I have only recently started reading fiction for the enjoyment of a good story, well written, with a clever plot and believable characters. Previously I read classic literature, biographies of great people and non-fiction books. My main purpose was to make me better educated and informed. I did get pleasure from reading and learning, so it was nearly always an enjoyable experience, but I never read just for entertainment.
I still read some serious texts but mostly now I chose books which will entertain me rather. I think I can still learn things from novels written by intelligent writers, and I find out all sorts of things, as well as getting insights into how people think and feel and react to different situations.
Why do you read books?
[question posted by paid2write]
responses and comments:
Being a trainer, I have to do serious reading also apart from reading for entertainment. [Swaana]
I read for both. I love reading a good story just for entertainment, but if I get interested in a subject, I'll read everything I can on it to find out more. But, even then, I suppose it's ultimately for entertainment, no matter how serious the book is. It entertains me to gain knowledge about the subjects I'm interested in. So, when I read non fiction, I still think of it as a form of entertainment. [Angelwriter]
I read for entertainment mostly as i like to get alot of enjoyment out of books. Dont very often read serious text as i read to get away from things as you can so easily get lost in a book. Sometimes i will pick up an autobiography of someone i really like or admire to read. [littleone3]
I mostly read for knowledge but from time to time there i like to read for enjoyment. I do however find it hard to do sometimes. After about 2 or 3 hours of assigned reading i feel like i never wante to read again. [Farside604]
I too find the hardest books to read are usually those that are assigned for study or for research. [paid2write]
I do both. I like to read for the pure enjoyment of it. It relaxes me, and I find great pleasure in reading fiction. But I also like to read to gain knowledge. I read nonfiction on topics that interest me, reference books, and on the internet. Sometimes, though, I am lucky enough to find a book that has a little of both. Like The Innocent Man by John Grisham. It is a true story about a man wrongly convicted for murder. In addition to telling this man's story, it includes a lot of history and facts regarding the legal system and the area where it happened. [Sillychick]
i read more for passing the time than for education [mrpippo]
I read for both knowledge and entertainment, paid2write. Early on in life, I read fiction just for the entertainment value. When I entered the workforce after college I read tons and tons of nonfiction in the course of my job and also because I enjoyed it. At the same time, I also read nonfiction as a sort of escape. I would read several books at once. These days I tend to read more for knowledge than for fun, although I find reading to further my mind to be highly entertaining. [Transdisc]
For both. There is nothing wrong at all which reading for pleasure. I also want to expand my knowledge, so I read for the sake of learning also. [thatcrazyqbanita]
For me it's both. I like reading good book, especially bestsellers because all the bestsellers I read were always great, the books that I read that weren't bestsellers were good too but I much prefer bestselling novels. I like to read it one of my favorite things to do, I like to have fun reading and gaining knowledge. [sweetangel88]
For both, reading will not only entertain you but as well educate you in the process. During night time, you can find me either sitting infront of my PC or reading a book. Reading always fancies me and I actually invested on some good books. I mostly read a collection of sidney sheldon, john grisham and some inspirational books. [jhoannejoj]
Most of the books I have read recently were textbooks, but my nephew gave me a star trek novel for my birthday. That was a distraction but it was nice. [daeckardt]
I mostly read for entertainment. I like mysteries, scifi, supernatural, crime novels. I read Dante's Inferno and Dante's Purgatorio and will read Dante's Paradiso to complete the trilogy. I didn't have to read it in school like it seems most kids did. So, I felt like I needed to read it and, I don't really like it. It is just a little more thinking than I want to have to do. So, entertainment is my main motivation for reading. [cortjo73]
I read because I love to read, simple as that :) So therefore you can say I read for entertainment, but it also make me well informed, have a great range of vocabulary, learn new things or new information, etc2, so it is also great for my knowledge :) I read novels, classicals, review, biographies, comics, all sort of things :) [luckydolphin98]
Dear friend, I do for both according the contents in the book as I like entertainment and like to attain knowledge too. I that book to good for entertainment I would read that for knowledge base if I want to study or know more on that I would read that too. It also prevails my mood at that time. I would read any according the availability and the quality of that book's content. [SHAMRACK]
I read for both But usually i prefer to read for entertainment, but as i gain knowledge through reading, i get entertained :) I love learning, from various sources , and i think that documentary book like nationap geographic and reader digest are some of the best reading material Some how i dont really like fiction books as the story could lead me to fantised wonders, but at the end it will pull me back to the reality. haha [blazingkidz]
To gain knowledge and last is to be entertained. Beore, I used to read fiction books, but I realized later why do I have to read those fiction things. If it is love story it has only 2 endings happy and sad one. Almost all the story are the same with different plots and character but almost the same. What we have to read now are those with information on our lives, how to grow old, how to help the environment, how to be healthy, how to be good, god loving and all the good things on earth. Never mind the trash things, it will only dull your eyes and will lessen your mind to comprehend things. [bagumbayan]
