More Epilogue!

 

More Epilogue

Don't you just love reading? It is escapism, it is a friend, it is a hobby, it is nourishing, and so much more. Even if it is a sleep aid, it works for you and that is amazing. My current fancy is romance. I have been on a big kick lately. I do enjoy a little humor mixed in. I am not certain if we will call these 'rom-coms' or 'chick-lit.' In such books there is a romance, boy/girl or man/woman of some type involved. There is usually a quirky friend or LGBTQIA friend to help the flow and balance. I appreciate that vibe and it helps the flow of the book. Many times we find ourselves reading through a slow burn 🔥or frenemies, or the famous 'fake relationship' set up. Either way there is no romance---romance---conflict---resolution. Usually a little trapezoid.....OR pentagon. Why a pentagon? ⬠

Because (getting on soapbox) you need an EPILOGUE?! In my very assertive opinion, do not bring a romance book near me unless there is an Epilogue at the end. Do I need to start checking? True friends of mine know this is true.....but I just need to see the words. 

If you look up the most famous SNL skits of all time one of them is called 'More Cowbell." According to Wikipedia it has become an American catchphrase. Maybe this is now an aged phenomenon, but hopefully one that is cannon. Anyway it involves a hilarious musical sketch of SNL actors portraying Blue Oyster Cult. Their fictional music producer (played by the great Christopher Walken) provides an amusing recommendation for improving their  performance by adding 'more cowbell.' Are you seeing where I am going with this? "I gotta have more.....EPILOGUE (ping ping ping ping).

Let's review what an epilogue is: According to Google's Oxford languages, an epilogue is, "a section or speech at the end of a book or play that serves as a comment or a conclusion to what has happened." In other words, it is closure for our tender little rom-com /rom loving hearts. Okay the couples gets together at the end but.....The epilogue is the equivalent to the P.S. in letters. It is a little dopamine surge into our reading loving brains.

Why do I care and need to write a blog about this?

The answer is I read a book a few years ago without an epilogue and I am still make about it! I refuse to give a book a glowing review without one. Also, this book had the word 'December' in the tittle...so readers beware. 

It is a disservice to readers not to leave an epilogue. Maybe the author wants to be edgy and 'let the readers come to their own conclusions.' Okay, that is nice of you...but do that for a fiction, or a biography, or a thriller. Please do not do that for a romance. I want to know how the couple is doing months or years later. Tell me that this investment into their lives was worth it. I want to know if they are engaged, have children, or even go to brunch on Sundays. It is wonderful closure that our anxiety ridden world needs so please just give us this right authors. 

I have to laugh because I am observing this need for closure in the younger generation. When speaking to my children about 2000's heartthrobs or trends (e.g. boy bands older tv shows) they always want to know where those individuals are now. For example, I have to consult google to share with them who each Backstreet Boy is married to/how many kids/ they have just by sharing about my love for "Backstreet's Back." The point is, the need for closure and additional information is appreciated in many difference circumstances. It is especially fun to read/watch in those juicy romance books the 30-50 somethings are eating up right now. I stan the epilogue....and if you will not put that if I will just have to write my own and post it in fan fiction. Or maybe I should channel my inner Will Farrell and bang my cowbell that says 'Epilogue'