Nine Novels That Make an Art of Earnestness
Bennie Bosley, the protagonist of my new queer YA holiday romance, Pining for You, is living for Christmas magic and Grand Gesture Romance the way Tiny Tim once did for that goose—and I love that for her. But I did.
The article introduces Pining for You, a new queer young adult (YA) holiday romance novel. YA literature refers to books written for readers aged roughly 12 to 18, though these stories often appeal to adults as well. The protagonist, Bennie Bosley, embodies a strong desire for Christmas magic and Grand Gesture Romance. The term Grand Gesture Romance describes a narrative trope where characters express deep emotions through elaborate, often public displays of affection or commitment. Tiny Tim is a character from Charles Dickens' 1843 novella A Christmas Carol, symbolizing hope and the spirit of Christmas. The article highlights how Bennie’s enthusiasm for these themes mirrors Tiny Tim’s iconic belief in holiday wonder.
The article discusses the concept of earnestness in literature, which refers to sincere, serious, and sometimes overly serious expressions of emotion or intention. Earnestness is often contrasted with irony or sarcasm, emphasizing genuine feeling. The title Nine Novels That Make an Art of Earnestness suggests a list of books that prioritize heartfelt, unironic storytelling. Earnestness can be a stylistic choice, where authors deliberately avoid cynicism to explore themes of love, hope, or redemption. This approach is particularly notable in genres like holiday romances or coming-of-age stories, where emotional authenticity is central to the narrative.
The article references holiday romance tropes, which are recurring themes or plot devices in stories set during holidays, particularly Christmas. These tropes often include Grand Gestures, magical transformations, or reunions with lost loved ones. For example, Christmas magic implies a sense of wonder or unexpected joy that resolves conflicts or brings characters together. The term holiday romance specifically denotes a subgenre of romance fiction where the setting and themes revolve around a holiday, often Christmas, New Year’s, or Valentine’s Day. Such stories frequently emphasize emotional growth, reconciliation, and the power of love to overcome obstacles.
The protagonist, Bennie Bosley, is described as living for *Christmas magic* and *Grand Gesture Romance* in a way that evokes Tiny Tim’s belief in holiday wonder. This suggests that Bennie’s character arc may involve a journey from cynicism or disillusionment to a renewed belief in love and magic. In storytelling, a *character arc* refers to the transformation or growth a character undergoes throughout a narrative. The article implies that Bennie’s journey will be central to the plot, with her emotional journey likely mirroring the themes of earnestness and holiday romance that define the story’s tone and direction.
