Leisure Reading 101

Lesson 1: The Joy of Reading

Reaping the benefits of Non-Fiction

The task of an author of non-fiction is to effectively convey a message to the reader while presenting a solution to a particular problem. The author's goal is to communicate with concise words in order to evoke a desired response. The reader could comply and reach the level the author wishes or the reader could disagree. However, the reader must ask himself, “Is this something that I feel is true or not true of my own level of knowledge?” in order to completely tackle the literary text before a determination can be reached of either in agreement or disagreement to a higher level of thinking.

I love non-fiction because it provides a straightforward task to improve one's life based on the author’s opinions, true-life experiences, and studies. By applying this formula, a reader can either just gain information on the same level they are at, or reach a higher understanding of the points raised in the non-fiction book, and expand their thinking to a higher level.

Let me present some examples of the different types of easy texts compared to much harder texts.

Note: these excerpts are copyrighted protected:

Example one:

Author: Paul G. Stoltz, PhD
Book: Adversity Quotient, Turning Obstacles into Opportunities
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Category: Non-Fiction
Page: Preface, Jacket cover

Adversity Quotient

"More significant than IQ, education, or social skills, your AQ measures your ability to prevail in the face of adversity – and the good news is that AQ can be increased dramatically and quickly.

In this groundbreaking, results-oriented new book, Dr. Stoltz shows you how to assess your won AQ, while giving you the tools you need to permanently boost your ability to survive and succeed. Drawing on recent advances in psychoneuroimmunology, neurophysiology, and cognitive psychology, hundreds of studies and the reports of over 7,500 people who have taken his seminar, Dr. Stoltz provides proven techniques for becoming more productive creative, and competitive while navigating today’s turbulent environment of change, threats and setbacks."

***

Author: Iylana Vanzant
Book: The Value of the Valley
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Category: Non-Fiction
Page: Back cover

The Value in the Valley

“Is it the job you hate but need in order to pay the rent? Is it that relationship that you gave your all to only to end up with a broken heart…again? Perhaps it’s your children, a family member, or a life-long friend doing you in, dragging you down, pushing you to the brink. If you are an honorary member of the Black Woman’s suffering society, you have probably been told that it’s your entire fault. Or that struggling and suffering is your lot in life. Iyanla Vanzant says, No! Life is an Act of Faith and suffering is optional! Those everyday challenges, obstacles, and dilemmas are what Iyanla calls “Valleys.” As bad as they may seem, there is a purpose or as Iyanla says, “There is so much value in the valley.”

***

Author: John Gray Ph. D.
Book: Men are from Mars
Publisher: HarperCollins
Category: Non-fiction
Page: Jacket Cover

Men Are From Mars

"Using this metaphor to illustrate the commonly occurring conflicts between men and women, Dr. John Gray explains how these differences can come between the sexes and prohibits mutually fulfilling loving relationships. Based on years of successful counseling of couples and individuals, he gives advice on how to counteract these differences in communication styles, emotional needs, and modes of behavior to promote a greater understanding between individual partners."

***
The previous excerpts all provide you with a direct solution to your problem even if you didn’t realize a problem existed. Non-fiction titles also illustrate the fundamentals of topics to not only gain better understanding but also to provide more insight into the specialized areas being discussed. These titles are mostly written by people with expertise in the field who have either degrees or years of experience. It is quite easy to determine the literary message and read the content in the titles from which I have just quoted, and to see a solution to the original issue begin raised.

Non-fiction opens up your world to explore the universe in a much better light than you could ever imagine. The author introduces his/her ideas or opinions on the subject matter, trying to convince you that the information being relayed is the best possible way to approach the issue.

Now let's proceed to the next lesson assignment:

"Recommended Reading."

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