The Importance of Literary Friction in Reading
Maris Kreizman argues that literary friction is essential for growth as a reader and thinker, and that it is being devalued in today's convenience-obsessed world
The concept of literary friction refers to the kind of writing that challenges readers, making them sit in uncertainty or discomfort. This type of writing is essential for growth as a reader and thinker, as it encourages contemplation and critical thinking. However, with the rise of technofascism, art and being challenged by art has been completely devalued.
The Value of Challenging Reads
Maris Kreizman believes that celebrating literary friction is more important than ever, as it allows readers to grow and develop their critical thinking skills. She argues that there is nothing wrong with quick and easy reads, but that they should not be the only type of reading experience. Kreizman recalls her own experience of reading Middlemarch as a college student, which was a seminal experience that helped her develop as a reader and thinker.
The Impact of AI on Reading
The use of AI as a reading buddy has been touted as a way to make reading easier and more convenient. However, Kreizman argues that this approach is problematic, as it outsources the act of trying and thinking while reading. She believes that the ability to wrestle with complex texts and glean understanding from them is what turns people into lifelong readers. According to Megan Greenwell, children are able to read words, but struggle to make meaning out of them, which is a primary reason to read books.
The Importance of Book Criticism
Book criticism is also essential for literary friction, as it provides a space for ambiguity and critical thinking. Kreizman argues that good criticism is about placing a new piece of art in conversation with our larger culture, and that it helps us understand complicated ideas and see the world more clearly. However, with the rise of user-friendly formats, there is less space for ambiguity and critical thinking in book criticism. Kreizman believes that this trend is problematic, as it devalues the importance of literary friction and critical thinking.
The fear of discomfort is a major factor in the rise of book bans and censorship, as people are unable to tolerate cognitive dissonance or unease. Educators and librarians are experts in determining which books are age-appropriate for their students, and they do not need help from external sources. The act of thinking and learning is essential for growth and development, and it is being devalued in today's convenience-obsessed world. As Kreizman argues, questioning everything is the one way to fight against this trend and promote literary friction and critical thinking.
