The question this time is the Book Blogger Hop topic for June 24-30 submitted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer, which is:
As a reader, do you prefer to read fiction or non-fiction?
Disclaimer:
These are my personal opinions. I do not expect anyone to agree with anything here, and in fact, I’m certain that many will disagree and/or even hate many of the things I’ve written below. Sorry about that, but you are always welcome to express your own opinions – be they contrary or comparable – in the comments section. So, with that out of the way… let the controversy begin!
What made me think about this topic?
As noted above, this is a Book Blogger Hop topic, and well… today is my Birthday so I’m allowed to be a bit lazy, and I’m doing an easy one! Here’s some cake to celebrate:
My Thoughts…
The answer is really very simple. For me, it is fiction ALL the way!
Now, that isn’t to say that I’ve never read non-fiction books. I’ve been known to enjoy many different books that aren’t fiction in the past. I have read a whole bunch of travel books by Paul Theroux (there are also a few Bill Bryson books on my shelf that I’ve never read). I’ve also read some literary non-fiction, like “84, Charing Cross Road” by Helene Hanff, and two books by Vera Britain – “Testament of Youth” and “Testament of Friendship” which were great (but I read them before I had this blog). I read a few memoirs/autobiographies as well, and I do pick up books on writing from time to time, but I don’t often read them cover to cover – I use them as reference books.
The thing is, unless the subject really interests me, something that feels either personal and/or connected to my life, or is written by someone I greatly admire, I just don’t feel motivated to go out of my way to read non-fiction books these days. Self-help? Forget about it! Wellness books? Meh… I read a few when I was younger. Mind you, I did read one parenting book – “Baby & Child” by Penelope Leach, which was fantastic. But since my kids are grown, and I have no grandchildren… I gave my copy away. As for books about religion – no way! I had a break with faith just over six years ago, and nothing that has happened in my life since has brought me back. So, what about politics, I get WAY too much of that just watching TV (or YouTube), and I get enough history (even if it isn’t totally accurate) from reading Historical Fiction.
No… these days, when I read, I want to be transported to another place and/or another time. I want to cry or laugh about something that isn’t connected to me or my life. Maybe that will change in the future, but right now, when I pick up a book, I want it to take me away from reality, PLEASE!
There you have it!
So… what about you?
What is your reading preference? Fiction or Non-Fiction?
This post is my 10th entry in the 2022 Discussion Challenge & Giveaway, hosted by Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction and Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight!
The Chocolate Lady's Book Review Blog 
I’m right there with you. A non-fiction book has to be REALLY interesting to me in some way for me to even consider picking it up.
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I don’t have a preference when it comes to fiction or nonfiction. I read whatever book interest me at the moment.
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Happy birthday, dear. I’m with you on choosing fiction. Some people say you can learn so much from non-fiction books, especially self-help, etc., but One can learn a great deal from fiction as well. So many times the protagonist feels the same way I do, or faces the same decisions etc., and I can learn from their success or failures without having to literally experience them.
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Fiction, definitely, though I do read some non-fiction too – not as much as I used to, though. I never read self-help or lifestyle books – I’m old enough to have worked out how to survive most of life’s pitfalls by myself, and to believe that some things can’t be avoided or magically made better. Mostly I read history and political memoirs, though I like to make room for an occasional quirky subject if it catches my fancy. But probably 90% or more of my reading is fiction.
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Happy Birthday, Davida! I mainly read fiction, but I do like nonfiction too. I like history books and biographies the most = and narrative nonfiction.
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Happy birthday! I much prefer fiction although I do read non fiction very occasionally. I agree, it’s the being transported to other places, times and the characters you meet.
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Happy birthday, Davida – I hope you’re having that wonderful cake!
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Nah… just a picture of one I’d like to try. Going to dinner tonight, but it is Asian so probably no chocolate puds!
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I mainly read fiction, but I read some historical and sporting non-fiction too.
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Happy birthday, Davida! 🥳
Almost always, I prefer fiction 🙂
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I mainly read fiction, but these days add quite a few about the natural world and history – mainly that of other cultures as I feel so badly informed. But they have to be well-written with a light touch. I can’t be doing with lots of footnotes!
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Yes, I hate footnotes!
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I’m not as strong as you on the question because there’s some really great nonfiction out there, particularly in the narrative or creative nonfiction field, and I do like literary biography, but the majority of my reading is fiction. As Jane Austen wrote in defence of the novel:
‘”Oh! It is only a novel!” replies the young lady, while she lays down her book with affected indifference, or momentary shame. “It is only Cecilia, or Camilla, or Belinda”; or, in short, only some work in which the greatest powers of the mind are displayed, in which the most thorough knowledge of human nature, the happiest delineation of its varieties, the liveliest effusions of wit and humour, are conveyed to the world in the best–chosen language.’
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Great quote! Thanks!
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That’s Austen fir you 🙂
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I read some nonfiction, but I prefer fiction.
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Fun Discussion! I predominantly read fiction. When I read NF, I prefer compelling narrative nonfiction (preferably one that reads like a story). For example, Killers of the Flower Moon, The Woman They Could Not Silence, The Day the World Came to Town, The Only Plane in the Sky, etc. I also enjoy select memoirs or biographies. For example, The Choice, The Hiding Place, Unbroken, Bonhoeffer, etc.
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The Day the World Came to Town caught my eye and I put it on my wishlist.
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After you read it, watch the Broadway musical Come From Away (based on the book) and is streaming on AppleTV + 😍🙌
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My dear, I saw it in London, AND I have a copy of the AppleTV+ film. I cry like a BABY from start to finish.
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We just watched it for the second time! 😍
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