The Importance of Reading Fiction

How the unreal may help us to better understand the real.

By Guest Blogger and First Flight Books Summer Intern, Olivia Morelli

Comparative Literature Major, American University of Paris

A pervasive idea about reading has emerged alongside the decline of reading for pleasure: nonfiction is more valuable than fiction. As fewer American adults turn to reading as a pastime, people become more selective about the few books they will spend their time on. It would seem that fiction has fallen by the wayside in the court of public opinion.

As a student of Comparative Literature, I’ve heard this opinion expressed many times, often backed up by the qualification that “nonfiction can teach me unequivocal facts; fiction is just stories.” But this opinion is misguided.

In the last ten years, much research has been done on the effect that reading fiction may have on the neurological makeup of readers.“Research in neuroscience and psychology suggests…[that] reading fiction is not just a pastime - it is a fundamental way in which we learn, empathize, and make sense of the world,” says neuroscience PhD. Aditi Subramaniam.^[1] The act of reading simple stories actually intrinsically changes the way that we interact with the real world. Research done with MRIs in the same study suggests that “the same neural circuits activated when we process real-world social interactions, emotions, and problem-solving are also engaged when we read about fictional events.”

In short, our brain doesn’t seem to know the difference between reading about a fictional problem, and solving a real one; both affect us in the same way. “The brain’s neuron system, which plays a key role in empathy, responds to characters’ experiences as if they were our own.”

This evidence backs up what I believe to be the most valuable effect of reading fiction: exercising your empathy. To spend several cumulative hours literally in the head of another character is an immensely valuable engagement of your capacity for empathy. This is something you will deprive yourself of if you engage solely with nonfictional literature.“It turns out that if you want to gain insight into other people’s thoughts, feelings, and motives, reading fiction typically beats nonfiction.

Fiction is also better for enhancing empathy than watching TV and movies.

Across 70 experiments, novels did more to boost concern for and understanding of others.”^[2] Because of the novel’s ability to insert the reader directly into the psyche of the character, the effect on the brain is greater than simply observing a character in a movie or TV series. You are not just watching the action play out; you are directly involved in it.

In short, the act of reading fiction may result in an entire psychological evolution for those who are open to it. This should not be read as a chastisement to those who prefer nonfiction; I have been known to indulge in a good memoir or collection of essays.

Indeed, reading in all forms is something to be celebrated. And there is so much to be gained from reading nonfiction. But, if you’re looking for a deeper understanding of the world around you, your fellow man, and even yourself, maybe put down the self-help book, and pick up The Hobbit every once in a while.

Because however fantastical, fiction might be the closest approximation to the human experience we have when it comes to reading with feeling.

Works Cited

Grant, Adam. “The Case for Reading Fiction.” Substack.com, Granted, 18 Feb. 2025, adamgrant.substack.com/p/the-case-for-reading-fiction.

Sammi Caramela. “Reading Fiction Can Change Your Brain.”VICE, 23 Mar. 2025, www.vice.com/en/article/reading-fiction-can-change-your-brain/