My Journey with Great Literature: Why I Stopped Reading 'Dragonflight'

Books are a precious treasure in our lives, and every individual has a unique journey and relationship with them. Recently, I was asked about the last book I quit reading, and the answer wasn't exactly the usual. I just finished reading 'Lessons in Chemistry', a book that resonated deeply with me. The narrative was compelling, and it connected with me on a personal level. As a result, I purchased a copy and have read it twice since then. This story was about a woman's struggle against misogyny in the 1960s, making it a powerful and engaging read.

Why Not 'Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy'?

Interestingly, I made a vow in high school to never read 'Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy' until I was 50 years old. The reasoning behind this was quite complicated. A large group of my friends had fallen in love with Douglas Adams' works; they would quote it, act out scenes, and even sleep with it. From a second-hand perspective, it seemed like a hilarious book—one that I would eagerly read.

However, the reason for my vow was more related to the cultural phenomenon of the book. I was so steeped in the culture of 'Hitchhiker’s Guide' fanatics that I wondered if I would learn anything new in the coming years. My goal was to hold off on this book until I could appreciate it without the weight of its fame and popularity. Thankfully, I have noticed that the references and enthusiasm about 'Hitchhiker’s Guide' have declined significantly since my high school days.

My Relationship with 'Ayn Rand's Novels

Lastly, I was recently asked about why I have never read Ayn Rand's novels, such as 'The Fountainhead'. My answer was straightforward: I am not interested in didactic novels, regardless of the philosophy behind them. I am a firm believer that when someone is trying to teach me a lesson, my awareness of the writer's intent taints my enjoyment of the story.

I find that when I am reading nonfiction, I am more open to absorbing ideas and concepts. However, when it comes to fiction, I seek a transportive experience. I want to become engrossed in the narrative and become emotionally invested in the characters. Reading a didactic novel, for me, is the opposite of fun. It breaks the immersion and diminishes the emotional connection I need to make with the story.

For instance, if I were reading a novel about veganism, I would prefer something random and nonsensical over a well-written but didactic piece. The same applies to literature promoting atheism or political stances. I am more at ease with a 1970s Manhattan phone book than a short story where a character is clearly the author's mouthpiece in a debate against conservatives.

Interestingly, I recently participated in a Quora discussion about why people didn't want to read Rand. I shared my perspective on didactic novels, but the response was unusual. A commenter confidently insisted that despite my distaste for didactic literature, I would be swept away by 'The Fountainhead'. I opened the chapter with an open mind but was thoroughly unimpressed by the first page. This experience reinforced my belief that everyone has unique tastes and preferences when it comes to literature.