDeleteExactly. It's the left field stuff that irritates me. When I picked up RW&RB I knew it would be political, therefore, I was ok with it, but I was so put off when it came out of nowhere in other romances. Some I finished, some I DNFed
DeleteI guess for me it depends on what the politics are. If it's a major theme and I know it, I don't mind. But I don't really go looking for books about politics. I can see why you get frustrated.
ReplyDeleteThat's my point, exactly. Being a major theme of the story, I can tolerate it, but like you, I do not seek out political books, and it makes me nuts, when they pop up in books unexpectedly
DeleteI haven't noticed this problem in the books I read, but I read SFF, so maybe it's less common in those genres. But I can understand why you wouldn't want unnecessary politics in your books when you're reading to escape the real world. I don't like when unrelated things are shoved into books either.
ReplyDeleteI think most of the SFF books I have read, lately, have been dystopians, and governments play a large role in those books. Therefore, it doesn't surprise me if the fictional world is influenced by the real world. It's kind of expected, but I am drowning in political opinions in contemporaries.
Deletei try to keep clear of political conversations, but as long as it is pertinent to the story it's fine with me. just throwing any useless thing into a story to add words, or whatever, annoys me.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
Same with me. I am pretty open minded, when it comes to the elements author employ to move their plots along, but when it is just a gratuitous political reference, I go bananas
DeleteI tend to read more SFF, so I haven't seen as many politics creeping into my books. I do agree, however, that I wouldn't want politics to creep into a book unless it's pertinent to the story. While people might discuss politics at random in real life, I want the story to be tightly knit (everything happening for a reason). Also, I read to escape into imaginary worlds, which is largely why I enjoy the SFF genre!
ReplyDeleteI never noticed as many gratuitous political references in books as I have lately, but you would think I could escape it in a contemporary romance for the most part, right? Wrong. TV, movies, books - political commentary is inescapable these days.
DeleteI see enough politics on T.V. ad with my husbands family so I tend to steer clear of politics while reading but there have a few times that had the author's ideas are inserted and I just had to move past it. There are some genres that it has no business in though. It's like we can't escape it though.
ReplyDeleteTruth! I don't feel it's a genre thing, but I don't like things and ideas inserted into a story, that are there for absolutely no reason. If it's plot related, ok, but otherwise, it's just posturing.
DeleteI agree. I would totally be turned off by that. I haven't come across any like that yet though. Thank goodness.
ReplyDeleteCount yourself lucky. I feel like because I read so much YA, I run the risk of being "lectured" at times, but I am seeing it creeping into my romances, and that's where I draw the line.
DeleteYeah, I'm not a fan of politics in my books unless I'm reading a political thriller (excuse me while I laugh myself sick at the ridiculous thought of me reading a political thriller) or it's made up politics that fits the story like in UF when you have politicians trying to work out how to handle the reveal that supernaturals are real.
ReplyDeleteI've had enough of real life politics and people (from all political persuasions) trying to shove it down my throat. I'm even at the point of muting family members on social media and WhatsApp because I'm sick of political spiel. I certainly don't want it in my escape reads!
I left FB during the last election cycle. I couldn't take it. So, it seems to be just as prevalent in other parts of the country as it is here. Good to know you understand my frustration.
DeleteWell sam this is honestly the first time that I see political opinions mentioned in books! Either I am blind, either I am not as sensitive as you to spot them (possible as being a non US citizen I could not grasp it was a reference to your system), either I have been luckier than you! But I get what you mean and I totally agree with you. Political opinion are not the only thaings that can divert the attention from the plot or the story though but I still dislike it.
ReplyDeleteIf it has a place in the story, I just roll my eyes and move on, but these were cases of posturing. It could be because I read a lot of contemporaries, and because they are set in this world, they can easily slide their opinions in, or I just read a lot of self righteous authors?
DeleteI never have thought about this as authors self-indulging as getting their time in the spotlight, and therefore will soapbox. But you're right, that's exactly what is happening. I roll my eyes often when reading classic sci-fi for this reason. A lot of people use science fiction as a way to share all their philosophies on the world. Barf, don't care, keep telling me the story!
ReplyDeleteI've never noticed this with other genres, but I haven't been paying attention. I'll definitely keep a closer eye open now.
I feel like it's their right, if we know up front that it's what we are getting. I just don't like the sneak attacks. And, I never thought about it as much when I was reading SFF books, but there really is a lot of commentary in there, and I guess there always has been, if I think about those required reading classics I read. Now, I find their thoughts less abstract and more targeted. They aren't just soapboxing about specific ideas, but rather, attacking huge groups of people and generalizing about them, which is what I guess bothers me more. It's what we see every day on the news cycle. Most simply name call too, which doesn't really contribute much to the discussion other than this is who I side with.