I read for many reasons. First of all I read as I like to read from my childhood. when I am alone it gives me company. it helps me to forget pains for sometimes. I mostly read to acquire knowledge. [subha12]
I write books, my latest is a novel, and you may just enjoy it. I read online, but since I publish an e-zine with stories from internet writers, I find I do not have much time to read and keep up with my own writing and reading for the e-zine anymore. [winterose]
I read because I'm alone and love to be in the company of great minds. Books therefore are gateways to my everthirsty soul that survives only in the company of great minds either living or dead. They provide me with answers of something not known, with solutions whiich people around failed to solve, with imagination I dared to, earlier, with thoughts and feelings I always wanted to think and to feel. If u r interested, u can join www.shelfari.com. I'll be only too interestd if u kindly let me know about the booksu read or have read. [aparajita]
Thanks for the link to shelfari it looks an interesting site and I have bookmarked it. I have read over 100 books in the past 12 months and I could spend a lot of time discussing books online! [paid2write]
I read books for both entertainment as well as gaining knowledge. I read different books for different reasons :) I like reading magazines for entertainment mostly celebrity gossip, jokes, anecdotes etc. There are different magazines so depends on your purpose and interests. I have read some classics, but I'd never read them now. I read to update my knowledge, and don't give importance to outdated books. Recently I've been reading a book on astronomy and science in general. [Screech]
well its both for me..reading keeps me entertained n i grasp as much as knowledge i can from what i read. [jsharriz]
I think both..but mostly to get my self educated ,informed and gain more knowledge. I also love reading fiction specially if its written by a good writer.. It's sad that i don't have much time reading now a days..I hope I can catch up soon! [cefaz_21]
I mainly read for entertainment, although I tend to stick to witty and intelligent books. a lot of times a novel contains knowledgeable info that may trigger my curiosity. so, i like the fact that i'm entertained and gaining knowledge while i'm at it. [yona06]
I love to read. I read biographies, I started this while I was a kid, and still like to read about people. I love to read true crime books also. I also enjoy reading fiction. I am reading a police series that involves the Jewish community so I am learning a lot. A dear friend, who is Jewish, recommended this series. It's great because when I have a question about a ritual she can explain it to me. I also have read some wonderful stories about the Amish. [kimbers867]
Since leaving my college days far behind I mostly read fiction books. I do read some books or articles on my hobbies, i.e. plants, digital photography, cooking, etc. [whiteheather39]
I read a lot, and I mostly read because I like to read, not with any specific purpose, of course if I happen to read a book that's instructive, great I learn something, if not if it's just plain entertainment well it helped to pass time very pleasantly. If I start reading a book and I don't like it, I will just read a little and leave it. [duranv]
I read to keep my grammar and sentence structures in check. In the course of a day, I get bombarded by many languages so I need to brush up on my speaking and writing skills constantly to stay intelligible. I like books that offer me alternative insights into everything and anything. [catmint]
I read for knowledge and pleasure. I also thing you can learn just through reading all kinds of stories. I also do research on some of the book that I read to see how noteworthy they are. I love a good written book that holds my interest. [kaysue4]
When I was younger I read almost only fiction - almost every book in our public library! But then as I got older the fiction was no longer as enjoyable, so I started reading more non-fiction how to types of books. With 2 kids its also much harder to find the time to read than it used to be! Either way though, it is always interesting to see what I read and learn, whatever it may be. [vera5d]
I do both. I always have one or more research books going and at least one or more books going for my entertainment (which can teach you a great many things as well). I have always read for entertainment regardless of what else is going on around me. I learn a lot of information from fiction as well. But I love to escape into a good book every chance I get. [sageivyberyl]
I read for both. Ideally, a book suits both putposes. For example, I'm going to read the Diving Bell and the Butterfly which was written by a disabled person blinking one eye. This book is both entertaining for me and work as I'm going to review it for Disaboom and make money. [cripfemme]
I read for entertainment, and I do a lot of reading too! My book collection keeps growing, as does my Wish-List...lol. [jenni7202]
I read for all your reasons and more, informative, interesting, exciting, and little escape time, relaxing time, storytime, reading to speed up the time, I read while I wait for things, When I am in a line up. I read on the bus, on a train, in a plane. I just love to read :) [Herbyjan]
Well, I read for both reasons. There are occasions I read cos I have to teach, and there are times I read cos it gives me pleasure. I also listen to lectures, and it has benefited me so much because without burdening my eyes I can get knowledge as well as pleasure. [headhunter525]
I read books because it is both an entertainment and learning to me. I am entertained once I learned something new, which is rather strange because other people don't feel the same way as I do. Books that I select are actually books with a very interesting plot and characters that could make my imagination go wild. Whether fact or fiction, it doesn't matter as long as I am interested and I am gaining knowledge even in small petty things. [cr0ssf41r13]
I don't think it is strange to enjoy learning new things. I also get pleasure from learning and gaining knowledge. [paid2write]
