UMF Mantor Library discussion
Fiction vs. Non-Fiction
date
newest »

message 1:
by
Bryce, Grand High Poobah
(new)
Feb 03, 2009 07:16AM

reply
|
flag
*


So it seems like a large part of the non-fiction/fiction divide might come from why people are reading in the first place (which is probably a "no kidding" conclusion). This actually dovetails into a pet peeve of mine: the tendency of some to discount someone else's reading habits as "not reading" because they are different reading habits. (Note--this comment is aimed at the public at large, not at Kimberly or Janet). My wife, for example, doesn't feel like she's much of a reader, even though I say she reads quite a bit. She's big on books about gardening, parenting and other crafts, and she loves reading magazines. Unfortunately, at some point in time she got in her head that "real" reading was reading books with a plot. I'm trying to dissuade her of that notion. When I typically read, I read for pleasure. If I learn some along the way, all the better, but for me, it's a way to wind down. (Of course, since I also do creative writing, it's also an opportunity to see what else is being written--something I find fascinating).
In any case, this post has gotten rambling enough as it is. Suffice it to say that I'm interested in why other people read. I don't find it better or worse than my own motivations, and I just frankly wish more people would be accepting of all kinds of reading. It's when people start looking down their noses at genres or forms as being "lesser" that my hackles rise and I start to foam at the mouth. :-)
In any case, this post has gotten rambling enough as it is. Suffice it to say that I'm interested in why other people read. I don't find it better or worse than my own motivations, and I just frankly wish more people would be accepting of all kinds of reading. It's when people start looking down their noses at genres or forms as being "lesser" that my hackles rise and I start to foam at the mouth. :-)



That depends--what sort of fiction do you want to read? Literary? Fantasy? Mystery? I'd hate to recommend something that doesn't go over well, just because it was the wrong genre to start with . . .

So, you think after I read one fiction book, I will need to read a few more genres to give it a chance? Well, I think just one for now, and then we'll see. Let's not push it for now.
One mystery I read a few years ago that still stands out in my mind is The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, a book which is set in Africa. I think you might like it, since it doesn't just do the mystery thing, but also shows some of how life works in Botswana. I really enjoyed this one.


My recommendation for a new foray into fiction would be something by Barbara Kingsolver - not mysteries, but she's a great writer who does take you into different people's lives/situations. Or, Paul Theroux's Mosquito Coast.