In the Stacks: Genre Problems
I moonlight as a school librarian and we’ve been genrefying our high school library. Now, this post isn’t to give a case for genrefying or not, because we’ve done it. The decision has been made and it has made a difference in circulation. Kids come in and ask where the ‘sports’ books are and we’re able to easily point them in the right direction. But there are drawbacks. Every book is not easily placed in a category. This was my initial issue with genrefication. The point is to make the library mimic the look and shopability of a bookstore. And for most things that works, but like all things there is an opportunity for user error.
In bookstores I have seen what I call “book ghettos” spring up. This is when a bookseller groups all of the books by Black authors and the Black experience in one section. It’s usually called “African American Literature” regardless of whether the books in the section are in fact literature. This is where you’ll find Zane, famous for her erotica, right next to Nobel prize winner Toni Morrison. Some say, that it makes it easier for Black readers to find the books they want. I’ve always argued that it makes it easier for Non-Black readers to ignore Black books altogether because the Romance section becomes the White Romance section by default, but there’s no special sign to let you know that. Whether the “Black Book” section increases sales or decreases sales is something booksellers will have to give you more information about. My genre question is less emotionally taxing.
I present to you two books, both are fantastic additions to the catalog, but they defy genre in a way that requires more thought.
If You Could Be Mine by Sara Farizan
Seventeen-year-old Sahar has been in love with her best friend, Nasrin, since they were six. They've shared stolen kisses and romantic promises. But Iran is a dangerous place for two girls in love--Sahar and Nasrin could be beaten, imprisoned, even executed. So they carry on in secret until Nasrin's parents suddenly announce that they've arranged for her marriage. Then Sahar discovers what seems like the perfect solution: homosexuality may be a crime, but to be a man trapped in a woman's body is seen as nature's mistake, and sex reassignment is legal and accessible. Sahar will never be able to love Nasrin in the body she wants to be loved in without risking their lives, but is saving their love worth sacrificing her true self?
Now this would be a perfect addition to a Queer book section, but that brings up the same issues I’ve stated with the Black book section. I’m also working in a school in a Southern state. I’ll never stop buying books with queer themes, and I’ll never stop hand selling them, but I feel that putting them in their own section in this political climate puts a target on them. It just makes them easier to find so they can be challenged. If you disagree, please tell me what you think about that. In the meantime, where does this book go? Is it Romance? or is it Realistic Fiction?
Henry Tudor’s life has been mapped out since the day he was born: student body president, valedictorian, Harvard Law School, and a stunning political career just like his father’s. But ever since the death of his brother, the pressure for Henry to be perfect has doubled. And now he’s trapped: forbidden from pursuing a life as an artist or dating any girl who isn’t Tudor-approved.
Then Anne Boleyn crashes into his life.
Wild, brash, and outspoken, Anne is everything Henry isn’t allowed to be—or want. But soon Anne is all he can think about. His mother, his friends, and even his girlfriend warn him away, but his desire for Anne consumes him.
Henry is willing to do anything to be with her, but once they’re together, will their romance destroy them both?
Inspired by the true story of Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII, Anne & Henry beautifully reimagines the intensity, love, and betrayal between one of the most infamous couples of all time.
Is it Romance? Is it Realistic Fiction? or is it something else I haven’t thought of? Let me know in the comments because I really don’t know and I’m crowdsourcing for info! Also, I’ve linked each book to Bookshop.org where you can shop for books from your favorite Indie Bookstores. Today, we’re highlighting a Black owned bookstore, Left on Read in Wichita, Kansas.
As always, if you find my newsletters helpful you can always buy me a coffee!