I was going to say exactly that about "real" literature: monotonous and limiting. - Edit 1
Before modification by Aeryn at 02/12/2009 01:58:31 PM
Divorcing conditions from the circumstances that historically caused them to arise leads to a much higher likelihood that the author may get confused what the real issue was in the first place.
My point is that limiting oneself to diversions limits intellectual, psychological and emotional growth. Camilla added another valid point, namely, that going outside familiar patterns and comfort zones is essential.
As for Eternal Sunshine, it is not very speculative and is essentially a relationship movie. In any event, it is not a diversion.
My point is that limiting oneself to diversions limits intellectual, psychological and emotional growth. Camilla added another valid point, namely, that going outside familiar patterns and comfort zones is essential.
As for Eternal Sunshine, it is not very speculative and is essentially a relationship movie. In any event, it is not a diversion.
Not very speculative? The technology to erase memories and walk backwards through them doesn't exist. The movie is entirely speculative, although it does have emotions and protagonists you care about, with a focus on relationships. In books, it's waht I'd call "character-driven." I found Eternal Sunshine a lovely and entertaining diversion.
"Going outside familiar patterns and comfort zones" is another reason to read speculative fiction.
You have an interesting definition of "speculative" to include mainly works you don't like, and exclude quality speculative books/movies, and arrive at the tautology of "speculative fiction is not quality food." So in your universe, you win. You're right.