A Mug of Insights 030: Why Reading Intimidates Us, Fiction vs. Non-Fiction, and How To Start A Book Club
Nov 12, 2025
Explore the reasons why fiction can feel more daunting than nonfiction and how it fosters empathy. Get tips on starting a book club that everyone values, ensuring steadfast commitment. Learn strategies to avoid reading fatigue by matching book difficulty with ability and savoring your reading time. Discover the benefits of sampling books like fine whiskey and the importance of connecting with diverse reading communities. Plus, find out how to read efficiently and effectively while keeping the joy alive!
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Why Fiction Feels Harder
- Fiction sits higher on the reading difficulty pyramid because it asks you to construct new perspectives, feelings, and language.
- Practice and repeated exposure train the imagination and empathy needed to read complex fiction.
Make Your Book Club Worth Showing Up For
- Set clear value and barriers so people commit to your book club, even charging modest fees if needed.
- Design the group to attract members who truly value the experience rather than making it too easy to skip.
How Academics Read Efficiently
- Experienced academic readers vary speed and skim to identify crucial passages quickly.
- Skill and pattern recognition let them extract one or two usable quotes without reading every page.
