I've never read a novel
 

Ever since I learned to read, I've ONLY gone for books about real people and events. I have never once read a novel or any other type of fiction. Are there any others here that feel 'if it didn't happen for real, I don't want to waste my time with it?'

I'm Dunne

Re: I've never read a novel
 

The only thing you may have to worry about in this case is that the books you read may not be completely accurate. I go back and forth a lot between reading "real" stuff (history, biography, science) and fiction.
A lot of the stuff that is "real" is often based on opinion, or the facts aren't very good (often exaggerated, romanticized). Some non-fiction I've read even seems like fiction.
All I'm saying is not to consider everything you read that isn't fiction to be completely real (especially in the case of history/biography) because I would be willing to bet that a lot of that stuff isn't completely real. There are bits of fiction everywhere.

But I am sometimes not in the mood to read fiction, so I just like to stick to science (psychology, simple physics, etc). In my opinion, this is the genre with the least human opinion and story telling.

Re: I've never read a novel
 

I don't believe you. I can't believe you've finished school without reading a complete novel.

That said, there's no such thing as a book that is 100% true. History is written by the winners; the laws of science modify and morph with added understanding, laws of math expand and build given new insight.

Re: I've never read a novel
 

I would have to agree with Sushi on this.

Also, there is plenty of fiction that is way better than non-fiction. The key when choosing a book from either category is to get something good. Most modern day novels that you find on bookshelves are trash or close to it. So if your interested in even trying some fiction, I would recommend going for the classics.

Re: I've never read a novel
 

im kinda the same, iv attemtped to read novels that sounded good or have been recomended but i can never get into them and see them through to the end ... but im more than happy to read a history book, encyclopedia, car manual, and books about things

Re: I've never read a novel
 

I'm with Sushi too. You have to have read a novel going through school.

The great thing about novels is that they may not be "real" but they may be based on actual happenings or current events.

For instance, Arthur Millers 'The Crucible' ,about the Salem Witch Trials in the 17th century was written during the '50s at the time of the McCarthy Un-American Activities Hearings in which witnesses were pressured to testify against those whom the hearings focused on. In Miller's play, (OK, it's a play) the witnesses are also pressured to testify against the accused less they become accused as well.

And, speaking of plays, ever seen a movie or a t.v. show? They're certainly not based on real people or real events usually.

Re: I've never read a novel
 

A great story also stimulates imagination. I love science fiction, and I love how some of the authors predict on the future and are sometimes right on.

I think you miss out on a lot of the great stories if you limit yourself to only "real" stuff.

R

Re: I've never read a novel
 

Like you, I prefer books about real people and events. In total, I have not read many fiction books. Unless it's real, a book usually doesn't hold much interest for me. Why spend one's time reading the product of someone else's imagination, when there are so many good factual books to choose from ? :)

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Can you tell a fake UFO from a real one ?
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=JNkbFwk5tj0

Re: I've never read a novel
 

I think fiction books are great for building imagination and creativity.

Re: I've never read a novel
 

By your logic, watching anything on TV other then sporting events or the news would also be a waste of time, as would playing games with your children, or video games in general.

Fiction can help you understand real world situations by giving you someone's alternative. It can also exercise your imagination and let you release from everyday wear and tear.