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? Episode sponsors All that Glows by Lauren Smyth Realm Makers 2026 Conference & Expo Author Update from Author Media The Talismiths: The Secret Saboteur by M. L. Hodder Mission update New at Lorehaven: reviews have entered a pre-summer hiatus Use the super Library search to find your family’s next favorite Subscribe free to get updates and join the Lorehaven Guild 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 your local church. Focus on quality, classic, and/or Christian-made fantastical titles. Sure, you might use sites or social media to find matching books. Stephen isn’t sure that AI (or AI-driven apps) prove best for this. Lorehaven features monthly book quests to help us read together. We believe humans, made in Christ’s image, can best find books. Subscribe free to join the Guild and talk about all manner of titles. Com station Top question for listeners What are your top tricks for reading the best and most books? Next on Fantastical Truth Now that Zack and Stephen are taking turns, next week’s episode just might cover a new genre that dares to suggest faithful priests and other religious heroes of the future may not be (gasp) wicked villains. In fact, they may be kind of awesome—and potentially wear powerful mech armor. What is this subgenre some creators call incensepunk?