DeleteI haven't come across this much, probably because I read so much fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction. I think it would only bother me if, as you mentioned, it doesn't really serve any other purpose in the story than to show what "side" the author is on.
ReplyDeleteI know you have read some of the books I have seen it in, but maybe aren't as prickly about it as I am? Maybe it's my science background, but I am all about fact based arguments, and these "outbursts" are all emotionally fueled, and the generalizations they are making about people are sort of wrong, and can be dangerous, but the political finger pointing is so out of control, I don't think people can always see it.
DeleteOooh! This is such a great point! I can't stand when authors include their personal stances on topics that have no relation to the book. That's what Twitter is for, not your completely unrelated book. I understand that nowadays everyone has a stance on politics and whatnot, but I'm not reading your book to hear your stance on politics, I'm reading your book because the synopsis sounded interesting.
ReplyDeleteHa! That's what Twitter is for. True, true. I could accept it and respect it, if the book had something to do with these ideas, but in the cases I cited, they did not. And, that's my point exactly, I want to choose to hear their stance on politics. I shouldn't have it foisted upon me.
DeleteOh for sure. And you're right - there are books you pick up knowing there will probably be some kind of political slant - but romance?? Like several others here, I mainly read SFF and while there are instances when it's plain if the author is left or right-wing, particularly in some sci fi, it tends to be reasonably rare, even now - thank goodness. And isn't all the prevalent in fantasy.
ReplyDeleteIt's not always outside of the realm of romance. I totally expected politics to dominate Red White & Royal Blue, and I clearly understood the author's political leanings, but I elected to read it despite that. But, rants that come out of nowhere? Mudslinging that has no place in the story? Seems petty and unnecessary. I think I have noticed bigger ideas in SFF books, but they are usually too busy building a world and system to worry about declaring their allegiance to a political party.
DeleteInteresting discussion! I would find it really annoying to constantly have politics mentioned when it has nothing to do with the book. Once or twice and it doesn't overtake the rest of what's happening? Then okay, I think I could handle it. But yes, I think authors are definitely taking their personal opinions and shoving them into their books - which is cool and all, if it makes sense for the book. If it doesn't, don't do it. haha
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
I don't even like once or twice if it has nothing to do with the plot.
DeleteSo, after reading not just your post, but the comments, it would seem like I am the odd woman out here 😂 I mean- I do get if it is literally out of nowhere and has NO point (like just go write an editorial or something at that point hah) but in some instances (like the chronic illness thing) I can see it having merit?
ReplyDeleteI'll say this: If you'd asked me this same question four years ago, I might have agreed with you. Actually, I likely would have. Now, I feel like I CRAVE finding like-minded people, no matter the format. Now, I agree that bashing is not okay, but I think strongly worded can be. Especially depending on the type of book. I'd argue that some of my favorites have a strong underlying political message, and while it's not straight out thrown in readers' faces, it's also very clear where the author stands. And I think in a lot of cases, it's important. Like- things are NOT going great in the country, and if an author wants to use their platform to try to showcase that, I am 100% here for it. Granted, just throwing random bits into a story isn't doing that and is likely counterproductive, so I can see that point for sure. Complex situation, this.
If the author in the book about chronic illness was making the comments with respect to frustration with the healthcare system, I would have understood its place in the story, but her comments were just to say negative things about conservatives, and therefore, was wholly gratuitous. Shaped the story in no way. And, unfortunately, the comments are always bashing. But, since the stories are not of a political nature, there wouldn't be a thoughtful exploration. These ideas have a time and place, and it's not in the books I want to read, since there tends to be more passion than logic and facts, and my nature is to gather facts and observations, and then draw conclusions.
DeleteYes!!! I know you and I had a short convo about this on my blog before. I hate it! Politics belong in political books. Keep them out of my romances!
ReplyDeleteMakes me crazy. I wouldn't be too frustrated if the argument set forward was related in some way to the story, but they tend to be random and really fall into the realm of people bashing
DeleteOh man, this is a such a great post! I agree with you 100%. I am ok with it, if it has something to do with the plot, subplot or overall progresses the story. Fantasies with a a lot of court political, national politics- totally fine. Dystopians where a government is central to the story, also ok. BUt I generally will be able to pick that theme or undercurrent out from the summary of the book.
ReplyDeleteMy issue is when I read a summary and don't get that vibe from the plot line and then I start reading the book and there is political commentary that does nothing to progress the plot other than to appease the author , who threw it in for their own purposes. I agree. I think it is a waste of time, whether I agree with them or not. if I am in the mood for some political commentary, I will pick up a non-fiction piece on the topic. But It bums me out in the best cases, and downright annoys me in the worst cases if I see it creeping unexpected in the books. P.S> I think I know (and agree) on the trilogy series you are talking about.
I think authors are throwing it in because they see the politically charged climate of the world today, but reading is the place I go to escape that.Not to find it snuck into my books. Trust me, you are not convincing me of your opinion, author. You are just making me like you less.
