It’s often said that great writers are great observers of the world around them. And it’s this capacity to notice subtle details and features of life that allow them to recreate it so movingly in their work.
But the very best writers are expert observers of human nature in particular. It’s their job to notice the tiny details of thought, emotion, desire, and action that most of us miss amid the frantic business of daily life.
And even though most of us probably aren’t called to be authors and astute observers of human nature professionally, we can all learn a thing or two about ourselves by learning to pay attention like an author.
By describing people carefully, good fiction teaches us how to think about people carefully and with compassion. And the better we get at observing others, the more likely we are to look at ourselves the same way.
So come up with a list of good fiction you’ve been meaning to read or ask a friend to recommend a few of their favorites. Below are a few ideas to start with too.
Spy Books by Ben Macintyre
The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War
Agent Zigzag
Doublecross
A Spy Among Friends
Agent Sonya: Moscow’s Most Daring Wartime Spy
John le Carré’s books are a must read too if you enjoy spy books.
Books by Arthur Hailey
Arthur’s stories are weaved around contexts like Airports, Hotels, Banks.
Hotel
Detective
The Final Diagnosis
Airport
The Money Changers
The Evening News
Wheels
In High Places
Overload
altLearners 