HEA is the only way to go.

I haven’t read SOLD, and I may yet, once I get through the stack on the floor by my chair. But I’ve had bad experiences with non-children’s books on subjects like this. Here’s my problem, and please, if you (anyone!) disagrees, tell me why I’m wrong and maybe my thinking will straighten out.

Anyway, every time I read an “issue” book about abuse (sexual or otherwise), I get this awful, creepy feeling that I’m somehow just a voyeur to someone else’s pain. Worse than that, I’ve paid money for this experience, and well, it feels like PORN. The pornography of suffering. Do we read these books for the shiver of “OMG…” the same one people get at horror flicks?

I know the authors are (mostly) sincere about their subjects, and that they hope to “raise awareness” but the sad fact is most readers read the book, shiver, and forget. While the author/publisher makes money.

Oh, that sounds so mean, and I’m definitely not saying this about SOLD, especially after you recommended it so highly. What I want to know is, how does SOLD do it differently, from say, A Child Called It (which I refused to read,) or The Kindness of Strangers which I read (with much loathing) for a book club meeting? On the other hand, Octavian Nothing…much, much suffering, but no creepy feeling of exploitation. Why?

Help me here.

Seriously, do you really think I am shy about anything? C’mon! Clearly, I am lazy.

Speaking of SHY, did you notice that Diana has several books read this year listed as *secret*?

Apple-ing!

I plan on reading DRAGON SLIPPERS today.

But really, just try it. If you’re not glad you read it, tell me and I’ll send you some chocolate.

I keep meaning to read Artemis Fowl. Aarrgg! There aren’t enough hours in the day to get to all the books I want to read!!! But thanks for reminding me. I do want to try those out.