Are readers wrapped up in unrealistic dreams created by books?

I believe my world is highly influenced by the books I read as reading is basically what I do with most of the hours when I'm free. Most of what I read is rather academic which gives a solid view of the society. I do read novels and different genres of fictions as well (fantasy, sci-fi, romance), and I've got to say the world in the book does come into real life, not much, but it does. I think it is inevitable, if you are the kind who doesn't get affected at all, you probably won't like fiction. Unrealistic sounds harsh though. Hoping for perfection, maybe considered unrealistic. However, even if you never get to be perfect, hoping for perfection or just hoping to become better always changes your life in the better way. I believe the most important thing is you try to learn what you really want and have a strong grip to it so that books can help you but not throw you around with completely different ideals.

I think that the reading is the biggest attraction to me because I could taste life in varied books.Same as you,Sometimes I completely lost in the books.When I was at shool,I usually forgot to food and to sleep for konfu fiction and others.Now,I was still moved in the romance novel,but I know,the story drawn from life and no one is perfected as dramatic personates:)

you're not alone my friend. i think it really depends on the convincing power of the author. if there is a semblance to reality, i tend to believe the author and digest every word the book could offer. sometimes, the book even manages to circumvent my existing philosophy hahahaha.

Books make people imagine. so it is natural for people to go into a state of dreams. Bt the best part is they come to reality as soon as they close the books. It is a very good way to exercise your imagination. Books in fiction helps this much.

oh yes. i would always dream of my prince charming. Or i'd wish and look for that perfect relationship where a guy would love me and be willing to sacrifice even his life for me (as portrayed in these books). And at times, reality just is a far FAR cry. at times i would compare my guy friends with those heros in my novels and am sadly disappointed. i wouldn say you're NOT the only one. in fact i credit the authors. it takes some real talent to be able to draw us (readers) in and make us want.

I don't think that books take you into an unrealistic dream and if they do then I think it is a positive experience that everyone should have. It's hard living in your day to day life without having anything that would take you away from all your stresses and frustrations. I think that books help a lot of people just mellow out and relax. Books also help you think and make you smarter so I don't really see anything negative that comes from books.

That's like asking, "What came first? The Chicken or the egg?" If a writer can get the reader to become the character, then they've hit the bulls eye. A writer draws off of their experience to write a story that a reader can relate to. I've never known a reader that doesn't want to escape into a good book of fiction no matter what the genre. That includes myself. As a reader, we all have to walk that fine line of fantasy and reality, but that's what makes reading fun. DCMerkle

I used to get wrapped up in books and I honestly think that that helped a great deal with stress I used to have. I don't think that I wrap myself up in the story so much anymore, although there is a book that I like to wrap my fiance and I in, as it's a great book about the past.

I suppose it is possible but it's a problem I've never had. I can jump into a novel to an extent but it never has an affect on my life. I read fiction every once in a while since I spend all my reading time in books of an educational nature: history, current issues, science and so on.

I also jump into books and live the story with the characters while I am reading. I find this a good way to escape for a time the problems I am facing or the dreariness of my life. When I am done with the book, however, I have no trouble recognizing where fantasy ended and real life begins. No doubt some of the experiences in the book may influence my choices in real life but I don't expect a fairy tale existence. I suppose it is possible for some who may be predisposed to emotional problems to be unduly swayed by what they read. Just as I feel that violent entertainment leads certain people to act violently. But for the most part I think we can draw the line between fact and fantasy.

our lives are filled with mundane activities and endless monotony. where as i think people are built for challenges and adventure so we turn to books as a substitute. and novels are usually written my older and experienced people so usually read some elements of truth written in a form of fiction. but you should realize that in fiction things are over exaggerated whether things are made to appear to good or too bad. that is where you draw the line and at the end of the day realize that it is still just fiction and was made for its entertainment value.