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The writers who come to my mind are Arthur Hailey, Stephen King, John Grisham, Somerset Maugham, Arthur Conan Doyle, Thomas Hardy, and Indian authors such as Anita Desai, Kamala Das, Shashi Deshpande, R K Narayan, Ruskin Bond, etc.
One of the more recent novelists I read was Paula Hawkins, whose The Girl on the Train I found quite engaging.
CONTEMPORARY RELEVANCE
One reason my fiction reading has reduced over the years is my preoccupation with work, which has largely revolved around real-life events, people, and issues. Naturally, my inclination shifted to reading non-fiction books or watching programmes related to current events or history which provide a context for understanding the present.
What I enjoy most about non-fiction -- like travelogues, biographies, books on contemporary or historical issues -- is its immediate relevance. It adds to my general knowledge and often helps in work-related situations. Whether it’s a book, an article, or a documentary, I value what it teaches me about the world around us.
LEARNING THROUGH FICTION
Fictional stories are often read for relaxation or entertainment. But good fiction can also educate. Though the plot itself might be imaginary, the details through which it unfolds are often grounded in fact.
This is what makes storytelling so powerful: even when the theme or plot is fictional, it illuminates the real world.
STORYTELLING: THE COMMON THREAD
Whether fiction or non-fiction, storytelling lies at the heart of it. After all, both forms narrate something that has happened, or could have happened.
That’s why news reports are also called “stories” in journalistic parlance, though they are based on real-life events. Storytelling, in any form, aims to inform, educate, and / or entertain.
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| Image source: Pixabay |
If I am familiar with the work of a particular author, that makes choosing the book easier. But if it’s the first book, then I tend to be a bit sceptical.
For me, the plot or the theme should be appealing, something that I can relate to. Even if the plot is unreal, really far removed from reality, I should still be able to connect with it at some level.
However, what matters to me the most is the clarity of narration. Even if the plot is really good, if I am not able to understand the way the story is told, I tend to lose interest. In a crime thriller, for example, one might not even understand what is happening, but if the language is clear and impactful, that’s enough to keep me turning the pages.
THERE IS NO TEMPLATE
Creative works don’t have a template. It’s very difficult to establish why a book or a movie has been liked by a lot of people. It’s difficult to define “a good plot or a good theme”. It’s a lot about emotions, how one relates to the central piece of work. Each person has their own preferences and inclinations.
It would be nice to know what your reading preferences are.
(This post is part of Blogchatter's Blogchatter Blog Hop)
I love to read fiction and travelogues in non-fiction. My favorite fiction is Love Story written by Erich Segal. This also came as a movie starring Ali McGraw and Ryal O’Neal. If you read the book and, upon finishing it, you don't shed a single tear, I'll pay for your book.
ReplyDeleteI have read Love Story. It is one of those classics. I haven't seen the movie though. There are a few Indian movies that are closely related to the theme of Love Story.
DeleteSituationally, if I'm reading in bed at night, it's fiction. If I'm reading during the day when I'm out and about, it's informational. Non-fiction puts me to sleep unless I'm just keeping my mind busy while I'm waiting someplace.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good combination of different genres of books.
DeleteI like historial fiction as well as other fiction, I like stories about events that happen mixed with some fictional stuff to make it intersting
ReplyDeleteHistorical fiction can be as informative as it is entertaining.
DeleteI need to get back to reading fiction - as my daughter keeps reminding me, followed right behind by my wife. You and I share favourite authors in two of those mentioned in your list. Somerset Maugham would certainly vie as one of the top ten authors as would Thomas Hardy. There are so many good contemporary novels, too. About a year ago I went on a rereading Margaret Atwood binge, a formidable writer by any standard.
ReplyDeleteI need to start reading more fiction as well! It’s great that we have similar interests. I’ve read several works by Thomas Hardy, and while I’m familiar with Margaret Atwood’s books, I haven’t picked any up yet. I’ll make sure to explore her writing. Thanks.
DeleteI love historical fiction best. There is another type of fiction bookI have read over perhaps 30 or more times as it speaks to me on every level. Its author is Ray Bradbury. This particular work of his is called Dandelion Wine. It was required reading in high schools in the United States for quite some time. It gripped me from the first page to the last...stays with me... and I must read it again and again. It is a perfect telling of life in the 1920's in America's small towns. It is filled with amazing fiction that was probably true in many lives.
ReplyDeleteHi Katie - I also enjoy historical stories. I haven't heard of Ray Bradbury. I’ll see if I can get his books. Thanks.
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ReplyDeleteFiction is equally a reality as real incidents of my life and observations around me alone remain the basic content for me to generate fictional story telling. Seen thus, fiction and non fiction are ever the two sides of the same coin. Content creation is an art of the individual and the change temporary or deep a particular content can bring in is an asset to the world and an inspiration for change for betterment. A nice Post on creativity!
ReplyDeleteHi Sreedhar - Thank you. There is indeed quite a bit of creativity in content generation.
DeleteI think I should revisit Arthur Hailey.
ReplyDeleteAnd, your authors are an eclectic bunch of writers. Good!
DeleteYes, Andrew, you must go back to Arthur Hailey. I think even I should re-read some of these books.
DeleteThere's much in common between your readings and mine. Maybe, I should recommend Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose to you.
ReplyDeleteHi Tomi - Thank you for the recommendation. I'll look for the book. :-)
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteThat's an excellent summary of your reading style and interests and definitely worthy. My reading has also reduced over the years - though I do use audio books quite a bit now. Like you, I have a tendency to go for non-fiction, current affairs, as well as history and scientific as well as my own subject of philosophy. The 'escapism' part mainly consists of various forms of police procedural, sleuthing, mystery... YAM xx
Hi Yamini - Audiobooks are great, especially when you can't sit down with a physical book. They're perfect for listening to while cooking, travelling, or even just taking a walk. Science and philosophy are also among my fave subjects.
DeleteHi Pradeep - I'm a big fan of fiction - I love upbeat, fast paced novels that don't over describe stuff, and don't waste my time with too much superfluous stuff. I enjoy intersting characters and good plots - and a little romance thrown in for good luck :)
ReplyDeleteHi Leanne - Same here. Very stretched-out and confusing plots tend to put me off.
DeleteI enjoy historical fiction and crime fiction. The Marcus Didius Falco novels by Lindsey Davis are very good, as are the Bryant and May detective series by Christopher Fowler. Joy Ellis writes believable crime fiction set in the Lincolnshire Fens. Otherwise, Margaret Atwood's books and Ann Cleeves' books are very readable.
ReplyDeleteThese sound like some good recommendations. I shall check them out. Thank you.
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