And that unknown future brings fear. Dystopian and science fiction novels provide some answers to those questions. Sure, they’re fiction, but they bring normalcy to the chaos of our minds. We don’t know what the future will be like, and reading futuristic novels calm those fears. We see the human race triumph. We see characters falling in love, surviving, finding things that make them happy.
I’m adding “soothes my fear of the unknown” to the reasons I read science fiction and dystopian novels. What about you? What kinds of things do you fear? Do they get soothed in the fiction you choose to read?
I fear being alone. Of not making a difference.
ReplyDeleteAnd I guess the best cure for that is reading the Bible.
Dystopian usually cements how discouraged I get with humanity as a society, but I tend to get so caught up in what's happening to the characters that I don't think about the society and how close our own is to self-destruction until after I'm done reading.
ReplyDeleteI fear failing. I think this is why the lone individual triumphing in a dystopian world appeals to me so much. The WHOLE WORLD is against this character, and yet they still triumph, saving the world, or themselves, or their family. Even if they end up having to sacrifice themselves, they are still triumphant over the grand obstacle, whatever that may be.
ReplyDeleteNothing I fear can be changed by books. The reason I'm addicted to fantasy is the escape. I know people who read realistic fiction because it grounds them. Fantasy does the opposite, for me...I'm going off on a tangent, so I'll be quiet now.
ReplyDeleteLike Susan, I'm also afraid of failing. This is why I love books where the MC character fails and it's okay. They have to deal with the consequences, but doesn't let the failure brings them down. It's very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteDystopian is one of my favourtie genres - because of the future thinking. I remember reading my first dystopians in high school - they really got to me. It does help us to envision a better future.
ReplyDeleteHey, this sounds like a convo I had with a friend several days ago. Must be going around. =) But yeah, I agree that this is one of the reasons distopian novels are so hot, and will continue to sell well for many, many years to come.
ReplyDeleteWell, if my fear was to never complete my destiny (and it is), then any novel pretty much soothes my spirit. That's what they're all about, and they give me courage that it can be done! :)
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