At a glance, you can tell from my blog and other social media feeds that I love fantasy books. So much that I initially began this post as “10 reasons to read fantasy.” As I typed out my list, however, I realized that many of the reasons I love fantasy books apply to the broader spectrum of speculative fiction—and, to be honest, the greater realm of Storyland.
This list is for the fantasy reader. The dreamer. The speculator. The storylander (aka. the one who reads and writes and otherwise lives in fictional worlds).
10 Reasons to Read Speculative Fiction
- It reminds us of the magic of childhood. As Tad Williams said, “I try to write like a grown-up about things I fell in love with as a child.”
- It prompts us to think creatively. Magical schools teach wizardry and witchcraft, wardrobes serve as portals to another world, and fantastical creatures populate Middle Earth.
- Through the protagonists’ struggles to combat the injustices of their world, it offers us hope for justice and a better future.
- It teaches us that we can overcome obstacles. As G.K. Chesterton said, “Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.”
- It invites us to speculate on the possibilities. During their childhood, people working at companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Google read science fiction (Neil Gaiman on why our future depends on libraries, reading and daydreaming).
- By pushing the boundaries of reality and the imagination, it teaches us to expect, and prepare for, the unexpected.
- It provides a safe place, outside the boundaries of our world, to examine how people think and act. In the process, we learn empathy.
- It explores possible futures and warns us about the potential dangers of continuing on our current path.
- It changes how we see the world. As C.S. Lewis said, “because [a child] has read of enchanted woods; the reading makes all real woods a little enchanted” (On Stories: And Other Essays on Literature).
- It welcomes us to share in the magic and adventure of a good story.
Let’s Chat
📚 Why do you think people should read speculative fiction?
📚 What are some of your favorite speculative fiction?
📚 Which fictional world are you currently visiting?
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra says
Great list. I agree with all of your reasons. They are why I enjoy speculative fiction so much when I read it.
Crystal (Kester) says
Thanks, Suzanne. Yes, speculative fiction has a lot of love!
Sophia @ Bookwyrming Thoughts says
I completely agree with all of this! I read speculative fiction (though more specifically fantasy) because it’s a fantastic escape from reality, especially with what’s going on lately. It’s also been a way for me to think more creatively; I’m not sure how else I would be creative (although there’s probably a way) otherwise.
Crystal (Kester) says
Yes! It’s a great escape, but it also gets us thinking creatively. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without fantasy stories!
Aj @ Read All The Things! says
I like speculative fiction because the authors are so imaginative. The books are escapist, even if they deal with difficult topics.
Crystal (Kester) says
I agree. While they may deal with difficult topics, speculative fiction provides escape. A good story doesn’t preach; it SHOWS me the complexities of life.
Sam@wlabb says
I like all your points about looking at possibilities, because that is always encouraging, especially when things maybe aren’t going so well.
Crystal (Kester) says
Yes, I had a conversation recently about how books can help us process the world around us and get a grasp of difficult emotions or situations.
Deanna @ A Novel Glimpse says
All of these are great reasons! It’s nice to have that feeling of childhood again.
Crystal (Kester) says
Yes, it’s wonderful to relive the childhood magic!
Louise @ Monstrumology says
I love speculative fiction too! I love seeing how creative and imaginative authors are when creating the worlds and characters of their books 🙂
Crystal (Kester) says
Yes, authors get so creative with their worlds and characters! 🙂
Susan (Bloggin' 'bout Books) says
I’ve seen a number of lists on this topic and I love that all of them mention imagination. I never really thought about it, but it’s so true that fantasy lights up the imagination. I’m not a big fantasy reader myself – I get why other people are, though.
Happy TTT!
Susan
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com
Crystal (Kester) says
I love how books activate our imagination! Happy TTT, Susan!
Lydia says
I couldn’t agree with your list more. There are so many great reasons to read speculative fiction.
My TTT .
Crystal (Kester) says
Speculative fiction is wonderful 🙂
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
I definitely agree that speculative fiction helps me remember the magic of childhood. I had SUCH an imagination when I was a kid, and I love the idea of reliving that!
Crystal (Kester) says
Same! I would create fantastical stories with my brother, or imagine new characters into stories that I loved. It’s such a joy to relive the magic of childhood.