"We read books to find out who we are."
- Ursula K. Le Guin
This struck me because it rings true, it has certainly been my experience. But the last few years I have found I have less and less interest in books about people finding their place in the world or overcoming obstacles or working their way through struggles or bad relationships. It would be nice to think that, being past 70, I know who I am and am no longer searching to find my "true self". But it may well be that I'm just tired and have given up the search and have just accepted myself as I am without trying to understand.
I wonder if that is why so many older readers love mystery stories so much. They're stories that are interesting and fun to read but aren't necessarily trying to teach you anything about yourself or life. Although the good ones often do, but without it being the central meaning of the book.
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