I read strictly for entertainment and now that I'm retired I planned to do a lot of reading but have found that I don't have the time to read as much as I thought I would. I used to have a book with me wherever I went and my mother once said that I never learned to cook because I had my nose in a book. I do love to read and just don't have the time I would like to have. I seem to be busier now than I was when I was working and often wonder how I had the time to work. I think I have 75 books to read that I have purchased in the last several months, some of them autobiobraphies, but most of them fiction. [idowrite72]
I read mainly for entertainment. I always have a book with me. I think I have got to the point that I am fed up with knowing "too much". Heard of information overload? :P [lordwarwizard]
Oh you got me wrong. I know very little, too little but I can nevertheless have an information overload. Or is this still confusing? [lordwarwizard]
I would read as a past time and for knowledge more than entertainment. [denzlot]
I read for both entertainment and knowledge.But the primary aim of reading is to acquire knowledge and that is for what they are meant for.But fictions gives us entertainment more than knowledge. [prasanth_s]
I read for pleasure, not for knowledge. I don't like books that are for learning or about people's lives. I can't get into them so I just don't bother trying anymore. I like to read fiction that is entertaining and my favourite books are mystery books. I like the real suspenseful books. I lay in bed at night to read just before I go to sleep because it helps turn off my brain and relax me so that I can fall asleep. SOmetimes though the book is so good I can't put it down and then I don't go to sleep, but that's okay because I don't have a certain time I have to get up in the morning as I don't work anymore. [chrislotz]
I am reading for both entertainment and knowledge.I had read many novels only for entertainmnet.I had read less for knowledge than entertainment.And I had read the text books for to get pass the exams.But when we read for anything there must get some knowledge also. [naseefu]
I agree you can gain insight and knowledge from any book you read [paid2write]
well i personally read for entertainment and knowledge so its a hard question really ;) [tezovhemo]
I generally read books for knowledge, passing time, improving language, self-esteem..Doesn't reading for entertainment also is for knowledge in some way..we feel entertained by that knowledge. isn't it ? [p_vadla]
Yes, you will benefit in all those ways, even when reading for entertainment. [paid2write]
Both one of the greatest gifts in life is knowledge and you can gain this through books, I love reading and if I can gain knowledge whilst doing so then great. [TinaP40]
You will always gain knowledge from books if you love reading. [paid2write]
I think most of what passes for classic literature is out dated irrelevant crap that people convince themselves is really good because it makes reading not seem like such a waste of time. There was a time that these books were important, don't get me wrong, but those times are long past. [bradhart]
some are, but not most of the ones people claim are. Most of 17th and 18th century lit is simply pretentious crap people now read to tell others they are smarter than they really are. I puke at the notion of Jane Austin or the Bronte girls being fine timeless authors... [bradhart]
I read for both. Although I pick books for entertainment I always end up learning things from them. I also like to read biographies and some non-fiction books. Some books, I have learned, are much more accurate in their stories and some of the stuff in them can be looked up on the internet for more information. Other books are made up of nothing but things in someones head. I'm always learning something though that I didn't know before I picked up the book. **AT PEACE WITHIN** ~~STAND STRONG IN YOUR BELIEFS~~ [twoey68]
I agree. Reading fiction often sets me off researching for true facts. [paid2write]
I have always loved to read. I read alot when I am depressed. Instead of taking the time to get help I will hide in my books. I love mysteries, and love novels, but I love educatonal books too. I will read almost anything. I have been reading books by David Pelzer here lately, and Biblical materials. I just love reading because, mainly, reading is free. It happens to be one of the luxeries that almost everyone has--the ability to read and educate. Happy Reading!! [peedielyn]
To me reading is more of a basic necessity than a luxury, and I do agree that books can take you to new places in the mind, and will give new meaning to life through knowledge of other lives. [paid2write]
I must say, I'd probably read for entertainment. Even if it is a serious book, I can be entertained if it is well written and informative, and more importantly, if it can be trusted. [crisesand]
I do know what you mean, I also get a lot of pleasure from reading serious books. [paid2write]
I read for both. I prefer to read light books for entertainment during my summer holidays. Usually I read academic books in winter to help me in my profession. [ronaldinu]
I think it's good to read both types of books, and Summer is a nice time to relax and enjoy some light books. [paid2write]
I read for both entertainment and for knowledge. Currently, I'm reading "The Man Who Listens to Horses" by Monty Roberts. He tells of how he starts horses....tames them. He doesn't break them. It's really interesting the way Monty learned how horses communicate and how he can communicate with them. After I finish this book, I'll read his "Shy Boy". For entertainment, I'll read something like the books that Erma Bombeck wrote. She has a nice humorous tone to her books and I have laughed while reading them. [bluerubymoon53]
I have not heard of Erma Bombeck but I do think it's good to read something that will make you smile or laugh occasionally, as well as reading serious books. [paid2write]
i read for both entertainment and also for knowledge,but maximun i read book which give entertainment and fun.... [bobby_12620]
Nice to know you enjoy reading. [paid2write]