People have a voracious appetite for good stories. From film and television to radio programs to a friend telling a tale, the human ear is always willing to listen to an engaging narrative. Once the printed word came into fashion, published fiction quickly became widespread and beloved, and it has not slowed down since. For all those who claim that people are reading less fiction, a simple look at sales figures for the genre should put that to rest. Fiction lets the reader inhabit a different world. Fantasy, horror, children's stories, science fiction, short stories and more continue to prove that whatever a reader's tastes, there is something for everyone in the world of fiction. Our lives are filled with work and responsibility and we can always use a break from both of these. Fiction not only gives us that, but it stimulates the mind and makes us healthier and wiser at the same time. Fiction is also quite affordable. As it is a type of publication that typically does not involve graphics or the need for special paper, fiction is one of the least expensive segments on the market today. Newer hardcover titles may be more expensive, but popular books will quickly publish a paperback edition to reach the widest audience. Classic fiction by the Brontes or Henry James will likewise be affordable, as it is often in the public domain and able to be printed by any publisher. Affordable pocket editions are common for classic fiction. Fiction is also a common cultural thread that helps us define who we are as a society. Its importance cannot be understated. Moby Dick and Uncle Tom's Cabin are just a few examples of fiction that is common to us all, that unites us, and offers an entertaining way to understand the world. Future books will do the same, and it is a safe bet that the significance of fiction in our lives will not diminish. |
