Nov 21 2007
The AAR Top 100
I found out about AAR’s Top 100 Romances poll far too late to even consider compiling my own list, but I was interested in seeing the results.
Whoa. Talk about confirmation that I am a romance misfit. Now I remember why I don’t hang out at AAR. I fit in like a street pup of dubious origins with fleas and mange at the Eukanuba Cup.
Analysis of the results reveals 43% European historical, 8% medieval, 6% classic fiction, 2% historical, 1% American historical, 1% traditional regency, and 2% category, for a total of 63% I wouldn’t even pick up at this point. I have read a total of 15 out of the 100 on the list, no more than 2 of those would have made it onto my personal Top 100 list, and several of them would qualify for my Worst 100 list.
Despite the exclusion of any representation of my exquisite taste, the discussion of the results is fascinating. They put a lot of work into analyzing and interpreting the numbers and comparing them to historical data from previous polls.
If you didn’t put in a ballot this year, start compiling one now, even though it will likely be a couple of years before the next poll. (I’ve been working on mine, and it will take some time if you’re starting from scratch.) I’d like to see a few more women who wear pants, men who don’t wear tights, electric lights, telephones, and horsepower that doesn’t leave droppings in the street. Some fur and fangs not associated with certain dark-hued pointy weapons would be nice, too. (I love me some J.R. Ward, but honestly, there are far better paranormals deserving of recognition I would have liked to see on that list instead of the BDB box set.)
Just like in political elections, if you don’t vote, you can’t complain.
Much.
Arf.
9/30
11/4
11/4
11/25