Lauren
When it comes to reading, you will be hard-pressed to find someone who would argue that this activity is not important. However, there are many people who have the belief that while reading is important, not all books are created equal. Some people argue that reading fiction is a waste of time because non-fiction is more educational and helps readers grow.
While we certainly agree that reading non-fiction texts is crucial, we also believe that reading fiction is more than worthwhile.
Here are a few reasons why reading fiction is just as important as non-fiction:
Reading fiction helps people become more open-minded
It’s easy to judge people when we haven’t walked a mile in their shoes. Reading fiction allows us to empathize with people from all walks of life. When we read fiction, we can get in the heads of characters who practice different religions, have a different skin color, or embody different perspectives than we do.
As we read fictional texts, our eyes are opened to other people’s experiences, and we get to see these people in a brand new light, helping us become more open-minded and empathetic in our daily lives.
Reading fiction creates endless possibilities
Books, especially fictional ones, truly open up a world of opportunities and adventure. Ever imagined what it would be like to live in a magical kingdom, to grow up on the sandy beaches of the Dominican Republic, to conquer a dragon, to fall in love in Paris in the 1940s?
Reading fiction gives you a glimpse into alternate realities and allows you to “experience” things that you would otherwise never be able to.
As author Jhumpa Lahiri says, “That’s the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.”
People should read fiction because it gives them the chance to have any experience they could ever dream of having, all from the comfort of their couch.
Reading fiction is fun!
While non-fiction texts are certainly important, sometimes it is nice to be able to read for enjoyment without trying to learn something new or focus on self-improvement. Reading fiction can provide the escapism and relaxation we need after a long day of work or a stressful afternoon.
The next time you are feeling overwhelmed, try cracking open a work of fiction for a nice break and a bit of fun!
Not sure where to start? Try using sites like BookBub, where you can receive daily recommendations for great fiction to read based on your specific interests, or try your local library, where there is always a librarian who’s happy to give you a good recommendation!
