In my teens and early twenties I was reading books like The Catcher In The Rye, Rubyfruit Jungle, Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo, Sula and I even stumbled through War and Peace. Now it seems that many African Americans in their teens and twenties are reading what has become known as ghetto lit. These are apparently novels that tell stories that mirror hip hop songs with violence, drugs, etc.The only book of this so-called genre that I've read is The Coldest Winter by Sister Souljah. It was a quick and somewhat interesting read. Oh and I've read Zane (cough), I didn't finish the book though, there was too much sex and I found it redundant and trite. But I know a lot of women who really like Zane's books. And I'm not a prude, it just seemed that Zane's sex scenes had no purpose other than to be sex scenes.
I came across this topic at the blog HomelandColors. He opines on the subject of ghetto lit now and past. I also found on his blog links to a set of stories from National Public Radio on the subject. The second link includes author Terry McMillan's thoughts on the subject. They are both very interesting.
(Just click on the links below to listen)
From NPR's All Things Considered: Publishing Company Called Out over 'Ghetto Lit'
4 comments:
Sista Souljah's book definitely seemed classier than alot of the mess out here.
I think Zane has to be one of the world's worst writers. Reading her sex scenes was painful. Her descriptions were just like, YUK!
I definitely think ghetto lit is such a waste. I know some folks think it doesn't matter and at least folks are reading, but I seriously can't stand it.
Liz,
There is a newsstand near my job and as you approach the cash register there is a huge display of ghetto lit. There are so many books of that genre it's unbelievable.
It seems that with any sort of Black entertainment, companies always aim for the lowest common denominator, whether it's music or books or film. And yet there is such a demand for entertainment for middle class African Americans about middle class African Americans.
In today’s USA TODAY on the front page of the entertainment section there is an article expressing how surprising it was that Tyler Perry's film did so well this past weekend. And that's my point, there is such a pent up demand for decent, thoughtful films, books and music within African America that it almost seems that media companies have an agenda. They seem to only want to release stereotypical portrayals even if there is a demand for realistic ones.
And about Zane, I don't think I read three chapters before I put the book down. And I skimmed those chapters. (lol) I totally agree, YUK!
I have a couple Zane books and I have read The Coldest Winter Ever.
Hmm, ghetto lit, I didn't know it had a name
Hi Afrodite,
Coldest Winter Ever was a good read. I wonder if Sister Souljah followed it up. I know she has done non-fiction but I'm wondering if she's done another novel? I'll have to check that out.
Yep, ghetto lit or street lit. I'm not sure if the book industry coined that or if the readers of the books did.
Thanks for stopping by
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