The Brooklyn location, which opened in August, wasn't even the first outpost of The Ripped Bodice. There's been one in Los Angeles since 2016. Fans went nuts anyway. Many travelled for the opening and there were queues of readers waiting to get in. Of course, the store sells only romance novels.
More than 280 years since Samuel Richardson published the first romance novel, Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded, in 1740, the genre is a world unto its own. Last year they raked in $1.4 billion, outselling crime and sci-fi and making up 25% of all books sold.
And yet, critics complain that they're full of clichés. Priya Chaudhary, aka Instagram's @TheReading Wanderer, says that's exactly what makes them fun. They may be the one place outside of Bollywood where stereotypes are not just expected, they're celebrated.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 30, 2023-Ausgabe von Brunch.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der September 30, 2023-Ausgabe von Brunch.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Rohit Chawla
Photographer, artist, @RohitChawlaPhotography_
Congratulations, it's a goal
Lakeside vows, pastel palettes, bayous, backyards and boats. These celeb weddings are what modern fairytales are made of
Rail against the machine
Valay Shende's Virar Fast depicts more than Mumbai's constant state of rush. Despite the struggle, there's empathy too
No need for soirée excuses
Not all party guests are created equal. Make sure you have an escape plan, in case you're stuck with someone dull
100 years, one epic dinner
How did the Hindustan Times celebrate its centenary in Delhi? With a lavish, ambitious dinner served by a top chef, in a magical garden. It can never be done again
Sauce and sorcery
Video projections on your plate, holograms dancing at the table, customised tunes with every course. Tech's coming to dinner. Will you reorder or reboot?
Who hates the haters now?
Online trolls used to terrify influencers. Now, hate is hardly a surprise. It's a sign of engagement, real viewers; a chance to clap back and wield power. Take a look
Are you earring this?
Don't put the heavy jewellery back in storage after the festivities. Stylists offer tips on how to wear them all year and still look chic
Clash of clans: Festive edit
Set boundaries, ask your own questions, prep for the prying moments. Here's how to survive the family gathering without going nuts
Krutika
Content creator, @TheMermaidScales