Feeling guilty about not reading non-fiction ?

[mbovenka]

Originally Posted by Bilbo1967

It's called 'The Age of Wonder' by Richard Holmes.

Amazon link to it here.

I've read it as well, and I second the recommendation. Good book. I second the Michener as well if you're into that kind of stuff.

[WT Sharpe]

Originally Posted by Latinandgreek

Actually, yes, I have been feeling guilty - not too guilty, as I needed a little more fiction in my life, but guilty nonetheless! Since I've had my reader I been reading a lot more fiction and a lot less non-fiction. The non-fiction books that I read are generally concerned with linguistics, but I also like to read biographies, books about mythology, books about various religions that I would like to learn more about, books about food (not limited only to recipes) and ancient history. I just picked up a book called "A History of Celibacy" from the library which looks interesting (my husband rolled his eyes when he saw me pick that one up!).

I need to read more books about mythology. I took a course on mythology once, but there are so many gods, goddesses, demigods and heroes that it's impossible to keep track of them all. Of course, the situation isn't helped by the fact that each culture has their own individual legends and myths.

[lilac_jive]

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

I need to read more books about mythology. I took a course on mythology once, but there are so many gods, goddesses, demigods and heroes that it's impossible to keep track of them all. Of course, the situation isn't helped by the fact that each culture has their own individual legends and myths.

The best one on the Greeks and Romans is Edith Hamilton's "Mythology."

[WT Sharpe]

Originally Posted by lilac_jive

The best one on the Greeks and Romans is Edith Hamilton's "Mythology."

Thanks. There's a lot on my plate at the moment, but I will get around to checking that out, eventually.

[Latinandgreek]

Originally Posted by lilac_jive

The best one on the Greeks and Romans is Edith Hamilton's "Mythology."

One that I liked was "Comparative Mythology" by Jaan Puhvel, there is a lot on ancient myths in India and Iran, although he covers other Indo-European groups as well. I would like to read up more on Japanese mythology, hopefully I'll come accross a good book covering that soon.

[lilac_jive]

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

Thanks. There's a lot on my plate at the moment, but I will get around to checking that out, eventually.

Glad to hear it. It's very easy to read, and it's broken up into short stories if that seems less daunting to you.

[WT Sharpe]

Originally Posted by lilac_jive

Glad to hear it. It's very easy to read, and it's broken up into short stories if that seems less daunting to you.

So far I haven't been able to find any of Edith Hamilton's works in ebook editions. I mainly tried to find her Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes. I may have to bite the bullet and buy paper.

[WT Sharpe]

Originally Posted by Latinandgreek

One that I liked was "Comparative Mythology" by Jaan Puhvel, there is a lot on ancient myths in India and Iran, although he covers other Indo-European groups as well. I would like to read up more on Japanese mythology, hopefully I'll come accross a good book covering that soon.

I'll try to find that as well. Thanks!

[lilac_jive]

Originally Posted by WT Sharpe

So far I haven't been able to find any of Edith Hamilton's works in ebook editions. I mainly tried to find her Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes. I may have to bite the bullet and buy paper.

You should. It's a good thing to always have on your bookshelf (or is that only because I got my degree in Classics?). You can find a copy in any bookstore though.

[Latinandgreek]

Originally Posted by lilac_jive

You should. It's a good thing to always have on your bookshelf (or is that only because I got my degree in Classics?). You can find a copy in any bookstore though.

I agree (and not only because I, too, am a classics buff!). Literature is so full of mythological references (including and perhaps even especially children's / YA lit) that I feel it's a good idea to have some sort of reference work for mythology (either classical or mythology in general) on your shelf, it really enriches your reading.

[lilac_jive]

Originally Posted by Latinandgreek

I agree (and not only because I, too, am a classics buff!). Literature is so full of mythological references (including and perhaps even especially children's / YA lit) that I feel it's a good idea to have some sort of reference work for mythology (either classical or mythology in general) on your shelf, it really enriches your reading.

Plus it's a darn good read

If anyone needs some non-fiction recommendations, I've got some up on my blog right now (just click the non-fiction tag).
/shameless promo

[WT Sharpe]

Originally Posted by lilac_jive

You should. It's a good thing to always have on your bookshelf (or is that only because I got my degree in Classics?). You can find a copy in any bookstore though.

Originally Posted by Latinandgreek

I agree (and not only because I, too, am a classics buff!). Literature is so full of mythological references (including and perhaps even especially children's / YA lit) that I feel it's a good idea to have some sort of reference work for mythology (either classical or mythology in general) on your shelf, it really enriches your reading.

You two have convinced me. I just ordered the paperback.

[happy_terd]

I don't feel guilty at all. I read books for a relaxing escape once in a while. Reality has its time and place.

[Katti's Cat]

I don't feel guilty about not reading non-fiction more. Sometimes a fiction book leads me to look for a non-fiction or i pick up a non-fiction when I see something that interests me. But guilty? Definately not. What is the point of me getting more non-fiction (either bought or from library) and I don't enjoy them and therefore won't read them.

For me, reading is mainly about escape and relaxing.

[tech_au]

Originally Posted by Katti's Cat

I don't feel guilty about not reading non-fiction more. Sometimes a fiction book leads me to look for a non-fiction or i pick up a non-fiction when I see something that interests me. But guilty? Definately not. What is the point of me getting more non-fiction (either bought or from library) and I don't enjoy them and therefore won't read them.

For me, reading is mainly about escape and relaxing.

Reading is also about escape and relaxing for me also. Almost all of the non-fiction ebooks I recently purchased have been for entertainment.
Such as humorous travel adventures by Bill Bryson and Charley Boorman or funny rantings of Jeremy Clarkson on his view of the world.
I don't want to read ebooks that are too heavy. I get enough of that at work