314. How Can Your Family Read Better Fantastical Novels This Summer?

Summer has returned. That often brings seasonal vacations that give you downtime in a car or airplane, maybe on a nice beach somewhere. You already know that’s a great opportunity to catch up on reading. So what are some tips and tricks to refocus on reading, finding the best fantastical novels and gaining the most from these worlds?

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Mission update

• New at Lorehaven: reviews have entered a pre-summer hiatus
• Use the super Library search to find your family’s next favorite
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1. Value quality books over quantity of books.

• Alas, I can’t make this year’s FPEA with Realm Makers Bookstore.
• But if I had, I’d have heard this line repeated: “My kid reads fast!”
• This is of course a great problem to have in homeschool families.
• Many want books “without agenda,” that is, obvious bad ideas.
• Yet fewer parents ask for books “without ugly,” that is, excellent.
• In some cases, this may feel like a luxury belief. Kids may not care.
• Many kids, for example, will read at scale—good books and bad.
• When I was a late teenager, I began learning some books are ugly.
• My first truly bad novel was [Title Redacted] by [Author Redacted].
• But in my family, I had to learn a “language” for describing this.
• I was helped by reading newspaper reviews of books and films.
• Then later, early 90s internet taught me better (and bad) reviews.
• The Pop Culture Parent shares some guides for evaluating beauty.
• Yet one clear sign—the book asks questions leading you to Jesus.
• That’s why we host the Lorehaven Library and review some titles.

2. Still, focus on reading many quality books!

• Stephen has a unique struggle: holding onto pleasure reading.
• As publisher of Lorehaven, it’s hard to read without some “goal”!
• But read we must, “for its own sake,” that is, for our Author’s sake.
• Still, as we age, perhaps every book gains more “practical” value.
• Stephen often hyper-schedules every working and resting day.
• This seems a great way to set goals. “The calendar made me do it.”
• And then, five or fifteen minutes in, momentum alone takes over.
• You may also need to turn off your phone or use “airplane mode.”
• Stephen keeps it on, but keeps all social-media notifications muted.
• Distracted by chatter? Try a free white-noise generator (or an app).
• Kindles and other devices also help with distraction-free reading.
• Don’t forget classic printed books. There’s nothing like real pages!

3. Join other readers to share great novels.

• Obviously your family and friends can be your first fellow readers.
• Ask your kids what they’re reading, and share what you read too!
• Take natural interest in their stories, the ideas, and what they love.
• Stephen’s siblings and him often joined in reading and even writing.
• Now, he and his wife Lacy frequently read, often aloud, with voices.
• If possible, join (or start?) physical book clubs at