One thing I’ve found myself always enjoying in the books I’ve read is when a character reflects on their personal desire to read, or their opinion on other peoples’ desires to read. It always feels kind of like a subtle fourth wall break to me.
I remember the earliest experience of this for me was reading The Series of Unfortunate events and reading about how enamored with books Klaus was. I also remember the library described in the second book and wanting to have that someday when I’m all grown up (I still want it!)
In Mistborn, Vin begins with a comical disdain for reading despite Elend’s love for it.
Now in Hyperion, Martin Silenus’ publisher reflects on the current state of the Web’s reading proficiency and how much people don’t read.
I also sometimes think what it would be like to have a novel primarily focused about a character reading, but then realize that probably wouldn’t be exciting.
Is this pattern common / referred to anything by name? Either way, I enjoy it
by fatenuller
2 Comments
Oh boy, do I have a book for you: **If on a winter’s night a traveler** by Italo Calvino.
> It always feels kind of like a subtle fourth wall break to me.
Odd take but okay.
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Anyway, if you are interested in Japanese light novels you should check out Ascendance of a Bookworm. Its a series of a person that loves books so much that died from being crushed by them and being reborn in a fantasy world where literacy is rare and her desire to read books forces her to make cheaper paper and other such things. Its a pretty good story imo.