5 Reasons to Read More Fiction
Recently, a friend told me that they don't indulge in fiction, and this sentiment echoed in conversations with others. Each time I hear this, it saddens me to think about the unexplored worlds and characters, and the potential for shared happiness and connection among fellow book lovers.
Reflecting on my own experiences, one of the best habits I built for myself was reading fiction for at least 15 minutes a day. It didn’t matter if I was reading 3 different books at a time (which I often do!). On bad days, when I needed to feel safe, fiction books were there for me. This may sound silly, but it’s true.
A bad day could be dealing with side effects so bad that I couldn’t meet friends or even go for a walk or struggling to drown out the pain. So, nose-diving into a book or sticking on a audiobook was a haven —a means of escape.
To that end, I’ve compiled five compelling reasons to embrace the world of fiction.
Connection
When I was on chemo for two years to treat my autoimmune condition, loneliness ran deep and complicated. It’s difficult to meet people who understand what you are going through, but i’ve certainly read characters who have come close.
I’ve also fallen in love with characters and I have missed them when the book ended, and I’ve deeply connected with other people who have had the same experience.
An accessible route to escapism
This is especially valuable when i’m having a bad day, when I can’t go anywhere and I feel stuck, bored. If physically reading a book is too much, I can stick on an audiobook (thank you to my friend who gifted me a subscription for Christmas!).
Importantly too, they are needed when struggling mentally. Books offer order and safety in moments of immense anxiety, allowing me to make sense of the world when everything else seems chaotic.
Exercises open-mindedness
I think it makes me a better, more empathetic person; I have to stay in people’s shoes and worlds for a whole book, which is a long time! Fiction novels often tackle a whole lot of complicated and layered issues, those subject matters which are difficult to talk about. Take, for example, Sally Rooney's "Conversations With Friends" which explores isolation, identity, and the messy realities of relationships, challenging romantic tropes for a more authentic portrayal.
Facilitates self-reflection
Fiction provides a mirror for self-reflection. By immersing myself in characters' journeys, I often find parallels in my own life, prompting introspection and personal growth.
Creativity
Fiction acts as a catalyst for creativity, filling gaps in knowledge, sparking new ideas, and fuelling ideation. In the information-overloaded age, fiction stands out as a source of enrichment, offering narratives that go beyond the facts and figures.
What I’m Reading
I know my taste won’t be for everyone, but i’ll explain why I’ve chosen to read these particular books and then you can decide for yourself:
Octavia Butler, Bloodchild. How have I not read her before? Octavia subverts the typical white and male-centric narrative, challenging gender stereotypes and much more. It’s a seamless exploration of questioning everything, much like Ursula Le. Guin and Becky Chambers fiction. It is still so relevant today and I can’t wait to read more. Interestingly, Octavia had undiagnosed dyslexia.
Audre Lorde, Your Silence Will Not Protect You. What a woman. Though not fiction, stepping into her shoes and understanding her thoughts is an enriching experience. She is reminding me to not let fear get in the way, that self-care is non-negotiable and that we define ourselves and not the world.
Sabba Khan, The Roles We Play. I’m falling more and more in love with graphic novels generally, but this has to be one of the most beautiful, reflective and deeply resonating novels. It’s taking an extremely long time to read as a result. It’s also making me want to re-watch Everything, Everywhere, All at Once, I think it’s because of the effective way it portrays immigration, generational differences and a complex mother-daughter relationship.
In today’s climate, fiction is a beacon of solace and enrichment. Whether for its accessibility, empathy-inducing narratives, creativity boost, or stress reduction, reading more fiction is a gift you give to yourself.