Lately I ve been wondering about all the trigger warnings we’re stating to see in books. They exist because the content of the book can be emotionally scarring for some. I hadnt really through about ow these themes could affect me when I dont consider them a trigger – just a good storyline.
Do you find that sometimes what your reading can affect your mood? For me if a character I like (especially in a series Im really invested in) dies I find that my mood dips. Likewise when a positive moment happens I feel happier. I suppose reading on my lunch break doesn’t help – because when you’re ‘back at your desk’ and people drop their problems on you my brains still processing the fictional tragedy that’s just happened and the inane queries just annoy me because something (fictionally) bigger is way more important.
And, I know some people enjoy a spicy book for just that reason but I find its the low moments that really get me. Thats something I ve only recognised in myself recently. My lack of patience or frustration seems to trend with books that are darker, have more abusive violence or MC deaths. Whilst I dont feel any lighter or more positive with a romcom or lighter beach style read. For me thats interesting.
I think reading is a powerful activity that can transport us to different worlds, introduce us to new ideas, and inspire a wide range of emotions; the content we consume can significantly influence our emotional state.
Fiction: The Emotional Rollercoaster
I think fictional stories have a unique ability to engage our emotions deeply when we’re really invested in the story and characters. When we really immerse ourselves in a novel, we often form strong connections with the characters. We feel their joys, sorrows, triumphs, and failures as if they were our own, or at least someone close to us. This emotional engagement can lead to a range of feelings that aren’t always acknowledged as real by the non readers, or those with less active imaginations.
Non-Fiction: Inspiring and Informative
Non-fiction books and articles can also have an impact emotionally, for me the Nick Hayes books about how we’re losing access to our land, and the classic Silent Spring really made me think about things. They created a type of fear that stuck with me, made me want to join the right to roam movement and consider whats in the food I eat, creams I use and whether we are killing the soil so we can have easy access to things all year round.
What types of reading material do you find most emotionally engaging?
One More Chapter 