When reading for fun, do you usually choose fiction or non-fiction? Do you have an idea why you prefer one over the other?
Today the wind is blowing a gale, I’d love to curl up in a chair and read. Instead, I must get to the garden and fit in a walk before the forecast rain comes late this afternoon. I read both fiction and non fiction.
I adore fiction and losing myself in a story. At the moment I’m reading a discarded book from the library. (They sell off unwanted books for a ridiculously low price). Paulo Coelho, a Brazilian author writes with a spiritual slant. ‘The Alchemist’ was one of his books. This book is called ‘Briola’, about a young woman trying to find her path. To be blunt, I’m looking forward to my next book, something to get my teeth into.
Reading stories set in Italy inspire me. ‘The Promise’, by Australian author, Lisa Clifford is well written and brought back many memories for me. Another, ‘A Thousand Days in Venice’, Marlena de Blasi, set in that romantic city. Of course there are the many Donna Leon detective stories, in the laid back Venetian environment, where there’s always a delightful meal and time with the family.
Frances Fyfield and Alice Munro have been authors I’ve sought out and enjoyed.
Having seen Tara Moss in a debate, I was impressed with her approach to life. I ordered her autobiography from the library, ‘The Fictional Woman.’ She leads an interesting life, but this book I skimmed, as it’s not for me. Of recent times I’ve read quite a few biographies and autobiographies, some good, others not, may be I’m getting more picky as time passes.
A good book can come in many guises, but once found, treasure it.
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/the-great-divide/
Barbara Pyett 
These days I read fiction and non-fiction with equal gusto, but I used to much prefer fiction. Becoming a writer has made me a little less able to lose myself in a story.
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I do read differently now, as I am conscious of the process and look for flaws, or new ideas.
So much is written to a formula, I’m far more critical than I used to be!
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I love reading books set in places I’ve lived/visited – it adds another dimension I think. There is a native Washingtonian writer I enjoy – George Pelacanos – especially as a lot of his stories involve action in my neighbourhood. (he was also a writer on the TV series “The Wire” ).
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Yes, I do too Emjay. I came across one that was written about the time I was at art school in Hobart, I could recognise the characters with changed names, but unfortunately didn’t keep a copy, and have forgotten the title and author! It’s nice being able to visualise the streets and get the atmosphere.
We have a Victorian author writing crime novels, one is set in Hastings, near by to us.
My memory is shocking, shall have to look his name up again.
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You are right Barbara! My problem is remembering the titles and authors. I should keep a list of what I enjoyed.
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I like both fiction and non-fiction although I probably if I had to pick one or another would say that I like creative non-fiction best. I don’t really think it matters as long as it absorbs you and takes you into a different world.
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Yes, I agree Irene. One book that I listened to recently as an audio book was ‘Burial Rights’ by Hannah Kent, set in Iceland. Having it read helped with the difficult names. I may not have read it, as the names were difficult to begin with. A tough topic, but it grew on me. A good reader helps.
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Yes I really enjoyed Burial Rights. I’ve been to Iceland which really helped me visualise the landscape.
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Good to hear that you enjoyed it too Irene. To go there must have been fascinating,
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“To be blunt, I’m looking forward to my next book, something to get my teeth into.”
You are so kind, Barbara! I appreciate that about you, so much. ❤
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Maggie, such a sweet comment, I thank you! 🙂 ❤
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I’m finding myself becoming absolutely ruthless in my book selections lately. Fewer and fewer books are capable of holding my attention or interest for long with, of course, memorable exceptions. With so many books still on my To Be Read pile, I just can’t bear to waste time on something that doesn’t grab me from the start!
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