Men reading romance novels is hot stuff
NORMAN — A few people glanced nervously around the room before taking their seats in the back.
Others were more relaxed, chatting with friends and enjoying cookies in anticipation of the program.
Squirming, followed by giggling, began soon after Norman Public Library associate Lunden England stood at the podium and began reading.
“Bubba just stood there in the shadows looking tall, dark and hot,” England read. “It took a real effort for Shirlene not to reach out and smooth down the collar of his shirt.”
England, sharing from “Catch Me a Cowboy” by Katie Lane, was one of four men who read excerpts from the library’s romance novel collection during “Men Reading Romance Novels” on Friday at Norman Public Library Central.
‘A good giggle’
About 20 people, mostly women, attended the Valentine’s Daythemed adult story time. Some were there out of curiosity; others said they knew exactly what to expect.
“They did the first one last year. It was five male librarians looking very embarrassed,” Mary Torres said. “It was awesome. It was a good giggle.”
Torres said she enjoyed last year’s event so much, she brought along friends Kate Hollifield and Shannon Gering.
“Mary told me I should come,” Hollifield said, adding she expected to laugh a lot.
As England read what he called “more filth” from a second book, “Genie Knows Best,” the three women laughed, blushed and buried their heads in embarrassment.
“It would be hard to be a romance writer,” Gering said. “You couldn’t type with a straight face.”
The “guy-brarians” also found it hard to keep straight faces. One apologized in advance if his face happened to turn as red as the hair of a woman sitting in the front row.
“I have friends, co-workers and even a fellow PTA member in the audience,” librarian Aaron Pence said. “I’m a little nervous.”
Pence blushed and laughed a few times as he read from “Viking Heat.” He drew laughter with his voice impersonations and humorous comments.
“I’m not enough of a man to read this story to you,” he said. “I’m sorry.”
Torres said the inflections and expressions of the men reading are what make the event so entertaining.
“It’s very different than what I’d imagine myself,” she said.
Greg Stapp and Mark Heisey read a few milder selections that included coming-of-age poetry and thought-provoking short stories.
The men admitted they are not big romance novel readers but said sharing the genre for an evening was a lot of fun.
“I don’t necessarily read them, but I do pick a few out and read them here,” England said. “I bet somewhere there’s a movement (of male romance fans), just not here.”
England said he hopes to continue the event each year as part of the library’s adult story times, held every month in conjunction with the Second Friday Art Walk.
For more information about adult story times and other library programs, go online to www.pioneerlibrarysystem.org.