Reading Fantasy Like a Scientist
I read an interesting article today about reading like a scientist. To be clear: I am no scientist. And as much as I love to read, I don’t claim to follow the article’s advice very well.
Be sure to read the article, but in summary, the author suggests three practices to read with the curiosity of a scientist in order to gain the greatest benefit (aka enjoyment) from your reading:
Formulate a hypothesis
Decide what you expect from the book before you begin.
When reading fantasy, are you expecting swashbuckling adventure, mythical creatures, a hero’s journey, a dark plot, or a cozy romance? Establishing expectations before starting a fantasy novel will increase your enjoyment if it meets those expectations. It will also help justify putting it down and marking it as DNF if it fails to meet your expectations. Then again, unmet expectations could surprise you and draw you into a new adventure.
Exercise critical thinking
Most readers engage in internal (sometimes vocal) conversations with characters and authors. Pay attention to those conversations, and ask yourself why they surface. Wherever those conversations lead, they will help you engage with the story, and they will help understand what kind of reader you are and what kinds of fantasy stories you enjoy. They can also lead to deeper self understanding.
Share what you learn
We all know the old adage that the best way to learn is to teach someone what you’ve learned. As I said above, notice what stands out to you as you read. It doesn’t have to match published book reviews or what influencers are saying on social media or Goodreads. If it strikes you, gives you pause to reflect, or sticks with you the next day, tell someone about it.
How I’m reading like a scientist these days…
These three reading strategies will hopefully shape my reader journey. Here are some of the books on my shelf right now and how they fit the “reading like a scientist” strategy:
The Last Unicorn
I have wanted to read this classic for a long time. About two years ago, it went on sale and I added it to my kindle, where it’s sat until a couple weeks ago. As of today, I am only 10% into the book.
- Expectations: I’m hoping for a classic tale that will inspire my writing as this book inspired Patrick Rothfuss (https://theportalist.com/books-that-inspired-the-name-of-the-wind).
- Critical thinking: I’ve already told Mr. Beagle (in my head) that I’m a bit disappointed in what feels like a slow start.
- Sharing: I have not talked with anyone else about this, but this is a start. Feel free to comment below and tell me your thoughts about my first impressions, especially if you’ve read The Last Unicorn.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler
Another classic that’s been on my TBR. I put it on hold at the library (well, on Libby) weeks ago, and it recently cam available. I borrowed it, even though I wanted to focus on The Last Unicorn. As of today, I am only 15% into the book.
- Expectations: I’m hoping to broaden my fantasy/speculative fiction experience with an acclaimed author.
- Critical thinking: I went into this book without knowing much about it. Already, I am shocked by the challenging post-apocalyptic setting, and deeply moved by the main character’s “hyper-empathy”.
- Sharing – Again, I have not talked with anyone else about this, but this is a start. Feel free to comment below and tell me your thoughts about my first impressions, especially if you’ve read Parable of the Sower.
Armageddon’s Children by Terry Brooks
I’ve read many books in the Shannara Chronicles but a couple years ago, I decided to read them in the author’s suggested order. I’m only this far, so I have a long way to go. As of today, I am only 20% into the book.
- Expectations: I want an epic adventure (and I’m getting it!).
- Critical thinking: Since my first reading the Word & Void series (chronologically just before Armageddon’s Children), I have been drawn to the lives of the Knights of the Word. These characters are not classic heroes, in my estimation. They are somewhat normal people, reluctantly involved in trying to fight the Void and what they see as the decline of life as they once knew it. They don’t save the world, but they do their best.
- Sharing – I’ve mentioned to my wife (also a Shannara series lover) that I’m beginning to see the brilliant way Brooks ties the breaking of our world to the dawn of the fantasy world he created with The Sword of Shannara.
Spark of the Everflame by Penn Cole
This book was recommended to me by an editor, as a good example of classic story structure in a modern fantasy novel. As of today, I am about 60% into the book.
- Expectations: I’m not a huge “romantasy” reader, so I was a bit hesitant initially. Fortunately, it has just the right amount of romance for me. Of course, this is only book one, so we’ll see if I continue the series.
- Critical thinking: I’ve been reading this more analytically (writer’s POV), but I’m enjoying the main character’s healer role and the world building.
- Sharing – I’ve had some good discussions about this book and its structure with a writing group.
I hope this list helps inspire and enrich your own fantasy reading.
