Explore what makes fictional stories universally appealing, from their emotional impact to their ability to reshape our understanding of reality, and discover why certain books stand the test of time.

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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

**Lena:** Hey there, book lovers! Welcome to today's episode. Miles, I was browsing a bookstore yesterday and found myself completely overwhelmed by the fiction section. There are just so many genres and styles! It got me wondering—what exactly makes fiction so universally appealing?
**Miles:** That's such a great question, Lena. You know, fiction is literally defined as "the telling of stories which are not real," but what's fascinating is how deeply these made-up stories can affect us. I mean, think about it—we cry over characters who never existed and stay up all night worrying about fictional problems!
**Lena:** Right! And it's not just entertainment. The New York Times notable fiction list for 2025 includes everything from dystopian romances to literary masterpieces exploring grief and identity. People seem to connect with fiction on such a profound level.
**Miles:** Exactly. And what's interesting is how fiction has evolved. Did you know that Mary Shelley's Frankenstein from 1818 is considered the original science fiction novel? Long before The Minority Report or Foundation, she was exploring the ethical implications of science through storytelling.
**Lena:** That's incredible! I had no idea fiction genres had such deep roots. So what makes a great fiction book? Is it the characters, the plot, or something else entirely?
**Miles:** Well, looking at those "25 Best Fiction Books Everyone Should Read" from Fictionary, it seems the most enduring works do multiple things simultaneously. They entertain us while also commenting on society, human nature, or moral questions. Let's explore what makes these fictional worlds so captivating and why certain books have stood the test of time...