Great post! I love how much discussion you sparked.
Michelle @ Book Briefs
Your second paragraph pretty much sums up my feelings on this. If you do know the trilogy, you should have seen me at the end. I mean, I gave the last book 4.5 stars, but had the author tied that political thread into the story, I probably would have gone 5 stars. I was mad, that she persisted with this political commentary and it wasn't even relevant.
DeleteI read to relax, but I go to certain genres for that. Otherwise, I tend to enjoy reading books which tackle social and political issues if they do it in a certain way. I don't just want to learn your opinion - I want it to be a discussion showing sides which allows the reader to make up their own mind. If it is just them going on a rant like you explained here I do not approve!
ReplyDeleteThese books I am referencing were not tackling social or political issues. If that were the case, I would accept the commentary as part of the story. These were romances, and the commentary came out of left field. Sorry to say, if you are looking for American authors to be showing sides, don't hold your breath. There are many in the entertainment industry, who feel it's their duty to tell us their opinions, even if it means hijacking a story for it.
DeletePolitics, when presented in a forceful manner can rain the enjoyment of something. I don't mind a political undertone in books or movies.
ReplyDeleteArt is a way of expressing one's view of the world and that going to leak into their art no matter what. Art is not exactly 'neural' in terms of someone's view.
I have come across books where the author is up in your face and one-sided.
I like for there to be a balance. Otherwise, the author is narrowing their audiences. Maybe it's intentional, but if it not they're going to have a hard time convincing someone.
I feel like the undertones and whatnot have a place, but it wasn't in these books. They weren't political and most of the comments were of an insulting natures. I have found most of the authors are one-sided, especially when it comes to politics (religion runs a close second). I prepare myself, mentally, for it, when I elect to read a political type book, but I don't want the random comments, when I pick up a fluffy romance. I felt violated.
DeleteI don't like to discuss controversial topics and really don't like to read about them either. I have political opinions but I keep them to myself and would like it if it stayed out of my entertainment. If it makes sense in the story for politics to play a part, I can deal with it but when it turns into an author sharing their opinion, I don't care for it.
ReplyDeleteSame. I will share my political opinions in a space with open minded people, when I want to. I will seek political commentary, when I want to. But, I don't appreciate it invaded a space it shouldn't be in.
DeleteI *completely* hear you about political views being inserted unnecessarily into non-political books- it really bugs me too. It often feels out of place. And yeah I'm not a fan of endless HP references either! It bugs me! And I agree that it's okay in books that are designed to be political- cos it's been made clear that's what we're getting, but I'm not a fan of the sneak attack either. Very much agree with this post!
ReplyDeleteI am laughing, because I did a whole post about HP references. I feel like they are EVERYWHERE! I like to know what I am signing up for to get myself in the right headspace. If I want political commentary, fine, but I want to make that choice to engage in that realm, especially these days.
DeleteI'm sort of on the fence about this one. On the one hand, if random political statements pull me out of the story, I probably would feel frustrated (and possibly feel like it's just not great writing). But on the other hand, I feel like in today's political climate a lot of people feel more passionately about their political views than they used to and there's a sense of urgency about sharing those views---especially about topics like healthcare, immigration, racism or general tolerance. I definitely wouldn't want those views to be expressed as general rants, though, and I agree that they should work well within the story. So, yeah, I'm conflicted.
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
They pull me out, because I am so exhausted of the political posturing these days. I had stopped watching so many TV shows, because the writers just couldn't help but make everything political. I feel like there is a time and a place to share those views, and I share, when I am invited. A non-political book is not the place I want to engage in their thoughts, and I have to be honest, the books I referenced are here, because the ideas shared by the authors were all name calling and essentially, rants. The ones, which I also consider "creep", but had some substance, were not included, and I feel like that gave me some sort of insight into the character, that just wasn't about how much they hate conservatives, EVERY republican, and Christians (the rants I mostly encounter)
DeleteYeah, that type of name-calling and such would just be disturbing to me. First of all, rarely will I find someone who I can't find SOME common ground with---intolerance definitely goes both ways.
DeleteI think it's ok to believe in different things, but as far as politics go, too many have become intolerant and uncivil, and it bothers me that they act like it's some brand new phenomena, because I can remember it really picking up steam during the Bush administration. I think we just hear about quicker and via more outlets due to social media use being more widespread.
DeleteHm... there are many types of literary self-indulgence. But if an author wants to make a point (or prove how much research they did, or how smart they are), and it doesn't fit the plot of the book - that's not going to work for me.
ReplyDeleteThat's my point exactly. I tolerate things I am not necessarily a fan of, if it fits the story. I might roll my eyes, but if I can see its purpose, I am ok with it. OMG! I am laughing, because I am thinking of authors trying to show "how smart they are". I have definitely seen that too.
Delete