Since I haven’t had time to read any historical fiction lately, and therefore don’t have any reviews to write, I thought I’d post some questions to you guys out there who turn up your noses at the historical fiction genre.
Frankly, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the number of positive reviews my novel has received from male readers. On the other hand, I’ve not been the least bit shocked by the men who hear the word “fiction,” and walk away like they will somehow catch an incurable disease from it.
The latter category would include my significant other, who, after reading “Shades of Gray,” confidently told me he would give it three stars. When I asked what was wrong with it, (Translation: I yelled, “what do you mean THREE measly stars?”), he said he just doesn’t like historical fiction. I prodded, (as women have a tendency to do when they are slightly agitated), and he said the battle scenes are well written and interesting, and overall he enjoyed it… BUT he just doesn’t like historical fiction.
(Friendly tip to men: Don’t tell your girlfriend she looks fat in those jeans—and if she’s an author, don’t give her book three stars).
Anyway, back to my original reason for this post. Do you “non-fiction men” out there ever read fiction? Do you just dislike historical fiction or all fiction?
To be honest, I read more non-fiction than fiction myself, but I won’t turn a book down just because it’s fiction. Usually for me it’s a matter of finding the time to read. If I have the choice between spending a few hours with a just-released Civil War diary, or a work of fiction written in this century, I will take the diary.
Which brings me to another aspect of why I often choose non-fiction over fiction. Books are becoming increasingly easier and cheaper to print, so there are obviously some out there that are a great misuse of trees. This seems to be more prevalent in the fiction genres than non-fiction. As a whole, I prefer reading books that reflect the proper use of the English language, and that reveal the traditions and principles this country was built upon. Since these are qualities that are no longer taught and are well nigh forgotten in many publishing circles, I prefer reading books that are at least a century old. (Both fiction and non-fiction).
So what’s your reason to like or dislike fiction? (Especially you three-star-type guys out there). Is it because you only have a certain amount of time to read and you don’t want to “waste your time” on fiction? Or is it that you don’t want your mind bombarded with information you see as being someone else’s interpretation of events? Perhaps your reason is something else or “just because.”
I think it would be really interesting to hear your views. But be nice 🙂
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