For the Love of Fiction

---

Do you prefer to read fiction or nonfiction? I like to read both, but fiction is my favorite choice of read and here's why...

Both nonfiction and fiction books are good to read. Having a mix of both on your reading list keeps your reading life fun and interesting. Nonfiction has great genres like self-help and history. You can read about finances or running a business. But fiction books, believe it or not, can be just as valuable of a read.

1. We see life from different perspectives.

A fiction story swallows us into the point of view of a particular person responding to different situations. How they respond and act takes us through a chain of events that occur based on their choices. And in some books, the point of view will change from one lead character to another. Now we have the opportunity to see life from the perspective of two different people and how their differing reactions to the same situation cause completely different emotions and outcomes.

2. We build relationships

Even in a self help book, written by the most endearing and encouraging person, I don't find myself building a relationship with the author. I might value their opinion. They might open my eyes to a new perspective. But once the book is over, I don't feel a personal attachment to the author or the book.

Fiction is different. While I might not be building a relationship with the author, I build a relationship with the characters within the story. In a fiction story, we experience interaction between characters and feel the emotion behind their actions. We laugh when they laugh. Cry when they cry. We get mad at them for making a foolish decision. We cheer them on when they face off with their enemy. And when the book is over, we often struggle to say goodbye to our newfound friends. Why else do you think so many books have sequels or turn into series? We grow attached to the characters of a good book and see them as our friends.

3. We're entertained while still learning life lessons

Nonfiction can be cut and dry, a list of do's and don'ts. But fiction gives us a break from the day to day grind while still instilling life lessons. Some stories target deeper lessons of the heart, such as the novel I'm submitting to publishers. It focuses on overcoming loss and living through the grief loss brings. Other times, you simply learn the ins and outs about a different job, way of living, or ethnicity based on the life of a character.

Even in the most lighthearted books, we're presented with lessons to learn. Maybe Susan makes a fool of herself in front of a crowd while trying to impress Mr. Right. We get a good laugh from the scene, but the story doesn't end there. How does she respond to her fumble? How does that help or hinder her throughout the rest of the book? And how can Susan's actions help you when you find yourself in a similar situation?

Even in the most lighthearted books, we're presented with lessons to learn.  " 

4.We're taken to different worlds

The setting in of a story can take place anywhere. Whether in a different country or in a fantasy world like Hogwarts, we can travel to new worlds without ever leaving our home. A good fiction book immerses us so deeply into the world, we feel like we're there without seeing a single photograph. It makes us itch to visit in person someday once we've put the book back on the shelf.

5. We're inspired to try new things

I read a book once that, to be completely honest, had quite a boring plot line. But the author did a fantastic job of making a key piece of the book--wait for it--a vendor of a food truck specializing in fish tacos. The way she described the characters craving the tacos, eating the tacos, talking about the tacos... She made me go out and try fish tacos for myself--a food I never would have tried otherwise!

Also, experiencing a hobby--like cooking or hiking--along with a favorite character can make us find the thrill in learning the same hobby. And maybe it'll be a hobby you fall in love with, and you never would have thought to try had you not read a fiction book.

6. We have endless genres to choose from

You can find serious or funny, thrilling or heartwarming, modern or historical. You want teenage romance? There's a genre for that. You want a book about family drama and real life relationships? Fiction's got you covered. What about motivational and inspiring? You guessed it, there's a genre dedicated to that too. No matter your taste, I guarantee you can find a good story to whisk you away to new worlds, different perspectives, and some fresh air.

Now it's your turn. Give me some reasons why you love fiction in the comments below.

---

If you like fiction, check out some of these Character Stories:
Karlee's Early Morning
Joseph's Morning Run
Karlee's Kitchen Catastrophe