Literary Fiction Genre of the day
What is it and why should I read more of it?
Here is the explanation and a couple of reasons why it’s good for you.
LITERARY FICTION!
Why You Should Read More Literary Fiction
In a world where we’re constantly bombarded by information, it’s easy to get lost in the endless stream of news, social media updates, and entertainment options. But amidst all of the noise, there’s one type of writing that still stands out as a true source of insight, inspiration, and intellectual stimulation: literary fiction.
What is literary fiction?
First, it’s worth defining what we mean by “literary fiction.” This term refers to works of fiction that are valued primarily for their literary merit, rather than their commercial appeal. Literary fiction often explores complex themes, employs poetic language, and prioritizes character development over plot.
Why should you read more literary fiction?
- It enhances empathy
One of the most important reasons to read more literary fiction is that it can enhance your empathy. Studies have shown that reading literary fiction can help people develop better emotional intelligence and understand others’ perspectives more deeply. This is because literary fiction often delves into the nuances of human relationships and the complexities of the human experience.
- It improves cognitive function Reading literary fiction can also improve your cognitive function. This is because literary fiction often requires readers to engage with complex language, themes, and ideas. This can help to build new neural pathways in the brain, which can lead to improved critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
It expands your worldview
Another benefit of reading literary fiction is that it can expand your worldview. Literary fiction often explores cultural, social, and historical contexts that may be unfamiliar to readers. This can help to broaden your understanding of different perspectives and experiences, and challenge your assumptions about the world.
- It’s a form of escapism
Finally, reading literary fiction can be a form of escapism. While commercial fiction often relies on formulaic plots and characters, literary fiction encourages readers to engage with more complex and challenging material. This can be a welcome break from the stresses of daily life, and can help readers to develop a greater sense of introspection and self-awareness.
In conclusion, reading more literary fiction can have a range of benefits, from enhancing empathy and improving cognitive function to expanding your worldview and providing a form of escapism. So if you’re looking for a way to deepen your understanding of the world and engage with new ideas, consider picking up a work of literary fiction today.
Examples of some literary authors and books: Jhumpa Lahiri – “The Namesake”. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – “Half of a Yellow Sun”. Donna Tartt – “The Goldfinch”. Khaled Hosseini – “The Kite Runner”. Zadie Smith – “White Teeth”. David Foster Wallace – “Infinite Jest”. Jonathan Franzen – “The Corrections”. Jeffrey Eugenides – “Middlesex”. Marilynne Robinson – “Gilead”. Colson Whitehead – “The Underground Railroad”