So you are going to try something different as you said, "Goal for this year is to see if I can learn to read for enjoyment and not information or education. It seems like a waste of time to me but if I can find a way to use it as a way to relax or step back then maybe it has value."

My Dad was totally self-educated, and a voracious reader. His choice for relaxation was primarily biography, but he pointed out when I complained about reading the classics (Catholic HS girls' education in the 1960's.) "You can learn something from everything you read if you keep an open mind. " He is right - now I love to read historical fiction, especially written by people of other countries, cultures, a variety of religions. It has contributed to my understanding of people, my knowledge of geography and history. I also love to read fiction by regional author who write from their personal knowledge and experience of their local culture...Maybe you can "dip your toes" into that pool?
Sue

@wisfamily That series of books is on my shelves, read several times through the years, with underlines and comments in the margins. Growing up, books were held in very high esteem in our house, and marking them up was a major no-no. Now, ones that are important to me, ones I will keep, get highlighters and notes because they are "speaking" to me. Right now, I am going through training for peritoneal dialysis, and everything is contained in an iPad program. Dang, I hate that I cannot do the highlighting, marks and notes! My little spiral notebook is getting a workout.

Take your time, digest the words of wisdom, inhale the spirit the lessons are presented.....

On my relaxation reading table is an ebook that requires no heavy thinking, always a good way to end the day.
Ginger

@wisfamily

I love to read and always have since I could hold a book up until this day. I mostly read fiction since college and have favorite authors. I do take exception to your point that implies fiction has no value as far as teaching or learning new information. That is not the case and what @sueinmn said about her father.....my father was of the same mind. I grew up around books.

There have been numerous scientific studies concluding that reading fiction has multiple benefits. Fiction activates the area of the mind relating to empathy. Essentially the brain reacts as if we are actually living the events and can help us in negotiating our social world and sometimes complex relationships.

Fiction is effective for releaving stress because you are temporarily disengaged from events around you causing that stress. This is why fiction readers tend to sleep better. Regular readers of fiction tend to have lower stress levels, higher self esteem and lower rates of depression than non readers.

Fiction opens up your mind and can help you to look at different perspectives of people and perhaps be more appreciative and understanding of others.

Fiction readers tend to have a larger and better vocabulary. I am the type to tends to look up an unfamiliar word. Both my children have amazing vocabularies and are masterful at writing.

You can learn anything by reading anything , even the back of a soup can label. Your book The Four Agreements does sound interesting but I had to smile when I saw the topics regarding mastering awareness and not making assumptions. An avid fiction reader can achieve all that.

While I do read non fiction from time to time my true joy is fiction.....I am currently reading a favorite author...Joyce Carol Oates...."The Falls". I have also put a hold on the latest Stephen King novel (there's an author and makes time fly by).

Do I learn something new everytime I pick up a fiction novel....you bet I do.

FL Mary

I read the The Four Agreements years ago and found it to be such a powerful book. Also read other books by the same author.