Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Why read Fantasy?


My hubby is eternally puzzled about why I feel the need to pick up a fantasy novel when I could be reading a true crime, murder mystery, or some such other equally acceptable piece of literature. I say to him, I don't want to read something I can see on the news or CSI. I get my fill of that stuff everyday in real life. I want to read something that has it all: Mystery, adventure, war, murder, romance, sex, happily-ever-after, and the epitome of what every little girl wants: A fairy tale.

You see, I never got over my childhood dream of being a princess, of finding a frog and kissing it to rescue prince charming, of rescuing nations in distress from all means of magical mayhem. Why should I have to? I read in my spare time for fun, as a form of entertainment, and to exercise my creativity and imagination. When do we get too old for that? Answer: Never.

I'm not quite sure why I feel that twinge whenever I walk into the fantasy section at the bookstore... you know... that twinge that means other people are probably looking at you and thinking you're a weirdo. I look around and see many people that I would label as "nerdy" or strange. But who the hell cares about labels anyway? I read fairy tales for grown-ups (ok... and a little teen lit thrown in there), and dammit I'm proud!

Take what I'm reading currently for example. It's the sword of truth series. There are 10 books (I think), and they are so wonderful, I've read some of them half-a-dozen times. They are a worn and treasured favourite. I cry when the characters die (even though I KNOW they are going to die because I've read it before), I'm ecstatic when they win. I love to hate the bad guys, and love to cheer for the good guys. If you are enjoying twilight, or any other of the vampire culture books and are feeling the need for something more, this is the place to go.

Reading fantasy novels doesn't make you a nerd... it simply makes you well read!

P.S. The first book in this series is Wizards First Rule. Highly Recommended.

9 comments:

clare @ the pretty walrus said...

thank you for this recommendation! i did wonder what i'd do with myself when i finish the twilight books!!

Carolina said...

I've read and enjoyed all of the Harry Potter books. And Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. So perhaps I could try and like Wizzards First Rule. Who knows. Maybe I'll put on my anorak and glasses and sneak into the weirdo section of the bookstore ;-)

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Anonymous said...

have you completely read this book.

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Heather said...
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Heather said...

Thanks Jewels, I need a new series and as you and I are well read soul mates, honey, I'm only too happy to take on your recommendations. Yay, looking forward to meeting my new friends. :-)

Jerry K said...

My wife and stepson are completely in agreement with you, but I will have to side with your better half. I think that I need a practical reason for reading something, and non-fiction fulfills that requirement.

Carolina said...

Hi, just to let you know that I'm slightly worried about you and miss you. Be okay. Okay?

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