Re: Is it immoral to read fiction at times of crisis?
 

But much of what the author thinks can only be found in economic books are already explained in online reports and news articles.

Re: Is it immoral to read fiction at times of crisis?
 

Some of the books that are mentioned in this article are: "if not Tony Blair's autobiography, at least Gordon Brown's and/or Alistair Darling's." When politicians are in Government, we all accuse them of being liars. Why should I expect their autobiographies to be anything other than a work of the most outrageous fiction?

Re: Is it immoral to read fiction at times of crisis?
 

Why do you think that Tony Blair's autobiography wouldn't be a work of fiction? I'm sure that his will be more fiction than any thing else. Also, he could play the "my ghost writer is better than your ghost writer" game with Margaret Thatcher and Henry Kissinger.
Concerning the original question, my opinion is that it would be immoral not to read fiction in times of crisis. We should read poetry and drama as well. We need to have the courage to be human. That is the real crisis as I see it: we're too busy with unimportnt and peripheral concerns all day and all night. It's time to read for enjoyment and strive to be ourselves. Things aren't going to get any better so we might as well read a good book.

Re: Is it immoral to read fiction at times of crisis?
 

I agree completely!

During times of crisis and national/international stress is when people can be at their most creative. Whether it is writing fiction, creating music, painting, poetry or film making. Not to mention the joy and release it brings those people who enjoy that creativity.