is reading novels a waste of time??

Hmmmmmmmm?....This is the 11th hour mark and not one comment by the author of this discussion. With more than 60 responses to boot. Antony, I think some of us would like to know your reaction to our comments.

No, I think reading novels is a wonderful part of life! I don't do it to improve my vocabulary - I do it because I love getting into the lives of the characters and wondering what will happen to them - and how they will solve their problems or deal with their relationships. Without reading, life for me would not be so rich and wonderful. Escaping into a book is the greatest stress reliever I know.

Actually I don't agree. This was confirmed for me as one time I took test for the military. There was a room full of us. I had been out of school for many years and I was told I did better than everyone else there. I thought that really odd, for hteir were people just out of high school and many older like me. My recruiter then asked me if I read a lot. I replied yes. He said that's why I did so well on the test. That I was keeping my mind fresh and knowledgeable by reading. Allowing me to know the meaning of words and how to use them correctly. Also the things I learned from reading for the other parts of the test that were not related to anything I had ever done in life. So I have to say I believe reading is very good for us.

I really love reading novels! I am currently in a series called 'Left Behind' and am on book 9 out of 12. To me reading novels is just a fun way to pass the time. When it comes to reading novels for a class involving a grade that is another story though because you have to read it instead of something that you are choosing to read. There is usually a huge difference between a novel and a movie! Try reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and then watching the movie version of it! Totally different!

I don't think it is a waste of time. It helps your mind and keeps you alert. You get relaxation reading novels. Sure you finish one and then you go to another,but you relax and picture yourself where the heroine is. I can remember what a novel was about that I have read just by looking at the cover of the book.

Not at all, you certainly can improve your vocabulary in different way, but by reading you can increase your vocabulary while keeping your mind stimulated and always thinking.

I do not think this is a waste of time. Reading actually relaxes me. Also, I collect books so that when I feel like reading them again. I have a tendency also to recall a certain "scene" from a book. If I have the book, then I can easily refer to it. It also enhances and helps me widen my vocabulary. By reading different types of literature,I am helping myself learn some more.

I'm sorry. I don't agree. Whether novels are nonfiction or fiction, I still like to read them. Most of the time, I read Christian novels because they remind me of how good God is to all of us.

Hi antony, I don't believe reading novels is a waste of time. You will always learn something from reading. It is true that some are better than others, but any reading is good. It is also true that we need some entertainment, so watching a movie is not a complete waste of time either. Blessings.

No, it's not waste of time. Reading is not the same as watching movies, especially when you read good novels. Reading can improve your understanding as well as writing and vocabulary. Reading novels can also improve your mind. I like reading.

I do not think of it as a waste of time. I think reading novels is a form of entertainment - of relaxation. Not everything you do in your life has to be productive - sometimes you just need to have down time.

reading novels is a wonderful thing,its not waste of time. Apart from increasing vocabulary, there are many other benefits. It increases our concentration level, prevents dementia or Alzheimer's disease which is becoming very common these days. So dear it has all good points.

For me its not really a waste of time. Its a good way to use your imagination. You get to choose how the picture of the story goes. It also does help improve in ones vocabulary. If I don't get to understand a particular word, I do consult the dictionary and this help me broaden my vocabulary. It also helps when you get to read a book you are interested in. It will be fun rather than obligatory.

i don't believe novels are a waste of time, yes their are other was of increasing your vocabulary but to me readings is the most interesting way of doing it. Also novels can probably entertain you than having to watch television often. (:

The reason you see novels as a waste of time seems to be clear in your whole attitude towards any activity. That if it doesn't give you an extra benefit - money, answers for an exam, a better vocabulary- it's useless. What about doing something just for enjoying it? With no side benefits? When I read a good novel, I'm not looking to boost my vocabulary or to get money. I'm looking to just enjoy the experience itself. Don't you do anything simply because you like it? Not because you're thinking "if I do this, than I'll get this"? Isn't "because it's fun" reason enough? Is pleasure really a waste? I hope not. Fun isn't everything, but I certainly think life without it is lacking something. So, the use of books is to give me fun -sometimes knowledge, but mainly a good time. And, some people get that with movies or tv or anything else. And, none of that is a waste. And, who says you forget about the books? Just because people read more than one novel in their lives doesn't mean they forget the ones they've read before. I remember tons of books, and have new ones to add to the ones I remember -and ones to read again.

I can say, for me at least, that reading has improved my vocabulary. You can study to improve your vocabulary, but it's not nearly as enjoyable. I always hated studying, but reading takes me to another place where my imagination can take over and seeing the words and descriptions does something that a movie can't. Although, I love movies, too. Reading is relaxing to me, as long as it is a good book that I like. In one way I agree with you. Like the points system in schools that makes our kids read a certain amount each semester for points. My son, that loved to read when he got something he was interested in, quickly became one that doesn't now because he would get panicked about making "points" and try to get books with the most points so he could meet his quota each time. Being forced to read instead of being encouraged is detrimental in my opinion.

No, it's not a waste of mine. If I am somewhere where I really don't want to get into no business or anything, the book is where it helps. Folks tell me they always see my nose stuck in a book, and sometimes I feel it helps me keep out of other's business anyway so no to me, it is NOT a waste of time.

You're right about one thing; most people will certainly disagree with you. Reading is the best way to spend your spare time. You improve your reading skills and it opens up a whole new world to you and you get to take yourself to far away places without ever having to leave your couch. It gives you something to think about and talk about and books have an everlasting impact on your life. Before you give reading up altogether, find yourself one good book to read and then see if your mind won't be changed. I hope so because reading is gift that will keep on giving you pleasure long after you've spent any money you've earned.

it's absolutely not. reading can enrich our vocabulary,and give us the inspiration to write.and also i find it's a ideal way to get rid of bad mood if you are in trouble or with boredom. the most thing we do about reading is we can share our views through communication. it's no doubt the useful thing for us to pursue.

It depends on the person. If you love reading, then reading novels will only take you one seating. Maybe 3 hours or so. Thus, it's not a waste of time for you since you can do other things after. If you're slow at reading, novels are definitely a waste of time. Try comic strips.