Fiction vs Non-Fiction - My own discovery

I used to be a voracious reader! I would read everything and anything except for Sci-Fi.

The last couple of years, I haven't spent the time. Really, it's a matter of priorities and I found that if I had to choose between going to the gym or laying in bed and reading a book. I choose the gym. I also noticed that my tastes in books have radically changed. When I was younger, I would read lots of fiction, romance etc. Now, however, it no longer appeals to me. To be brutally honest, the only non-fiction writer I read is her. And not only do I love her as a person, but I "get" her writing and her characters. Since I know her background, I also know where some of the inspiration comes from. Thus, it is interesting to me. Her latest bookwas particularly intriguing to me since I knew her daughter had spent time in Romania serving in the hospital and orphanage so I really knew the basis for the experiences of the character. It was more real to me than fiction normally is.

Well at the last book signing she did, I saw a small little book on sale for just a couple of bucks. Those around me said it was a great book and outlined the premise. I thought it sounded interesting and for a couple of bucks, I bought two copies. Once for me and one to give as a gift.

The book?
The Wednesday Letters by Jason F Wright.
The premise is that the married couple dies and their children find these letters that husband has written to wife every single Wednesday since the day they got married. Some family secrets come out, and in the end there is a lesson on repentance, forgiveness and redemption.

Sounds good right? eh, okay I guess. While it was a quick read, and had a great message, I think I've realized that other than hers, non-fiction books just feel too contrived for me. I want a REAL story. I want to read about REAL things, REAL people and REAL situations. Give me a biography, and I am in heaven. That's probably why I read the newspaper every single day (and not on line - real ink and paper), read People magazine (debatable about realness, I know) and have discovered the joys of other's blogs. Unless you are lying on your blog, then me no likey.

I've discovered, I'm no good with fantasy. No good with pretend or made-up. I want something real and something true. I've discovered I am no longer a fiction reader. Just the facts ma'am!