Will books ever really change someone's mind?

Will books ever really change someone's mind?
by

1 Answer

Answer :

Books have changed my thoughts (or at least have directed them) my entire life. I don’t mean political or “preachy” novels, per say, instead I mean average fiction novels that present ideas in a different way. For instance, My Sister’s Keeper literally changed my feelings about the idea of genetic engineering because the book made me actually think about the consequences of it (whether they be good or bad). The whole importance of novels is that they make people think in a new way. I don’t think I’d be half the person I am today if I hadn’t read so much as a child.
by

Related questions

How would you describe a hula hoop to someone's who's never seen one before?

Description : How would you describe a hula hoop to someone's who's never seen one before?

Last Answer : answer:Hula Hoop: A lightweight ring you step into the center of, lift up to your waist then move your hips in a figure 8 in attempt to keep the hoop up.

Are there any quick, reliable methods for setting someone's clothes on fire? Please see details.

Description : Are there any quick, reliable methods for setting someone's clothes on fire? Please see details.

Last Answer : Alcohol does funny things ;)

In your opinion, are today's Best Seller books, especially the fiction, really that good?

Description : In your opinion, are today's Best Seller books, especially the fiction, really that good?

Last Answer : Sometimes.

Blank books: have you ever actually written in one?

Description : Blank books: have you ever actually written in one?

Last Answer : answer:I have written much prose to the blank page. I liken it to that of a baby, empty of experience, innocent fresh. Is each mark a scar? Or an ornate thing of beauty and joy? I think it is both. ... burden. But I have never been given or bought one. So I have no idea whether I would write in one

Writers, how do you feel when an idea suddenly crosses your mind?

Description : Writers, how do you feel when an idea suddenly crosses your mind?

Last Answer : I feel and have learned to know that if I don’t get the idea down in writing—even just a snippet of the idea—I’ll lose it. Can’t even begin to guess how many ideas for poems and stories have vanished forever because I didn’t do that.

What classicaI song/piece transforms your imagination or brings you to a specific(or reoccurring)place in your mind?

Description : What classicaI song/piece transforms your imagination or brings you to a specific(or reoccurring)place in your mind?

Last Answer : The 1812 Overture. A powerful piece which helps me find the courage to go on even when I might be considering giving up.

Could you recommend a novel that will keep my nervous mind off my flight?

Description : Could you recommend a novel that will keep my nervous mind off my flight?

Last Answer : I know this is a bit of a stretch, but when I was flying home from Guatemala with the worst stomach bug ever, I picked up a Nintendo DS in the airport-the game kept me enthralled. ... need distraction I find the interactivity really helps. Otherwise, Pulp by Bukowski. Total page turner. But short.

How do I find clients online who value writing skills, including the ability to develop a "vulcan mind meld" with clients, then ghostwrite blogs and other articles?

Description : How do I find clients online who value writing skills, including the ability to develop a "vulcan mind meld" with clients, then ghostwrite blogs and other articles?

Last Answer : Star Trek chatrooms?

Which of the areas would you most likely try and change someone's mind....rest in details?

Description : Which of the areas would you most likely try and change someone's mind....rest in details?

Last Answer : How about not trying to change others to fit your own beliefs and just let people live?

Which fiction books imply/say the Giza pyramid hosts inside a high-power maser that almost destroyed the solar system?

Description : Which fiction books imply/say the Giza pyramid hosts inside a high-power maser that almost destroyed the solar system?

Last Answer : Try this

How important is it to you that fictional characters (in books/movies/TV) be likable?

Description : How important is it to you that fictional characters (in books/movies/TV) be likable?

Last Answer : I am left wondering if by likeable they mean well suited for the plot.

Do people still read books nowadays?

Description : Do people still read books nowadays?

Last Answer : I do but I have found my novel reading is not what it used to be. I just do not seem to have the interest in fiction that I used to. Not that I don’t, just not as much, maybe only 5 or 6 a year now.

Are you planning to, or have actually you written one or more books that were published?

Description : Are you planning to, or have actually you written one or more books that were published?

Last Answer : My wife is about to submit to harlequin novels. But they are as voracious as Galactus, so it’s almost a path of least resistance, especially compared to the rest of the print media world.

Who are your favorite authors of the 1920’s, which books, and why?

Description : Who are your favorite authors of the 1920’s, which books, and why?

Last Answer : answer:I’ll have to go with H.P. Lovecraft. Cool Air, The Case of Charles Dexter Ward, The Cats of Ulthar, the Doom that Came to Sarnath, The Rats in the Walls, the entire Elder Gods mythos…

Who are your favorite authors of the 1930’s and 1940’s, which books, and why?

Description : Who are your favorite authors of the 1930’s and 1940’s, which books, and why?

Last Answer : Well, of course the gold standard for that time period – particularly the dust bowl – John Steinback’s “The Grapes of Wrath. ”. A great read. A lesser known novel of proletarian immigrant life is “Jews without Money” by Michael gold. Also, “Call it Sleep” by Henry Roth – a bildingsroman.

