Judith McNaught, to me, is an icon. My very first all-time favorite author. Say what you will about her writer's block or that you hate Whitney and/or Clayton with a passion; that's your prerogative. For me, reading "Almost Heaven" years ago as a young teen cemented her place in my heart. I think of some of Ms. McNaught's books, especially "Whitney, My Love", as old-school lite. Not quite as misogynistic as some of the classics from the 70's, but having hints of the ugliness that was so prevalent back in the day. But the one thing that she encapsulated that a lot of authors back then didn't was that incredibly emotional moment between the hero and the heroine where love was declared, apologies were made, and an appropriate amount of groveling was displayed to pacify any outrage on our part.
When I got to the end of "Almost Heaven" and that moving scene between Elizabeth & Ian where they declare their love and finally believe the other feels the same way, why, it's positively lovely. And this was only the first of several Judith McNaught books I fell in love with.
There's "Once And Always", where Victoria finally breaks through to Jason when she kisses his scars, and when he believes her dead, how he'd rather be mad and have her haunt him for the rest of his days that imagine living without her. Or probably most people's favorite, "Something Wonderful", where a fiercely optimistic and loyal tomboy manages to make the very jaded and cynical Jordan fall madly and hopelessly in love.
There are several others of her books that I adored, but it's always been her historicals that I loved best. I even enjoyed "Until You", a book that makes a lot of people gag. And come on, who wasn't outraged that Nicky DuVille was robbed of a perfectly magnificent love story when he was relegated to anthology status in "A Holiday of Love"?????? Probably one of the few times I was severely disappointed by Ms. McNaught. And don't even get me started on "Tender Triumph".
But despite that, and a few other issues, Ms. McNaught is still on the list of my 3 all-time favorite authors. She made romances really come alive for me, and I credit her for nurturing that love with her touching, emotional and passionate stories. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything in the world. And I will say this: there are not many authors who can elicit a response out of me like Ms. McNaught can. Say what you will, but until you've felt that strongly about a book, you have no idea what you're missing.
So thank you, Judith McNaught, for all the hours of readng pleasure I've experienced over the years, and wherever you are, I hope one day you bring us back to those days of unforgettable historical romance that only you can write about....(hey, a girl can dream, right?)
Have you read a McNaught story?
What's your most memorable experience about her books?
Labels: Judith McNaught
posted by Stacy~ at 9/22/2009 07:25:00 AM
I've read all of her books, some of them multiple times. Nobody pulls you into a story like she can. I have been watching to find out if her long awaited next book will be published soon. Some sites say early 2009, some say May 2009, but now on borders.com and barnesandnoble.com, "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" is showing an on-sale date in October 2009. I can hardly wait!
byI've never read her but you have given some great rec's. I love a good emotional moment.
byI do love her books. But I'll admit, she's someone I haven't reread. I've loved every book I've read, and I choose to savor the wonderful memory of them. Odd? I don't know. I'm afraid trhat I'll lose that sense of wonder that accompanied reading them - similar to the feeling that Jordan had when he fell for Alex. She writes the most cliched, formulaic books, but it's almost like she wrote the formula that we all fell in love with, ya know? Why we all started reading it? (Or at least me - I've been reading romance that long...)
byI've never read a book by Judith McNaught. Must add her to my TBR list.
byI've read most of her historical romances. "Something Wonderful" is my favorite. I also loved "A Kingdom of Dreams."
byI've read Almost Heaven and a Kingdom of Dreams, both of which I liked. Something Wonderful sounds interesting. Should I give it a try?
byOh, and Stacy - I don't can't find your email address to email you so mine is orannia (at) gmail (dot) com :)
oh yes, when i was first really getting "into" romance novels while in college, McNaught was one of my gloms. How I sighed over the emotional story lines. Each and every one. I can't seem to enjoy them as much now on a reread, so I prefer to savor them as my memories have them. kind of like lori said.
byThanks for bringing me back to some very fond memories. :)
I'm a Juidth McNaught virgin. For shame, I know. I thought she wrote some PNR, right? What books do you recommend - I'm more of a bump in the night kind of girl, but I'm "open" to romance as well.
byI've read all her books too - some of them many more than once. I think my favourite is Once and Always. I think I have several copies of that one. My least favourite is Whitney My Love.
byStacy,
byI'm waay late in replying here, so sorry. I absolutely love Judith McNaught. She's the only author I buy in hardcover. If only she could write a little faster!
Serioiusly though, her books, every single one, have given me that little catch in my chest at least once - you know the one? When a scene, a statement, or just a look, takes your breath away as a reader? It just doesn't get any better than that.