Benefits

The benefits of reading lesser-known fiction and provides examples of some lesser-known genres and titles that have made their way into mainstream literature:

Why You Should Read Lesser-Known Fiction

When we think of great works of fiction, we often think of the classics or the bestsellers that have been widely read and celebrated. But there is a whole world of lesser-known fiction out there that can offer unique benefits to readers.

One of the great benefits of reading fiction is that it allows us to experience life from different perspectives. When we read widely, we encounter characters and cultures that we may not encounter in our everyday lives, and this can broaden our understanding of the world and humanity. Reading lesser-known fiction can be particularly effective in this regard, as it often exposes us to perspectives and experiences that are not commonly represented in mainstream literature.

For example, Afrofuturism is a genre of speculative fiction that explores the intersection of African and African diaspora cultures with science fiction, fantasy, and other genres. While not widely known, it has gained increasing attention in recent years, and some works have become popular in mainstream literature. The novel “Black Leopard, Red Wolf” by Marlon James is a recent Afrofuturist work that has received critical acclaim and a wide readership.

Indigenous literature is the literature of the Indigenous peoples of the Americas, which includes a wide range of genres such as poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and oral storytelling. While Indigenous literature has a rich and vibrant history, it has often been marginalized in mainstream literature. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in Indigenous literature, and some works have become popular in mainstream literature. The novel “There, There” by Tommy Orange is a recent work of Indigenous literature that has received critical acclaim and a wide readership.

When we read widely, we also expose ourselves to a wider range of writing styles, narrative structures, and storytelling techniques. This can challenge our thinking and expand our creativity, inspiring us to experiment with our own writing or thinking. Lesser-known fiction can be particularly effective in this regard, as it often pushes the boundaries of what we expect from literature.

For example, experimental fiction is a genre that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling conventions, often by experimenting with form, language, or narrative structure. While not widely known, some works of experimental fiction have become popular in mainstream literature. The novel “The Sound and the Fury” by William Faulkner is a classic work of experimental fiction that has had a lasting impact on literary culture.

Reading lesser-known fiction can also support emerging writers and independent publishers. These writers often struggle to gain the attention of the publishing industry and the reading public, and so every reader who discovers and supports their work can make a difference. Furthermore, supporting lesser-known fiction can contribute to a more diverse and vibrant literary landscape. By reading and celebrating works from a wide range of voices and perspectives, we can help create a more inclusive and representative literary culture.

LGBTQ+ literature is literature that explores LGBTQ+ themes and experiences, and includes a wide range of genres such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. While LGBTQ+ literature has gained increasing attention in recent years, it has often been marginalized in mainstream literature. However, some works of LGBTQ+ literature have become popular in mainstream literature. The novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde is a classic work of LGBTQ+ literature that has had a lasting impact on literary culture.

In conclusion, reading lesser-known fiction can offer a range of benefits, from broadening our understanding of the world and humanity to challenging our thinking and supporting emerging writers. So next time you’re looking for something to read, consider seeking out a lesser-known work of fiction – you never know what you might find that delights you.