I am now over 3 years post college. I looked back on my reading list this year, and realized that there has been a massive shift in my reading.
I could probably count on one hand the nonfiction books I read between high school and college graduation (excluding textbooks and reference materials for projects). And every single one of those books were required reading. Between graduation and the beginning of this year, I might have added another handful of nonfiction novels. During the school phase of my life almost all of my reading was fantasy and escapism. I distinctly remember telling a friend that I had quite enough of the real world in the real world and didn’t want to read about it too.
This year alone I read 36 nonfiction novels. This was on top of 26 fiction novels. The majority of the nonfiction was new, while all but 8 of the fiction books were rereads.
I realized that I’m finally far enough away from college to learn for fun. I’m actually seeking out books on topics that interest me, and real life interests have a stronger draw than fantasy. I still like fantasy, but there is room in my head for challenging and thought provoking material. It’s nice.
Anyone have similar experiences?
I’m the opposite I guess. I grew up in a Christian home, so reading historical theology, philosophy and such was what was in my father’s library. However, reading deeper into that world I realized it’s a never ending rabbit hole of changing theories about the past. On top of constantly arguing and debating with fellow readers on subjects it just felt as if there wasn’t an authoritative view on any given subject.
Now I feel a poem is far more reflective of what reality is than expository writings. But I also feel this might be my personality.