About this quote

Liking novels is a habit of paying attention to other people's choices and feelings. If you never enjoy fiction, check whether you haven’t found the right book or you’re dismissing the whole form out of habit. Try reading a short, well-written novel for fifteen minutes a day and observe how your sense of character and detail sharpens. If novels still aren't for you, be honest about that, but notice what you're missing: a simple, steady way to practice close observation.

When to use it

• At a work lunch when a colleague says fiction is a waste, I laugh and say, 'Jane Austen had a sharper view—try a short novel before you write them off.'
• In a university seminar arguing whether fiction matters, I remind the class of Austen's line and suggest everyone read one short novel purely for pleasure this term.
• At a family dinner when my aunt claims she never reads novels, I hand her a light, funny book and quote Austen to nudge her into trying it.
• After a stressful week, my therapist suggests light fiction for rest; I remember Austen's line and agree to ten pages each night to see if it helps.