[seren]

Studies have shown than reading fictions tends to improve empathy [1]. This is a great assets for doctors for example (but also to deal with a client, customer, boss, co-workers, etc). Obviously, if you are put through a character stream of consciousness repeatedly and in various situation, it might be easier to put yourself in someone's shoes in every day interaction.

In the end, reading is an opportunity cost, the time you 'll spend reading, will not be spent on something else. So I don't think that if you don't enjoy it, you should read in the hope of "improving your empathy".

[1] http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/03/i-know-how-youre-fe...