Quote:
Originally Posted by j.p.s
I agree that fiction can be a better vehicle for ideas than non-fiction, but disagree that non-fiction is inherently a "simple recitation of facts".
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I phrased that badly. I enjoy both fiction and nonfiction. However, I prefer my nonfiction to stick to verifiable facts. I dislike nonfiction that speculates about a person's state of mind or motive or presumed interior dialogue. I dislike nonfiction that reaches conclusions without a firm basis in documented sources. Speculation is what fiction does well. Facts are what nonfiction does well (one hopes). As for those fiction books that are "based on fact," I usually end up doing a ton of research in an attempt to separate fact from fiction in my head, and end up driving myself crazy.