Why Read Fiction?
Through fiction we relax, process, grow in our knowledge and understanding of the world and people around us, ignite our imaginations, and make new friends. Though we may be very different from our neighbor across the street and across the world, we are also, very much alike. And even though we live in an ever-changing world, at our core, we haven’t changed as much as we might think. Fiction gives us the opportunity to explore other worlds, time periods, and lifestyles.
Fiction and stories in general have a lot to offer us. Below are some articles I’ve written about my thoughts on fiction. (Really, they’re true. I’m not making this up.)
6 Benefits of Reading Fiction
Is there value in reading fiction? Some people would have you believe reading fiction is a frivolous, selfish, waste of time. Some may even go so far as to lay a guilt trip on you for hanging out with imaginary friends or not reading books with real-life, pertinent information.
There is more to fiction-reading than just entertainment. A good story can provide us with a much-needed break from life’s stresses. What we might not realize is that when we seek to relax or escape by reading, our subconscious is processing and storing valuable information.
So the next time someone complains about your story reading or those voices in your head start nagging you to read serious material, remember these six excuses for reading fiction.
Benefit #1: Reading Fiction Inspires Inventions
Fiction Stories of Jagged Journeys
Life is a Jagged Journey! Throughout history people have dreamed about what their lives would be like. Rarely did those dreams and reality line up. The comfortable, happy, everything-go-smoothly life described in many success seminars and books doesn’t exist for the majority of us.
Life is unpredictable. Disasters strike. Bad choices lead to unintended consequences. Others do things that affect us. Even the weather doesn’t always cooperate with our plans. There are a myriad of possibilities—good and bad that can’t be anticipated.
We can learn so much about life, relationships, and even ourselves from history and those who lived it.
When Libraries Burn-The Importance of History
The Importance of History and My Favorite African Proverb
In my living room, I have an antique Singer Sewing machine. It doesn’t work, and I use it more as an interesting end table. An elderly friend who thought it worthless gave it to my dad who cleaned it up, refinished the wood surface, and painted the metal frame, then gave it to me as a Christmas gift when I was a teen.
It’s a cool reminder of how early technology changed our civilization and freed women from sewing all their family’s clothes and bedding by hand.
Whew! I’m so glad I missed out on that!
So, you can imagine my surprise when a recent teenage visitor asked me what it was. I stifled the urge to scream, “What?! Are you kidding me? Did you grow up in a hole?”
Instead, I explained to him what it was and how it worked. But the experience left me thinking about how frail our knowledge of the past and its inventions are. I realized we could lose what many of us know about the past in fifty years.
Think about that!
Want to Receive “Jagged Journeys” Short Stories?
Come with me as we meet a myriad of fictional characters and join them on their jagged journeys.