Today I [26 M] began to re-read the Hunger Games Trilogy, starting w/first book in series. I am usually an avid reader of non-fiction, but, having read this book for just over 30 minutes, I am remembering myself at the age of 16 when I read it and it is bringing back pieces of my soul...

By Red98

Pretty much what the title says—I usually end up reading a lot of non-fiction, like self-help, philosophy, money stuff, how to succeed, all that. I mean, I do find it interesting and it keeps me hooked, but it never really feels like it gets inside my head or my chest in a meaningful way. So today I went back to the first Hunger Games book. I originally read the whole series when I was 16, and I’m 26 now. Lately I’ve been feeling kind of… off? Like I’ve lost some of my ability to really imagine things vividly or put myself in other people’s shoes. It’s hard for me to feel deep emotions like I used to. Anyway, I reread just a few minutes and suddenly I felt like I was back in the version of me from way back then—like it actually connected with me on a real, “soul” level. It made me realize fiction just hits differently than non-fiction. Not even in some fake way, it feels like it can actually help you grow and open you up emotionally and empathically. So yeah, I’m grateful for that, and I wanted to say something in case anyone else is dealing with feeling disconnected or numb and is wondering if fiction might help. The characters and their lives feel so relatable and deep that it could genuinely make you a more empathetic person. I’m honestly excited to read more fiction going forward. Edit: Wow, this got way more attention than I expected—like, 97K views? That’s wild. Thanks to everyone who commented. I can’t reply to all of you, but I really appreciate the advice and your stories and everything.