Who are your favorite authors of the 1950’s, which books, and why?

Description : Who are your favorite authors of the 1950’s, which books, and why?

Last Answer : I like John Wyndham. He wrote ‘The Day of the Triffids’ and ‘The Kraken Wakes’ . They are apocalyptic science fiction novels set against the backdrop of the cold war.

Do you prefer reading standalone books or books that are part of a series?

Description : Do you prefer reading standalone books or books that are part of a series?

Last Answer : Mostly, I think I just like any good book, whether it’s stand-alone or part of a series. By far, though, the majority of the books I own are stand-alones.

Looking for a list of classic books with the subject of child fantasy worlds/exploration?

Description : Looking for a list of classic books with the subject of child fantasy worlds/exploration?

Last Answer : The Secret Garden? Charlie And The Chocolate Factory? Treasure Island? The Famous Five? or The Secret Seven? P.s : Good Luck, and let us know how it’s going. : )

What are some books like (don't judge) Sarah Dessen's style, but more age appropiate?

Description : What are some books like (don't judge) Sarah Dessen's style, but more age appropiate?

Last Answer : answer:I'm not familiar with Sarah Dessen, so this may not be much help. I have enjoyed Maeve Binchey's books, as they are light, typically romantic, have a bit of mystery about them, and end ... with a bit more substance, but still an easy read, I recommend The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver.

Where & how to get hold of investors interested in books, literature, publishing?

Description : Where & how to get hold of investors interested in books, literature, publishing?

Last Answer : I can’t help you but if you list your interests in your profile as Shockingly few, it won’t give any investors much confidence.

Does anyone know who the top publishers are for medically/healthcare oriented popular books?

Description : Does anyone know who the top publishers are for medically/healthcare oriented popular books?

Last Answer : Try this site. http://www.elsevierhealth.com/index.jsp

What are some good, short, present-tense books?

Description : What are some good, short, present-tense books?

Last Answer : I have yet to read it but i have heard good things about Patricia Woods’ “Lottery” First person and present tense i’ve been told… might be an interesting read.

What percentage of books have a prologue?

Description : What percentage of books have a prologue?

Last Answer : 0.248

Do you know this book's title?

Description : Do you know this book's title?

Last Answer : Top Dog by Jerry Jay Carroll?

What are the best fiction and non-fiction books about life in post September 11 New York?

Description : What are the best fiction and non-fiction books about life in post September 11 New York?

Last Answer : What does this have to do with life post 9/11?

Writers: Do you ever get stuck on subjects, topics, or projects that really aren't publishable?

Description : Writers: Do you ever get stuck on subjects, topics, or projects that really aren't publishable?

Last Answer : National Novel Writing Month https://www.nanowrimo.org/ One write for oneself not for others. If you enjoy writing then go for it and the continuous writing is the goal of not stopping as ... after someone made his books into movies ( Michael Crichton..wrote Jurassic Park, Westworld and more).

What's a good thing to do to take someone's mind off of a death in their family?

Description : What's a good thing to do to take someone's mind off of a death in their family?

Last Answer : answer:Are you sure that forgetting about it is what she needs right now, so soon? Maybe the thing to do is to take your cue from her: does she seem to want distraction or support? Does she need to ... lot of people. Maybe then would be a really good time to show her you're still there for her.

What's another way to say someone's losing their mind?

Description : What's another way to say someone's losing their mind?

Last Answer : Lost the plot.

How to screw with someone's mind?

Description : How to screw with someone's mind?

Last Answer : Be the better person and ignore him. Life has a way of teaching people lessons.

Is it possible to read someone's mind?

Description : Is it possible to read someone's mind?

Last Answer : it would be wonderful if this was the case. The mind can be tricky and to know what a person is thinking and reading their mind has never been proven to be possible. However, they have done studies on ... want to read the mind of a complete stranger I do not believe this one is possible at all.

Is it true that writers don´t really like writing?

Description : Is it true that writers don´t really like writing?

Last Answer : answer:I love to write, it's the process of creating that is a struggle. When in the flow it's sublime, but when blocked it's a nightmare. I am constantly challenged with the polarities. If I ... all I have for quite awhile to come, while waiting on new material to float into my consciousness. :-)

Is there a way to say/write something when you, really, don't want to say/write that something?

Description : Is there a way to say/write something when you, really, don't want to say/write that something?

Last Answer : Just do it, rebbel!!! I’m surprised some of the wild crap that comes outta of fingers, mouth. somebody has to do it…..either ucme…..me, zen….Somebody just has to say it.

I just found out about Inkpop, and the idea of it really appeals to me. I don't have any writings right now, though. Any help with figuring out what I'd like to do?

Description : I just found out about Inkpop, and the idea of it really appeals to me. I don't have any writings right now, though. Any help with figuring out what I'd like to do?

Last Answer : answer:Wow .I'll think I'll try it out! Coming up with an idea is called inspiration. Anything can inspire, from your favorite walk in nature to a crack in the sidewalk. To come up with an idea, you ... on it. One hint though: stay away from vampires. Those have used and used again way. to. much.

