Tintin

My question was whether the post was in the correct forum since non fiction is defined as "the branch of literature comprising works of narrative prose dealing with or offering opinions or conjectures upon facts and reality" Ok, it was a provocative response and would surely lead to a discussion but isn't that what a forum is for? There are many other threads where the subject material is debated in depth - why would this one be different? My comments were directed at the content and were not a personal attack. Please do not think or suggest otherwise. Using that logic you could argue that the original post is equally responsible for starting a religious discussion which questions my beliefs. Chimera, I guess it's really a question of how strictly you want to define fiction and non fiction. Ice Cream, I don't have any other type of comment, on any subject, other than my personal opinion. Perhaps I don't fit in here after all

and Hello to you too Keith

Hello and welcome

As a newbie to the forum and at the risk of being controversial, I feel that I have to ask whether anyone else would agree that this post is in the wrong forum (non fiction). Surely the assumption that this has some factual basis is, at best, a topic of contention since it assumes that the character god exists. This presumption also raises a far more fundamental 'hinderance' than whatever 13 are listed inside. If you're already of a religious bent I'm sure this will be of interest but if you are looking for answers can I suggest that you also read Richard Dawkins' "The God Delusion" for balance.

A very astute question! My ex (who's now buried under the patio) used to read the last page of books I was reading and 'drop' it into conversations She was, apparently, an expert lock picker of the Xmas suitcase from an early age ps Just kidding about the patio..

Does sound pretty good doesn't it? The Storyteller would be the single most important part of this and would have to be someone with 'presence' and suitable vocal skills. The rest is relatively easy to sort out. Perhaps if we keep the thread going we may find someone who knows of such an individual and we could get something organised. Some of my other interests (ok, bikes) organise various meets and I don't see why we couldn't try something similar given the right incentive. Either way, post here if you know or have heard of someone like this. Personally, I'd be prepared to travel a fair distance to find an evening like this!

Well done, I struggle with English.. For me the main factor is how good the book is. I'm more likely to skim over a dull section or re-read a good bit. I find a big difference between looking and reading

Some very interesting responses here In the original post I also asked if anyone knew whether 'storytellers' still exist - perhaps I should have made that a separate thread. I'd love to find something less formal than a launch 'reading' - I'm thinking 'round the fire', 'feet up in a comfy chair', 'nice glass of wine', 'chill out and listen to a really good story told by a master storyteller' So, anyone know of such events or is it only children who have these opportunities (less the wine, of course)?

Hi Paul. Welcome to the forum

Hi and welcome Sparkle

I voted 2 but then remembered Audio so in reality 3. The paper books are usually 1 fact, 1 fiction.

I think all the other questions have threads and it got me wondering about why I read. To be honest, a large part of the answer is to pass the time . I listen to audio books on frequent long car journeys and read books at home because I can't bear to watch (most) telly! I'd also have to say that a good story together with the peace and solitude to escape into it is a big draw, although I'd be happy in a reasonable sized crowd if there was an old fashioned storyteller weaving a good tale (do such creatures still exist?) Lastly, there's learning. Providing it's not totally incomprehensible or mind numbingly boring, I'll give it a go - most commonly science and technical material. I once tried a cookery book but found rocket science made more sense So, for curiosity's sake, why is reading your thing? ps I once asked my mum how you know when potatoes are ready. She sighed heavily (as if talking to a simpleton) and said "You just stick a fork in them". "Well mum, I've news for you. I can stick a fork in a raw potato..how does this help?" Logic is nothing without intuition

That'll be me too Supergran. Read books, burn dinner, defrost emergency backup, read books...