Novels and the English teacher

I have never been fond of reading novels unless I have watched the movie and have the intention to read more about the story. The main reason for that is because I have very little time and there are so many novels. I didn't see the benefit of reading fiction when there are so many non-fiction stuff to read and learn from.

Recently, my friend, who's considered an expert in teaching English, showed me a book she was reading. I asked her why she chose to read novels. She said that she was an English teacher. I didn't understand and didn't have time to probe then.

When my friend went back to Australia, she left behind the book Ender's game (I watched the movie twice because I liked it). I started reading it at the pool today, then, I realised why it's important for English teachers to read English books. A good writer can translate an action "they fought" to this:

"He swung his leg as if to kick, but changed to a leap at the last moment. Ender noticed the shifting weight and stooped lower, so that Bonzo would be more off-balance when he tried to grab Ender and throw him. Bonzo's tight hard ribs came against Ender's face and his hands slapped against his back, trying to grip him. But Ender twisted, and Bonzo's hands slipped. In an instant, Ender was completely turned, yet still inside Bonzo's grasp. The classive move at this moment would be to bring up his heel into Bonzo's crotch. But for that move to be effective required too much accuracy, and Bonzo expected it. He was already rising onto his toes, thrusting his hips backward to keep Ender from reaching his groin. Without seeing him, Ender knew it would bring his face closer, almost in Ender's hair; so instead of kicking, he lunged upward off the floow with the powerful lunge of the soldier bounding from the wall, and jammed his head into Bonzo's face."

That's why. An Ah-Ha! moment.
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