21st Century Literature discussion

Some view and/or use fiction reading as a type of escapism from reality (a break or distraction from the real world/one's life/obligations/etc.)... What do you think of this notion of reading as so-called "escapism" and/or do you ever use it in such fashion?

For me, it’s partially a form of escape. There’s a certain joy in delving into another world. I just finished Mordew and when I was reading it, the real world just dissolved.

I think of reading fiction as a way ( for me an essential way) to feed the imagination. It’s a kind of call and response, the caller being the author and the reader being the responder. Yes, reading can certainly put the day’s cares on a back burner, and that’s important but only one of several reasons for reading fiction. I do suspect we have an almost innate desire to read or hear stories. They help us make sense of the world.

I like that call and response idea, Janet!

What I think about fiction as escapism is that it works. :-) But while it's providing me that much needed break, it's hopefully doing other things too, among them: teaching, providing an expanded world view, and hopefully increasing empathy.

Yes, reading fiction can be a form of escape, but that escape can be so much more, such as an opening up to new ideas, new concepts and experiences that we otherwise wouldn't have had.

I'm loving everyone's answers!

My initial reaction was yes, I definitely read to escape. But in truth, even the most "escapist" reading reflects humanity, our society, people's real stories, etc.

Makes me think about why I read fiction vs non-fiction. It's not that fiction isn't an accurate portrayal of real life, it's just that it's told in a way that sometimes feels more digestible.

In the past, I think I've kind of bristled at the idea of "escapism" in the sense I'm not looking to be distracted or avoid my life or reality per se (which doesn't mean I don't welcome breaks or mindless entertainment), but most of the reading I do feels like a deeper foray into life (issues, humanity, meaning, ethics, confronting the future or the past, etc.). If anything, it often feels like it forces thinking and feelings I can easily avoid in normal life by ignoring the news or simply focussing on my own small part of the world.

That being said, I do love when you get lost in a good book and you have no sense of time or place other than the story.

I can't remember where I read it first, but one of the things fiction allows you to do that real life doesn't is get inside the head of another "person." You're given the chance to share the characters thoughts and feelings in probably the most realistic way possible (Vulcan mindmelds and downloaded digital consciouses aside).

I do have to say that the past year's reality has given fiction a real run for the money. The fiction seems a lot more believable...

I'm partial to Neil Gaiman's quote on the matter:

“People talk about escapism as if it's a bad thing... Once you've escaped, once you come back, the world is not the same as when you left it. You come back to it with skills, weapons, knowledge you didn't have before. Then you are better equipped to deal with your current reality.”

Whitney I love that quote, that's perfect!

This is a very inspiring thread--bring on the escapism!!!