Comments on: Window or Mirror: How Did My Reading Scope Get So Narrow?

By: Alice

Alice — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 11:55:57 +0000

Reading one genre is like only eating roast potatoes, there is no nutritional value. Sure you love them, you enjoy them, but what is healthy about the same thing over and over again?

I’m not saying a well enjoyed genre should be avoided if you become over exposed, this wouldn’t be any good either, being deprived from what makes you happy, however, I think it is always healthy to explore or seek out new things. You could love it, you could hate it, but it will only expand your mind – teach you something new.

I was in a similar position a while back, when I found I was only reading one type of story (Historical Fiction, splitting time between the past and the present), now I ensure that I mix this with novels I wouldn’t think to read normally, that I assume I probably won’t like – most of the time I am surprised.

By: Wendy Mnookin

Wendy Mnookin — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 12:03:56 +0000

I’ve been discovering how relaxing it is for me to read prose–I’m a poet–because I’m not constantly asking myself, “What did I learn from this?” I’ve been reading a lot of fiction and non-fiction this summer and enjoying it immensely. I would love to bring that attitude into my reading of poetry, but I don’t know if that’s possible. I’m always evaluating what the poet is doing, and, if it’s working, how II might bring that into my own writing.

By: Julie Wu

Julie Wu — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 01:04:50 +0000

Thanks for your comment, Priscille! I think we all have our tastes and our genres we can’t stomach, whether that is horror or “literary” fiction. I also think there’s nothing wrong with reading solely in one genre for a time or even forever, but boy, what an eye opener when you venture outside!

By: Julie Wu

Julie Wu — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 01:01:56 +0000

Ann, you’re completely right. It’s so easy to get into a rut in so many facets of our lives. I’ve actually found that meeting other writers also introduces me to books I wouldn’t have normally read. I love it!

Thanks so much for your comment!

By: Julie Wu

Julie Wu — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 00:59:53 +0000

That’s so interesting, Dell. I never went to film school, but it wasn’t until after college that I started watching action movies. I couldn’t believe how exciting they were. I do love (some) arty flims, but there’s something very elemental about action movies, thrillers, etc. that Merchant Ivory just can’t match.

Thanks so much!