Why I Was Wrong About Fiction

I was all about productivity and non-fiction books that could help me do things faster, better, and more efficiently. I completely disregarded fiction books. Was I wrong?

I started watching a couple of YouTube channels that focused on fiction: The Read Well Podcast, A Novel Review Podcast, and the Reading This Life YouTube channels. I'm now really enjoying fiction.

Reading these books now, I see how you can learn and develop yourself through them. I think fiction books are more introspective, not hitting you in the face like non-fiction. There is no "here are the 10 steps to email freedom" or "here is how you design your morning routine," but more intellectual.

I find myself relating to the characters, feeling with them as the protagonist works through their issues, and thinking about how I can do the same thing or what I would do in that situation. Is there a bit of me in so-and-so? Wonderful. And this is all wrapped up in a great plot line.

I also enjoy the just-for-fun murder mystery novel. I can relate to the characters, and that builds my anticipation for "whodunit!" I'm not thinking about those novels as I drive; I'm just enjoying them.

I react more intellectually or emotionally to fiction, whereas my reaction to non-fiction is more methodical and structured. I highlight the books, decide on to-dos from them, and file them away in Obsidian or my card zettelkasten. Even the art books I read are more about gleaning a few key takeaways that I can use. They are productive to read, but I don't have an emotional attachment to them.

Even historical biographies give me a different level of reading experience. I can relate—or not relate—to the subject. I'm either pulling for them or rooting against them. A little bit of emotional attachment to them.

Read Fiction - Really read the books and understand what the protagonists are going through and the underlying themes or ideas. You will take away more than you think.