There is nothing quite like picking up a book that transports you to another world. Whether it’s fairies, wizards, or maybe hobbits, there are worlds of fantasy creatures waiting to be discovered between the covers of a fantasy novel.
Fantasy book critics claim that reading fantasy books as an adult is either a sign of immaturity or an impedement from growth. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Fantasy books are good from an entertainment standpoint, but also fantastic for your mental health and the development of your imagination. It also improves your ability to put yourself in another’s shoes – all benefits, no matter what age you are.
Wondering what kind of benefits you can gain from reading fantasy novels as an adult? Keep reading to find out.
Is Reading Fantasy Books Good for You?
You’ve heard them before: Critics who complain about readers who read fantasy – or fiction in general – rather than supposedly more ‘realistic’ books. Whether its the genre-defining Lord of the Rings or the Harry Potter series that captured entire generations’ imaginations, these critics claim reading fantasy is somehow corosive.
What’s the truth? It turns out that reading a fantasy novel is just as healthy as reading a so-called ‘realistic’ book whether you’re an adult or a child.
This is because the elaborate world building and unique characters found in fantasy books help to expand your mind and introduce you to new ideas. So when changes happen in your life (which they inevitably will,) rather than being terrified, yo’re much more likely to be able to accept the changes with grace.
Not only that, but problem solving is an essential aspect of the mind, and the way your mind problem-solves is through creativity. Reading a fantasy novel helps to feed your creative mind so that it can grow and help you better solve problems in the future.
This means reading a fantasy novel at home can actually help you to perform better at a job or career that requires problem-solving skills. Reading in general also helps with the development of empathy and the ability to recognize and understand another person’s feelings — regardless of the genre you choose to read.
Basically, if someone enjoys reading, even if it’s reading ithe fantasy genre alone, it’s still good for them no matter what the age. So, what reason is there to prevent them from reading something they enjoy?
Why Do People Enjoy Reading Fantasy Novels?
Maybe you are here because you have a friend who can’t seem to put down the fantasy novels and you are wondering what attracts people to them so much. Besides the aforementioned aspect that they are an escape from the world, fantasy books are also a creative outlet.
A creative outlet is something people use to express their creativity, and while you may not be creative enough to write a fantasy novel, even just reading a fantasy novel can fulfill this part of your brain. Thus an individual using fantasy novels for this purpose may feel fulfilled as they read to gain a feeling they don’t get from other types of books.
If your friend or partner is ever too busy reading a fantasy novel to do something with you, just remember it is a creative outlet for them and it is a huge part of what makes them happy.
But Is Fantasy Reading Childish?
Fantasy often gets a bad rap and a frown from people, but don’t let this bother you because reading fantasy is not childish. And if someone says it is, this is because they need to read more fantasy novels to open their mind. The problem is them, not you.
Don’t be so quick to write off fantasy novels as pure fiction either, as many fantasy novels are based on historical events or places, even if the stories and characters are completely made up. Therefore you might actually be learning a little something while you read a fantasy novel.
Although it may be a bit weird if you were to keep reading the same fantasy novels you read when you ten years old over and over again. There is an entire genre of fantasy novels for adults. These novels are still fantasy, taking place in far off places with creatures invented by mind, but they often contain mature themes suitable for adults.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t re-read your favorite teen fantasy novel, or pick up a new one next time you are in the store. It just means that you may find that the adult fantasy genre is right up your alley, with the same worlds you love to spend time in but more complicated plots and themes.
Fantasy Books Are Awesome!
Besides just being good for the expansion of your imagination and mind, reading fantasy books is awesome for several other reasons.
First of all, reading fantasy novels gives you a break from real life. Even though you may be sitting on the couch reading something written on paper, your mind is in another realm. And for a little bit, you can forget the stresses of the world.
This causes your blood pressure to lower and helps you to relax your breathing, so much so, that doctors even claim that reading adds a few years to your life. Therefore while you are reading about the world of the Faye, you are actually doing something which is good for your health and lowering your stress levels.
Plus, admit it, the real world isn’t that great all the time. And you can’t leave the real world physically, so why not do so mentally? Fantasy novels can take you on an inexpensive journey to a far off place for the cost of a book (and without having to put on your jacket!).
Final Thoughts
When it comes to reading fantasy novels, there is no age restriction or time when you need to put them down. Reading fantasy novels is beneficial to your mind and health, and can be enjoyed at any point during your life. This means next time you are in the store and pass by a book with a dragon on the cover, don’t be ashamed to pick it up and read it, it might just be your new favorite novel.
