Is Fiction Worth Reading? Some Say No
Some people think that the only books worth reading are non-fiction books.
I’ve heard a podcaster in the tech field talk about his reading and say that he was not interested in fiction books because they didn’t add anything to his life or his knowledge. He felt only nonfiction was worth reading.
That reminds me of a scene in the movie Sideways. One of the main characters, Miles, is an aspiring novelist. He explains to his friend’s future in-laws that he has written a novel and is being considered for publication. The father-in-law states that he thinks only real life matters and is worth reading about, and that reading fiction is a “waste of time.”
The Benefits of Nonfiction: Learning from Great Thinkers
I identify as a lifelong learner. I’ve always enjoyed learning new things, and it brings me great joy and excitement to dig in and learn something new.
“Nonfiction is sustenance for lifelong learners. Reading nonfiction, we connect with great thinkers of our age and the past. We encounter the wisdom of other cultures and the wonders of the world.”
Anne Janzer, The Curious Reader’s Field Guide to Nonfiction
Nonfiction is my primary reading material. It allows me to share the thoughts and minds of great thinkers. It exposes me to other ways of thinking than my own, so I learn new ways to improve myself and my life.
Three Big Benefits of Reading Fiction
However, I also value reading fiction. It has several values that I can’t get from reading nonfiction alone:
1. Entertainment: A Good Story is Worth Reading. I enjoy hearing and reading a well-told story that draws me in and gets me involved. I also emotionally connect with characters in a fictional book, which I don’t experience in nonfiction reading.
Every activity in life does not have to be “productive” in the sense of checking off finished tasks. Entertainment has just as much value as more productive activities. As finite human beings, we need rest and relaxation as well as productive, fulfilling work.
2. Historical Fiction: A Gateway to Understanding the Past. I’ve always been somewhat of a history buff. However, nonfiction history can be very dry and dull and come across as just a collection of facts.
A good historical novel can help me understand what it was like to live in a time in history or participate in an event in the past. I understand with my heart, not just my head.
When a novel is well-researched, I gain a deeper understanding of history and maybe even a better understanding of how an event came to pass.
3. Role Models and Inspiration from Fictional Characters. I’m a fan of the Outlander series of nonfiction books by Diana Gabaldon. It’s probably one of the greatest romance novels I’ve ever read. To me, it’s a model for the ultimate romantic relationship.
I also see the main characters, Jamie and Claire, as role models for strength in the face of adversity and their handling of setbacks. Their kindness toward other people and Jamie’s sense of honor exemplify how to live a good life. When I’ve had physical adversity to overcome (like climbing up “hell hill” with a backpack), I often think of Jamie’s example of continuing on target despite physical issues.
Even though they are fictional characters, I gain inspiration and motivation from my understanding of them as I face setbacks in my own life. Fiction can affect me in ways that nonfiction cannot. Fiction is tied to emotions, not just facts or concepts.
Fiction Deserves a Place in Your Reading
Reading isn’t just about cramming in as much knowledge as possible. It’s about expanding our minds, experiencing different perspectives, and sometimes just enjoying a well-told story.
Nonfiction helps us learn facts, develop skills, and engage with big ideas—but fiction does something just as important. It helps us connect with emotions, understand human nature, and see the world through different eyes.
Fiction isn’t a waste of time. It’s a way to experience life beyond our own. It teaches us about history, relationships, and resilience in ways that nonfiction never could. And sometimes, it simply gives us a much-needed break from reality. That alone is reason enough to read it.
So, if you’ve been avoiding fiction because you think it’s a “waste of time,” maybe it’s time to reconsider. Pick up a novel, let yourself get lost in the story, and see what you take away from it. You might be surprised by how much it adds to your life.
AI Note: I wrote this blog post myself, using my own words for the initial draft. I used AI only to suggest headlines, section headings, and improvements to the text.
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