Into the Fire

Reading fiction is a practice, a hobby, an enjoyment, a treasure for those of us who infuse stories into our bloodstreams. We read novels because they provide us with all kinds of experiences in places we've either been or will never see in person, during the past, present, or future, and with people we'll either like, love, or hate who have all kinds of problems either just like us or like those we hope to never have.

So what happens when a book we read leaves us with a negative impact? It touches us alright but not the way we'd hoped. In fact, we wish we'd never selected it, started it, finished it, bought it, taken it from a friend, or promised to read it. We hate the stupid book.

There are two movies which come to mind immediately when I think of examples with negative impacts. I would add a third, but I didn't bother to finish watching it. I won't tell you what they are because I don't want to insult you. I hated them, although they were completely different kinds of films, one historical, one contemporary (but many years ago), they had one thing in common: arrogance. And by that I mean the older then-contemporary movie presented its slow-moving story of pathetic characters who appeared to think of their individual dilemmas as important, attaching such drama to their baseless personas while the producers and director assumed the audience would find their situations valuble somehow to the understanding of life in general. The historical film took a piece of history and gave its own interpretation of an event but not without the token sex scene and an exaggerated portrayal of the villainous powers-that-were. Pretentious wastes of a lot of money. Of course both films were critically acclaimed. I hated them. Totally. 

If you ask readers what produces a negative impact from a novel, it will depend on who you ask. Christians and unbelievers might agree on two similar responses: uninspired/unlikable characters and lousy plots. Beyond those, there might be some division in additional factors.

So, for you, reading a novel, what leaves you with a negative impact? 

Father, as writers we can't write for everyone, but we can always ask you for assistance to reach those to whom you direct us. Help us to follow your lead. Always. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.