I don't necessarily mean fiction vs non-fiction. I think you can read a classic to understand literature better, or a novel written by someone not from your culture to enhance your worldview. Just as you can read a book about astronomy/history/poltics because you genuinely enjoy it.
I read mostly for entertainment, which for me means literary and contemporary fiction, although I do try to get some classics and non-fiction in. Sometimes I end up enjoying them immensely. Sometimes I force myself through them because they teach me something that is worth it.
But if I go to much into this direction I will just put myself off reading.
by peccorina
2 Comments
I read plenty for professional reasons, I have to keep up with changing technologies and standards, then read some more to learn the material enough for my own skills to grow. But I read about 95% of my other reading for pleasure. Just to relax and enjoy the works and stories.
However, I will temper that by pointing out that what/who I read depends heavily on my mood. Some authors, like L.E. Modessitt Jr write to encourage you to think and consider the story. I love his books and I will instantly stop whatever else I am reading to pick up a new release from LEM.
But other times I want something light, fluffy and not at all complicated. A book where I can totally turn off my brain.
For me it’s 80% education 20% entertainment. I love learning languages through books so i will only read books if they are in a foreign language. However they should of course also be entertaining.