@ Laurie Ashton: I love to re-read my favorite books to but I often find I have a whole new experience and thus, learn new lessons, each time I delve between the pages. This is especially true in fiction but also true in non-fiction. A book is a great deal to absorb and each thing we read varies based on our personal histories. The book you read mightn’t be the same when someone else reads those identical words. Thankfully, we read BECAUSE we love it first and formost and I think that is the greatest worth of all.

I am the same way about “Pride and Prejudice”. In fact I have a few of the movie versions and I love them all. They each express the same Jane Austen classic in different ways and the characters all have their unique spins. The same story but so very different. It becomes harder to recognise the lessons as we rinse and repeat the action, especially when I often use such a movie to help me relax into sleep, but I find I explore different aspects in each viewing. As writers we can constantly learn new things about the importance of character, dialogue, etc. from these stories.

I know we definately ALL benefit from reading. Any reading we do ofters a miriad of benefits from relaxation, entertainment, vocabulary, insight, etc. The list is quite possibly endless. But learning? That is one benefit that we mightn’t all agree exists which makes for great discussion. Perhaps an alternative word could be “growth”. Do you grow from every re-viewing or re-reading? I know I do.

@ Kathleen Frassrand: *chuckles* You’re parenthesis made me chuckle, Kathleen. Unfortunately, BAD fiction gives me amazing insight into the human mind, usually horrifying, gut wrenching, insights that make me wonder a) who would WRITE this stuff – b) who would PRINT this stuff – c) who would READ this stuff.

I love your own insight into the reading experience. You’re so right, even in non-fiction we’re seeing the world through new eyes. Seeing people or things from the pen of a third party. It is this truth that proves we ALL have a story to tell (but not everyone could write theirs to be read).

@ Beth: I’m glad you picked that up too, Beth, because I agree completely. Each reading is a new experience.

@ Mary Lewis: I’ll have to find those books. I asked above if it’s possible that the non-fiction market could become saturated in some topics as a readers understanding of the subject grows. I’m sure there is a point when we know more than some books could teach us in that subject. But is that true? I wonder if there were any lessons you learnt without realizing it. Perhaps simply by reading about the subject in a new way. I know I continue to learn and absorb new information all the time, even from non-fiction books I’d read before. The fact is, I don’t absorb that wealth of information in the first reading, or the second, or the third. Do you ever find that?

@ Michele: Reality (and fiction) provide a playground for Life Learners like us, Michele! I feel the same way. I learn from all I read, see, hear. Life is about learning in every experience. It’s all about that journey of discovery through the wonders of everything.

@ Everyone: Thank you all so very much for a gripping and enthralling conversation. Please, feel free to return with new insights, comments, varying opinions, or hearty affirmations. I’d love to know more about your thoughts. And if anyone new stumbles along, you’re welcome to join the discussion too!

@ MamaGeek: You’re certainly right! A good book IS a good book is a good book. Congratulations on a hubby reader. Am I the only one who finds those rare?

@ BunnyGirl: You make some really interesting points, BunnyGirl. Non-fiction usually does have that NEED to share something new and enlightening. But, if you are deeply intrenched in a topic to the degree of an ‘expert’ would you stop reading non-fiction of that topic because they probably do not have new insights for you to learn? Can we saturate our need for non-fiction? Are there non-fiction books that simply restate what others have already taught?

I also wonder if even the light fiction we read simply to give ourselves some headspace might not hold their own lessons. They mightn’t come across as a profound learning experience, they’re gentler, tender, leaving us changed but the same. I read formula romance stories when I need a brain cushion, they’re predictable and always end happily. They’re also emotionally pulling (if well written) and truly a sappy woman’s (like me) coffee break. You mightn’t think these kinds of books could teach anything but I come away feeling like I’ve learnt new degrees of loving. I’ve learnt more about the human condition, relationships, families, etc. It might be fiction but it holds new experiences based on what life is all about. So, is it possible that ALL fiction is an opportunity to learn?

@ Susan Cogan: Your wish is my command. I hope everyone will check out Susan’s wonderful review, Embroidered Truths by Monica Ferris. Learning from anything we read is exactly what I was just pondering about with BunnyGirl above. I feel exactly the same way, Susan. If we go into every experience with an open mind and an open heart there are some magical lessons we will take away with us.

@ Les: Thanks for the praise, Les, and I hope your writing is going well. If you’re writing then you’re NOT aspiring. The difference is all in the taking of action and it looks like you’re well into that stage so grasp that writer title. You deserve it.

