Comments on: the library of the mind

By: IvoShandor

IvoShandor — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 11:19:20 +0000

Hello. This is a bit off topic but I am contacting you via Wikipedia, at least that’s how I found you, I am looking for some help finding a map for an article and thought you might be able to help. I have left a message on your Wikipedia user page if you would be interested in helping out. My user name is the one I used here and I can be contacted on Wikipedia or via email by using the email this user feature on my user page. : )

By: Miriam B.

Miriam B. — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 19:20:57 +0000

Most of what I think I know I learned from fiction….

By: Rachel Oliver

Rachel Oliver — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 15:43:40 +0000

I just read a great fiction novel “Wearing the Spider” by Susan Schaab. This novel prompted me to believe that yes, it is possible to learn from fiction novels as much as non-fiction novels. Susan Schaab who is experienced in both the corporate legal and technological world, writes a factual representation of each in her fiction novel. These factual representations taught me a lot about the two subjects. As well, the novel taught me about the importance of multi-genre writing. Schaab produces a novel that can be classified as suspense/thriller/crime fiction, romance and mystery. This style of writing allows an author to target a larger audience by appealing to their literary preferences.

By: Jenica

Jenica — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:11:55 +0000

I learned those very same things from those very same novels! I’m convinced that if the apocalypse comes, the skills and lifestyle I read through Laura Ingalls Wilder are going to save my sorry industrialized behind.

In the same vein, you’d be stunned by how much actual useful historical fact I’ve learned from reading bodice-ripping romance novels, perhaps the most maligned of all genre fiction. So whenever I see someone else reading something that makes me wrinkle my nose and think “ick”, I remember that we just. don’t. know. what someone else is taking away from those words, that story, and that book.

By: your mom

your mom — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:13:53 +0000

Ah, serendipity–after a character by Samuel Johnson, of course.
I offer what I learned from reading fiction: the Elgin Marbles arrival in London. I got a “wow” in the margin of a 19th history test on that, and I learned it from Georgette Heyer.

By: Nonanon

Nonanon — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 16:17:49 +0000

I too have been struck by the interest which people (read: readers) have taken to discussing this. The classification issues I look at as a problem with no solution–even in bookstores, where nonfiction is arranged a bit differently and more in line with “literary nonfiction” principles, often leave me confused: where is “Into Thin Air”? Outdoors? Nature? Literary Nonfiction? Adventure? Luckily, that’s hopefully why we will always have bookstore staff and library staff among us, to help us find those specific things we really need, and to leave us alone when we need to wander.

What I think is really needed is unity between the “reading of any kind” camps, because I worry that fewer people are reading for any reason (to learn, for escapism, for whatever) simply because there are now so many other options: Wii. Swim lessons. Team sports. Etc. and ad infinitum, whatever parents are all driving their kids to these days. Brandon over at Bookstorm said it best recently: just READ. I like your quote too: “a man ought to read.” (That’s out of context but I think it’s a fair point nonetheless.)