Instead of trying to classify, we may fare better if we consider how the genre or genres used by an author create potentials for meaning and influence how we read a text…Instead of asking ‘What genre is this text?’–a question that locks us into one genre or another–we should ask ‘How does genre shape this text?’–a question that allows for multiple influences.
–Angela Roskop, The Wilderness Itineraries (Eisenbrauns, 2011), 28.
I’m re-reading Angie’s treatment of genre for the third time. Good books are like that; you keep coming back to them and each reading is more profitable than the last. If you are interested in genre, reading, and/or biblical studies then you need this book in your library.
You’ve only read this section three times? Wait until the fifth time . . . it will blow your mind! In all seriousness, I agree that this section rewards multiple readings.
Thanks for the shoutout, Charles! I’m glad you’re benefiting. If it makes you feel better, I probably re-wrote it at least as many times.