@ Razib Ahmed: I’ve always wondered about books that are translated into other languages. I wonder if the tone, voice, and tendancies translate. Does a book written in English and translated to Bengali stay the same? Every time I read a book I get something new from the pages between the cover and my mono-language disability hinders my experience of translated texts.

Have you ever considered looking into historic fiction?

@ Aaron Crocco: Thank you, Aaron! I love your follow-up post about how your own writing leads readers into the darkness. Those books that offer the lightest relief and that bubble of optimism are usually romance books that I’m reading. Romance is known for it’s ‘happy endings’. It’s like children’s movies. Whenever my kids cry in a movie my reassurance is, “It will be ok in the end.” We know this because that’s the way those styles of books/movies are designed (99% of the time).

Darker tales and fiction that trades on the inner cynic or that secret place inside us all that loves to be scared and is intrigued by taboo thrives on those kinds of stories. They come in their common genres too which makes it easy for readers to know when they’re choosing a book if it is the kind of story they want to read before they even read the synopsis. For example, I ALWAYS steer well clear of the ‘Thriller’ category. That is just TOO dark and TOO real for my poor, fragile mind and heart. lol But I know others LOVE a great Thriller.

*Wow, so many comments. Why didn’t I get to these sooner? There is so much fantastic discussion here!!!*

@ Nez: I always feel like the store staff will swat me on the shoulder with a frown, “Are you buying that?”, they’ll ask. With a guilty face I’ll draw my nose out of the book I’d settled in on the floor to read and mutter, “No, just looking.” I guess that’s what the library was invented for but somehow, the quiet lull of the library isn’t quite as captivating as fresh, new books bound by the bustle of a busy commercial district.

It is wonderful to reflect on where we are today and those influences that brought us to this point. I can’t imagine having a life untouched by books. What a sorrowful existance that would be. Just thinking about it makes me want to crate up some of my favorites (maybe buy more copies first) so I can ship it over to communities that are bookless.

@ Jenny Greenleaf: I think we always take away a lesson of some kind from EVERY book we read. Even fiction has something to teach us and sometimes it does a better job at teaching us the more important things. Coming across a non-fiction book that is a subtle teacher and an enjoyable friend is like finding treasure.

@ Arachne Jericho: What great insight, Arachne. You’re right, non-fiction does need to contain the elements common to fiction to be enjoyed by a wider audience these days. People aren’t content to wade through study text, they want to enjoy their favorite non-fiction topics, to dabble in the delights of their hobbies and interests. I am more likely to explore multiple authors when looking for non-fiction because each author shares a whole new viewpoint. When it comes to fiction I gather my tried and true authors before exploring fresh blood.

@ Everyone: It sounds like there are a lot of readers who love to read their non-fiction because they love to read and they enjoy exploring their interests. Do we ever learn as much from fiction stories?

*takes another deep breath*

@ Colbymarshall: I don’t read very much non-fiction either and when I do it is usually because I want to learn something about a topic. I often already know something about that topic because I’ll only pick up a non-fiction book if the topic is of interest to me. But fiction novels can teach as well. Have you ever considered lessons you may have learnt from fiction?

@ Thomma Lyn: Those writings that give me new experiences and broaden my imagination are my favorite too. That is what I look for in fiction and why high fantasy fiction draws me in so well. In those stories there are new worlds to explore and wonders that burst into possibility. The books I love best are novels that have deep inner weaves to their topics and themes. Novels that make me look at the real world differently and allow me to grow and learn, stretching my mind and tingling my senses are the best.

@ Catherine L: Learning from both kinds of writing is what I love about being a reader (and a writer). The written word gives us freedom to express our own ideas and to learn from others. The best thing about books is that we can take on the new ideas we want to and are ready to recieve. There is no pressure to believe if we don’t want to. Formal education is all about learning in someone elses way, with books and written language I’m always learning in my own way.

@ Beth: I think nonfiction that is enjoyable to read is fantastic. Learning a topic in a fun and interesting way creates a deeper understanding and encourages our interest. I think that is where a great deal of formal education flops. Their text materials are dull and it can be challenging to inspire a yearning to learn in students.

*takes a deep breath before continuing*

I learn something each time I visit a blog even: new spins on topics, new markets, new books I’ve never heard of…

As for romance novels, I think we learn from them : they’re fairy tales and aren’t necessarily in keeping with what reality has to offer. That’s why folks read ‘em – a huge lesson, I think!

Smiles,
Michele

I read Blink and The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell a month or so ago, and thoroughly enjoyed both books. And as soon as I started reading I realized I already knew the things I was reading. I recommend them.