Today’s Daily Post asks whether you read fiction or non-fiction for fun. As an avid reader, I’ll read practically anything (within reason of course!) and I will often have two books on the go at once, though not at the same time – please don’t have images of me with a fiction book in one hand and a non-fiction book in the other.
I think the question is too simplistic though. The natural reaction would be to say that a person can only really read fiction for fun and non-fiction to education themselves. I would disagree with that because some fiction is incredibly dense and challenging whereas some non-fiction, though educational, can be fun and entertaining at the same time. Two quick lists then, the books that first come to mind for me of fun non-fiction and challenging fiction.
Top Three Fun Non-Fiction Books
- 1000 Years of Annoying the French by Stephen Clark
- Running with the Pack by Mark Rowlands
- Dear Coca Cola by Terry Ravenscroft
Top Three Challenging Fiction Books
- Let the Right One In by John Ajvide Lindqvist
- Blue Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson
- Perdido Street Station by China Mieville
Oh goodness, I adore Stephen Clarke’s books, but I haven’t read that one yet *hurries off to Amazon* Thanks for reminding me!
He is a Francophile so it’s all in good fun. Mostly about dispelling myths that British people believe about France and the French.
I loved Perdido Street Station and didn’t find it a particular challenge. On the other hand, I’ve yet to get through its sequel, The Iron Council, despite a number of attempts.
It was politically quite heavy, I felt. But then I know that his strong socialist views are very important to him, I just didn’t expect it to be quite so intense here. Not sure I will ever read the sequels.
I agree with you that some fiction books can be quite challenging and non-fiction books can also be fun and easy reads contrary to general beliefs.
I think I’ll check out “1000 years of annoying the the french”. It sounds interesting :) Thanks for the recommendation.
Welcome!