Over the weekend, we were talking about books. Youngest son, myself and Wizard were talking about some non-fiction we were all reading and talking about loaning one another, mostly biographies of successful business types. And my daughter-in-law said, “I’ve just been reading fiction.”
I stopped her immediately. “Fiction is important and teaches us a lot. It is not “just fiction.'” And she agreed, because she’s smart and all the things I could hope for in my son’s life partner 
Quick story here: Just weeks before my 14th birthday, my dad suddenly died, we moved states, lived with my sister, I started high school where I knew no one, and I was very lost. But I found fiction. In that fiction, I came to believe there was a future for me out there, I just had to work for it. Become the person who would earn and deserve that future. In short, novels saved me. They gave me a safe place to go when I was drowning in the world.
Fiction taught me to value myself and choose a good life partner who would value me too.
Fiction taught me to value that life partner, no matter how hard life gets.
Fiction also taught me that Happily Ever After is fiction, but character, patience and determination will take you through in the real world.
Historical Fiction brought history to life and taught me the human toll of tragedy as well as that the human spirit that can triumph.
I believe Fiction teaches us both the value and the costs of choices we make, so that maybe we can make better choices, or at least, have a better understanding of the cost of the choices we do make.
I believe Fiction has so much to teach me, and to teach all of us.
It’s not “just fiction.”
What do you think?
February 19th, 2025 at 7:18 am · Link
Oh, man. I’m sorry about you losing your dad so young. :hugs: And yes to all of those things fiction does for us. I don’t read NF very often – maybe once or twice a year – so fiction is my go to. I don’t know what I would’ve done or where I would be without it. Like you, fiction was my escape. Not from a new place where I was lost but from living in the same place virtually my whole life and still not fitting in. Novels were my friends. I could count on them to see me through, to keep me company, to provide guidance. Fiction allowed me to travel to anywhere in the US, other countries, imaginary lands, and outer space. I could go forward into the future and back into the past. Still can – which totally rocks. So, yeah, it’s not ‘just fiction’. =oD
February 19th, 2025 at 10:36 am · Link
Y’all… All the feels here! I’m not sniffling now, I’m full on blowing my nose and wiping my eyes! I can’t remember now because my brain is a colander with big holes (aka a sieve) but I saw a quote or a post or something the other day that discussed this very thing! It was all about how important fiction is–and for all the reasons y’all have listed and some more.
If I want Real Life, I’ll watch the news. I read to hide, to escape, to pretend to be someone and somewhere else. I think that’s why I favor paranormal, fantasy and scifi. I live in the real world. My vacation from it is a good book. As a result, I very seldom read non-fiction. If I do, it’s usually history or something technical that pertains to RL interests–firefighting, law enforcement, legal stuff. Or if I need to research something for one of my FICTION books. Because I want to be factual even in fiction. LOL
Anyway, awesome topic today, Jen. And yay that your DiL loves fiction too. Hopefully, next time, instead of saying “I’ve just been reading fiction” she’ll say “I been reading just fiction.” That changes the whole meaning. “Just fiction” indicates exclusivity and importance.
Happy reading Wednesday!
February 19th, 2025 at 3:09 pm · Link
I agree with you completely on fiction. It’s the perfect way to escape. It’s a fantastic learning tool as well.
If not for historical fiction to hide in as a teen I don’t know what I would have become. Of all of us extremely low income “trailer trash,” I was the only one to get to college. Reading made learning easy for me.
DIL is a smart cookie and I’m happy she enjoys a good read.
I love Silver’s re-order of words. Perfect!
Have a great afternoon!
PS – I’m about to go non-fiction with Under his wings : how faith on the front lines has protected American troops by Emily Compagno.
February 19th, 2025 at 3:49 pm · Link
B.E., thanks on my dad. I love your take on fiction. I also love that fiction is a little bit different for each reader — we all see and feel it through our own lens. I’m glad you found a place you felt you belonged. Whatever each of us went through — it was tough for us and we had to find a touchstone somewhere. Fiction has a much better outcome than a lot of bad choices out there.
February 19th, 2025 at 3:53 pm · Link
Silver, oh good, because I’d hate to make you sniffly! This was just really on my mind this week because of my DIL’s comment. I never ever want her (or anyone!) to think reading fiction is less valuable than nonfiction. My son would agree with me even through he tends to read more nonficiton (but does read some fiction).
I love the way you rephrased it to “…reading just fiction!)
February 19th, 2025 at 4:00 pm · Link
Viki, I believe historical fiction draws us deeper into the internal emotional battles of history. They are so important but hard to get across in the sets of facts taught to us. (Which on another subject, gifted teaches are so crucial).
I’m so happy fiction gave you to tools to gain knowledge via a college education! I am sorry you had it so rough growing up. But those hardships can often teach us how to adapt and persevere.
And thank you on DIL! She’s very special.
Enjoy “Under His Wings” — it’s a concept that I understand (from reading!) becomes very real to those on the front lines.