Can romance novels solve the straight man reading crisis?
Extra, extra. You’ve seen the headlines.
A 2025 survey by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) found that only 25% of men read fiction, a sharp decline from previous years. This trend is part of a broader cultural shift where straight men, in particular, are reading less fiction compared to other genres like history, crime, or self-help. The phenomenon has been dubbed the 'straight man reading crisis,' with some critics attributing it to a lack of relatable male protagonists in literature. Others argue that while such protagonists exist, they are often portrayed in unflattering ways, such as in Tony Tulathimutte’s 2024 novel Rejection, which depicts the male psyche as deeply flawed. The literary world remains uncertain about what straight men seek in fiction today, with theories ranging from adrenaline-driven plots to practical advice like pickup lines.
Despite the decline in overall fiction reading among straight men, a growing number are secretly reading romance novels, as reported by The Guardian in September 2026. These men often discover the genre through other fiction or media like Bridgerton, drawn to the formulaic structure and emphasis on love and desire. Romance novels have become a lifeline for the publishing industry, sustaining it financially, yet the genre is traditionally marketed to women and queer readers. This has led some straight male readers to feel shame or secrecy about their interest, with many discussing their hobby anonymously in a Discord channel called Romance for Men. The genre’s appeal lies in escapism rather than relatability, offering a space where men can explore emotions and desires often suppressed by conventional masculinity.
The appeal of romance novels for straight men contrasts with the idea that fiction must be relatable to be engaging. While women and queer readers flock to romance for escapism, such as werewolves in Heartstopper or Court of Thorns and Roses, straight men are drawn to the genre for similar reasons. Amandas Ongs, writing for The Guardian, suggests that romance’s distancing effect is part of its radical potential, allowing men to feel deeply and accept parts of themselves that traditional masculinity rejects. This idea is supported by Matt Starr, co-founder of Dream Baby Press, who argues that literary fiction should focus on making the world more romantic and sensual, addressing a perceived lack in modern literature.
Straight men, like all readers, seek to feel free, energized, titillated, and sensual when reading, according to the article. The current literary landscape may not fulfill these desires for this demographic, given the rise of online communities like incels or fascist groups that do not align with these emotional needs. The article posits that genre fiction, such as romance, could better meet these desires than traditional literary fiction. It also critiques the pressure on readers to choose books that signify their values or identity, such as displaying a 'TBR pile' (To-Be-Read pile) as a status symbol. The solution may lie in removing judgment from reading choices and embracing a literary world where desire is not stigmatized.
David J. Morris, a creative writing professor, argued in a 2024 *New York Times* op-ed that the male literacy crisis is not due to a lack of supply but rather a cultural issue. He suggested that young men *should* read authors like Sally Rooney and Elena Ferrante, both known for their romantic and emotionally rich writing styles. The article highlights that the key to increasing male readership may be removing the stigma around reading for pleasure, particularly in genres like romance. It emphasizes that escapism and relatability are not mutually exclusive and that a good book should transcend rigid expectations about identity and affiliation.