Can you recommend a really well-written novel by a contemporary author?

Description : Can you recommend a really well-written novel by a contemporary author?

Last Answer : I've just got into "Special Topics in Calamity Physics" by Marisha Pessl. It's well written and very engrossing. (Don't be thrown off by the name, it's an O.C. meets Nabokov (says NYT) murder mystery). I'd recommend it highly.

Do you think self-help writers are really experts about the subject they write about or is it just a job?

Description : Do you think self-help writers are really experts about the subject they write about or is it just a job?

Last Answer : answer:it’s all a scam. self-help writers don’t really say anything. throw a few words like “success” “positivity” “empowerment” “goals” around you can get rich.

Do you read a blog that has the potential to change the world or at least make people think differently?

Description : Do you read a blog that has the potential to change the world or at least make people think differently?

Last Answer : http://zenhabits.net/ – not really revolutionary in this respect, but people really need to think more ‘bout what they’re doing – would save everybody a lot of anguish and unnecessary drama (as opposed to the um… necessary drama).

How much do you change when writing fiction based on real life?

Description : How much do you change when writing fiction based on real life?

Last Answer : As much or as little as you want. You’re got. It’s your story.

What are the most mind-numbing books you have ever read?

Description : What are the most mind-numbing books you have ever read?

Last Answer : Briefing for a Descent Into Hell by Doris Lessing was highly recommended, and was tortuous reading. I am still amazed it won anything, other than an award for curing insomnia.

Have you ever tried to write anything on a napkin?

Description : Have you ever tried to write anything on a napkin?

Last Answer : All the time. It’s better than writing on my hand, because I’ll wash it off and forget. :P Some napkins take pretty well to ballpoint. Others, not so much. Rollerball works fine almost all the time. Just write fast—but don’t press too hard. :) (Hot drink sleeves also do well in a pinch.)

Have you ever tried to solve a problem by having a written conversation with yourself?

Description : Have you ever tried to solve a problem by having a written conversation with yourself?

Last Answer : No. I do have a closet of clones, though.

Do you ever have serial dreams, or dreams that tell an on-going story, episode after episode?

Description : Do you ever have serial dreams, or dreams that tell an on-going story, episode after episode?

Last Answer : Yes, I often have what I call “Saga Dreams” which are highly detailed, quite logical, and seem to go on forever. I’ve even awakened from some of these dreams—or at least thought I awakened—then went back to sleep and picked up the dream where I off.

Have you ever contributed an article to, or edited an article on, Wikipedia?

Description : Have you ever contributed an article to, or edited an article on, Wikipedia?

Last Answer : answer:I have done exactly the same thing as you too. Sometimes I see some errors in an article and I find it a bit annoying since it’s supposed to be an encyclopedia. I’m planning to go a bit further, adding more details to some existing articles I saw earlier too.

What's the funniest [sic] notation you've ever seen?

Description : What's the funniest [sic] notation you've ever seen?

Last Answer : The Canadian society for Alzheimers disease has the “Forget me not” flower as their official logo. lol

Can you use "you" when writing a research paper ever?

Description : Can you use "you" when writing a research paper ever?

Last Answer : answer:I have no explanation (in terms of writing techniques) for why I would not do that, other than a gut feeling of that I don't want to burden my reader with a feeling of ... whole Imagine thing alltogether. When the reader reads he/she will (probably) auomatically use his/her imagination.

Do you ever wonder how your written word in all the various mediums it may be presented is "heard" by the reader?

Description : Do you ever wonder how your written word in all the various mediums it may be presented is "heard" by the reader?

Last Answer : Yes, @Hawaii_Jake, both heard in terms of intent and also heard in terms of “mood”

What are the scariest stories you have ever heard ?

Description : What are the scariest stories you have ever heard ?

Last Answer : No doubt, the Slender Man. http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/slender-man#.TpKYhd7svPU

Should I ever turn in papers I've written for a family relative?

Description : Should I ever turn in papers I've written for a family relative?

Last Answer : If you can’t confirm through your relative if they turned the papers in or not, don’t take the chance of turning in duplicates. Just write another original paper.

Have you ever had a pen pal?

Description : Have you ever had a pen pal?

Last Answer : I had one in grade three. It was organized by our school and another school out in BC. It was pretty epic, but we only shared two or three exchanges. Apparently it always rains out in BC.

Have you ever wondered if you would be good at something; be it some form of art; a sport; or, perhaps, singing, but, have never tried?

Description : Have you ever wondered if you would be good at something; be it some form of art; a sport; or, perhaps, singing, but, have never tried?

Last Answer : I think I have a fairly decent singing voice, but I have nowhere to try it out except for karaoke.

What ever happened to the pistol that Ernest Hemingway’s father used to shoot himself?

Description : What ever happened to the pistol that Ernest Hemingway’s father used to shoot himself?

Last Answer : Interesting question and story. There is a book about Hemingway’s Guns. I wonder if the authors would know the answer.