A bit of a rant because I have seen it multiple times this week used to describe books.

Firstly this is not about wanting to read books without sex in them. That is valid and absolutely encouraged. This word choice implies that there are clean books and dirty books and that just creates this false sense of shame and division. This is coming from a grown adult lifelong reader.

Its not an accident that it is particularly used to describe the romance genre (its largest reader demographic being those who identify as women and written by the same. Largest not only). Do we talk about horror or westerns or non-fiction or mysteries or fantasy (even though recently fantasy has begun qualifying out as a sub genre, Romantasy, which is often used to label fantasy written by women) with that kind of clarifier? I sure don't see it as prevalent if ever.

Why can't we just say I don't want to read a book with sex in it. Its has many biological meanings including sexual intercourse which is a normal biological function.

So do we use other cute euphemisms that at least don't imply one is inherently better or worse like "Fade to Black" or "Closed Door" At least with these the opposite doesn't make an automatic negative judgment though I personally think they are still a little silly to avoid using the word sex.

I can't be the only one that is bothered by this type of wording and what it really implies. Or maybe I am! Either way let me know what your thoughts are.

*Again note I am not coming for anyone who prefers or wants to read books without sex or with less sexual forward plots.

I read a comment on a post here on Pagebound today that made me think. It stated that the person does not read in their native language.

It made me think about myself, I have long preferred to read in English, actively avoiding books written in my native language swedish. I have recently made more of an effort to read swedish literature and I have found some great satisfaction in it, as well as improving my vocabulary and insight into Swedish history and culture.

Here I find a lot of people finding Swedish literature "cringe" (literally often said in English and not with a Swedish equivalent). I have reflected on how reading in Swedish seems more sincere and serious, and why do we feel so embarrassed or turned off by being sincere? How do you feel about reading in your native language? What do you think attitudes are in your country and your communities? Why do you think they are the way they are?

In general Swedish society has become more and more Americanised over the last few decades, has this led to this attitude that Swedish literature and poetry is cringe and bad?

I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic!

I feel like I fell in love with this platform this year because why am I on here every single day?? I haven’t let up once 😭 I swear my phone hate to see me coming at this point

And the way I keep hitting the 5-post limit when I’m reading a book??? I’ll be mid-spiral and suddenly it’s like “no more posts for today” and I’m screaming LET ME INNNN I HAVE MORE TO SAYYY 🤧

AHHHHHH 🗣️