lit·er·a·ture/ˈlidərəCHər,ˈlidərəˌCHo͝or/ noun: literature; plural noun: literatures

  1. written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit.”a great work of literature”

During these days of COVID19 quarantine, I have read with interest a lot of “what are you reading lists.” I see some people are reading old classics such as Moby Dick or classic romance such as Jane Austin novels, some new “litarary” novels such as “Little Fires Everywhere.” I don’t see many people confess to reading comic books or easy-read romance novels.

I’m reminded of an incident when my youngest daughter was in Junior High and was instructed to produce a book report for her English class. Hers was a Stephen King novel she happened to be reading. I okayed it, simply glad that she was reading. The report came back with a “not-a or b” grade and a comment that Stephen King does not write literature. I fumed about it for a few days, and discussed with my daughter, but I think to this day that literature is in the eye of the beholder. Anything to keep youngsters interest in reading (with boundaries, of course).

I’m confessing to reading series mysteries (a favorite genre of mine), with a couple of “literary novels” sprinkled in. By the way, my favorite romance novel is Rebecca, by Daphne Du Maurier. But, I may read a few “trashy gossip magazines” if I come upon one, or even a comic strip.