As readers of this blog know, I enjoy all sorts of books. But a recent experience reminded me of the wisdom and comforts of Christian fiction.
After seeing several reviews and ads for a secular novel touted as a thriller, I checked out a copy from my public library. I opened the book realizing I’d likely experience characters who weren’t seeing life from a Christian viewpoint or even making an attempt to live by the morality expressed in the Bible. But I do think it’s a good idea for myself, as both a literary agent and as a citizen of the world, to see what’s selling in the general market.
The opening chapters were sexually charged but not salacious. I stuck with it, figuring they were setting the scene wherein the story would reveal itself as a thriller. I kept reading, my interest waning with each page. Finally, I found myself figuratively in bed with the protagonist as she described herself participating in a threesome. The scene made me say, “Blech.” Well, I didn’t say it, but I thought it.
I shut the book then and there and returned it to be consumed by the next victim reader.
Disconcerted, I decided to go back to some of the sites where I learned about the book. I discovered it has been relabeled “erotica.” So now my public library has a record of me checking out an erotic book.
Oh. Yay.
At least I didn’t buy the book on Amazon, so I won’t be subjected to suggestions for similar titles.
Can Christian books be mislabeled by genre? Possibly. But no reader of Christian fiction will be surprised to find herself in the midst of an amoral tale, or a story that totally goes against how our Lord wishes us to live. And we can thank Him – and the wise writers, editors, and publishers working for Him – for that.
Your turn:
Have you ever read a book that you felt was mislabeled? Did you keep reading?
What is your favorite book in your favorite genre?
