Reading fiction? Why?!
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Television. Movies. Radio. Video (console and PC-based) games. Travel. Malls. With such a broad choice of entertainment options available, why is it that fiction (creative) books are sooooo much more popular than non-fiction books? I need a break, now and then, from the run of the mill programming and software books but turn to (mostly crappy) newspapers, magazines, and non-fiction books. I love to read autobiographies, and works like "The Ascent of Man" and am very confused as to why someone would turn to reading something purely creative. I have read many fiction books and liked them to a degree but felt that while I was reading a creative work, I could have been reading something more interesting. What you do think? Essam - Author, JScript .NET Programming
...and a bunch of articles around the Web -
Television. Movies. Radio. Video (console and PC-based) games. Travel. Malls. With such a broad choice of entertainment options available, why is it that fiction (creative) books are sooooo much more popular than non-fiction books? I need a break, now and then, from the run of the mill programming and software books but turn to (mostly crappy) newspapers, magazines, and non-fiction books. I love to read autobiographies, and works like "The Ascent of Man" and am very confused as to why someone would turn to reading something purely creative. I have read many fiction books and liked them to a degree but felt that while I was reading a creative work, I could have been reading something more interesting. What you do think? Essam - Author, JScript .NET Programming
...and a bunch of articles around the WebEssam Ahmed wrote: What you do think? Similar to what Bijesh said. When I read a work of fiction my imagination visualizes stuff that could never be created in a movie. I read fiction to relax and be entertained not to learn but sometimes that does occur. When I hear someone say movies are better than books, I really question then ability to read fiction. Non-fiction, I'll read to learn or to help me but it doesn't relax me or relieve stress like fiction does. Regardz Colin J Davies
Sonork ID 100.9197:Colin
More about me :-)
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Essam Ahmed wrote: What you do think? Similar to what Bijesh said. When I read a work of fiction my imagination visualizes stuff that could never be created in a movie. I read fiction to relax and be entertained not to learn but sometimes that does occur. When I hear someone say movies are better than books, I really question then ability to read fiction. Non-fiction, I'll read to learn or to help me but it doesn't relax me or relieve stress like fiction does. Regardz Colin J Davies
Sonork ID 100.9197:Colin
More about me :-)
I totally agree. The best stories are told by word. When I'm reading, my mind creates every scene based on the author's description and my own ideas. It gives the story a personal touch that movie directors just can't add. Simon I need your clothes, your boots, and your copy of VS.NET. Sonork ID 100.10024 Current Addiction : Colin Mcrae Rally 2.0
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Essam Ahmed wrote: What you do think? Similar to what Bijesh said. When I read a work of fiction my imagination visualizes stuff that could never be created in a movie. I read fiction to relax and be entertained not to learn but sometimes that does occur. When I hear someone say movies are better than books, I really question then ability to read fiction. Non-fiction, I'll read to learn or to help me but it doesn't relax me or relieve stress like fiction does. Regardz Colin J Davies
Sonork ID 100.9197:Colin
More about me :-)
Colin Davies wrote: Non-fiction, I'll read to learn or to help me but it doesn't relax me or relieve stress like fiction does So it's more of a way to take a break from your present circumstances for a while. Why is it that a good movie or fun video game cannot do the same - both of which are, typiclly, fictional works? Live theater is the same - it's there to entertain. So with the choices we have beyond traditional means of distracting ourselves, why are fictional books still so interesting? I guess this is a question that cannot have a clear answer, as I expect that it comes down to a matter of preference. Personally, I just don't get it :( and would rather spend the time reading a solid non-fiction book over a creative one anytime. Essam - Author, JScript .NET Programming
...and a bunch of articles around the Web -
Colin Davies wrote: Non-fiction, I'll read to learn or to help me but it doesn't relax me or relieve stress like fiction does So it's more of a way to take a break from your present circumstances for a while. Why is it that a good movie or fun video game cannot do the same - both of which are, typiclly, fictional works? Live theater is the same - it's there to entertain. So with the choices we have beyond traditional means of distracting ourselves, why are fictional books still so interesting? I guess this is a question that cannot have a clear answer, as I expect that it comes down to a matter of preference. Personally, I just don't get it :( and would rather spend the time reading a solid non-fiction book over a creative one anytime. Essam - Author, JScript .NET Programming
...and a bunch of articles around the WebMovies, videos and performin arts etc, leave much less up to the immagination then books do. So for me a book is far more exciting. :-) Maybe some poeple are better wired to appreciate books. Regardz Colin J Davies
Sonork ID 100.9197:Colin
More about me :-)
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Television. Movies. Radio. Video (console and PC-based) games. Travel. Malls. With such a broad choice of entertainment options available, why is it that fiction (creative) books are sooooo much more popular than non-fiction books? I need a break, now and then, from the run of the mill programming and software books but turn to (mostly crappy) newspapers, magazines, and non-fiction books. I love to read autobiographies, and works like "The Ascent of Man" and am very confused as to why someone would turn to reading something purely creative. I have read many fiction books and liked them to a degree but felt that while I was reading a creative work, I could have been reading something more interesting. What you do think? Essam - Author, JScript .NET Programming
...and a bunch of articles around the WebNo movie can make me feel what a character is feeling or thinking the way a well written book can. Having said that, I hardly read anything but computer books and the Bible (I said, bracing myself for the predictable comments that I therefore read fictiom ), because I do not have time. Christian I am completely intolerant of stupidity. Stupidity is, of course, anything that doesn't conform to my way of thinking. - Jamie Hale - 29/05/2002
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No movie can make me feel what a character is feeling or thinking the way a well written book can. Having said that, I hardly read anything but computer books and the Bible (I said, bracing myself for the predictable comments that I therefore read fictiom ), because I do not have time. Christian I am completely intolerant of stupidity. Stupidity is, of course, anything that doesn't conform to my way of thinking. - Jamie Hale - 29/05/2002
Christian Graus wrote: I hardly read anything but computer books Me too. Why waste time reading fiction when you can expand your skills. Christian Graus wrote: and the Bible Haven't you finnished it already? It shouldn't take that long to get through it. After a poor performance in London in 1899, Steinitz went insane and died a year later on August 12, 1900 at Wards Island, N.Y.