michael -

In terms of books (well, actually, everything) I pretty much gravitate towards non-fiction. I don't really like most fiction as it seems to me anyone can make up a story but real life is so much more interesting because it is just that, "real." I love history in particular, in seeing how it has led us to where we are today. I particularly find... more »

In terms of books (well, actually, everything) I pretty much gravitate towards non-fiction. I don't really like most fiction as it seems to me anyone can make up a story but real life is so much more interesting because it is just that, "real." I love history in particular, in seeing how it has led us to where we are today. I particularly find WWII interesting but that is, no doubt, in part because growing up in England everyone talked about "The War" as if it had just happened. It has had such a lasting profound effect.

I like a lot of books but generally am really turned off by the glossy top (pulp) sellers others often gravitate towards--you know the ones, the fictionalised drama telling genre of Stephen King, Michael Crighton, John Grisham and the like--more story tellers than real literary "authors," per se.

But, if it's a real story, especially ones base on testimonies or overcoming incredible difficulties and circumstance, then I can get into it at least in part because I find people fascinating. I love people. I would even rather be around someone who shared radically different views to me but was sincere and bravely outspoken (whilst remaining kind to others) than someone who thought just like me but also played the PC game and never dared ruffle any feathers. (One sees that all the time at work.) That's so boring. Give me passion any day! « less