Books and video games all day long! I have such a hard time with shows and movies these days cause they just can’t immerse me the same way books, manga/graphic novels and video games do
As a sci-fi/fantasy reader I feel like my friends and coworkers who exclusively consume non-fiction tend to look down on the genre. I really appreciate your perspective, videos and recommendations; keep up the great work!
For me, in addition to exploring new worlds and fun magic- I feel like these things can be used to really explore characters in a way that I find lacking in non fantasy/scifi fiction. Also entertainment.
Idk about anyone else but when i read or listen to an audiobook its like a movie in my head, the visualization is better than any movie or show can do justice. I definitely agree that its the best entertainment value. I try and get more and more people into fantasy/sci-fi who don't read, i know it would change their life, but there's so much pushback. I love being in the head of our characters and see their choices, good or bad. How they navigate the world, how their morals shape the world around them, how they react to different cultures (human/non human especially) etc. Stories have no boundaries beyond what the human imagination can push for. Thats why it will always be better than media entertainment. To anyone reading, don't ever be ashamed of showing your love for fantasy/sci-fi/fiction in public and to friends and family. Never compromise what you love for what other people think of you. Those types of people just don't know what they're missing out on.
@@Dugrath It’s definitely a movie in my mind too, but with a way higher budget than anything on TV! It’s the unrivalled best form of entertainment and medium for story telling! 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
My favorite genres are both low and high fantasy but also history. Just history. Two that popped up in my mind right of the top of my head are Isabella: The Warrior Queen and a Churchill biography of his time during the Boer Wars, with the narrative still making it read as if you were reading an exciting piece of fiction. Plus you'd be hard pressed to create fictional characters as good as those we've had IRL. Isabella for example was never meant to rule, was left destitute by her half brother after their father (King Henry of Castile) died, took arms against him and won, married the heir of the neighboring Aragonese Crown - which led to the creation of Spain, fixed the horrible finances of her brother's rule, ended the seven centuries long Reconquista in Granada - in person - and sponsored the Columbus expedition that same year, which kickstarted the Siglo de Oro/Golden Century were the ''sun never sets on the Spanish Empire''; the original use of the phrase before it passed on to the British in the Victorian Era. Oh, and her grandson was THE Charles V - the Holy Roman Emperor that led the Counter-Reformation in Central Europe while also facing off for years against Suleiman the Magnificent, the infamous Ottoman sultan (plus a salty France) that was set on conquering the continent. Anyway, don't neglect the history section at your local book shop.
Such a wholesome and insightful video, I couldn't agree more with all the takes you shared here. There really is nothing that comes even close to the experience of getting lost in a fantastical story to me, and I think it's pure magic that you can get so much out of it without even realising it directly. Thanks for sharing ;)
I loved the section about perspectives and the lessons from stories. Isnt there some studies about how fiction had the unexpected effect of training people's empathy? Willing to engage in stories and perspectives of characters that are complete strangers to us, trains our brains to look at people IRL with the same mind that tries to understand the fictional perspective.... (LOL ok nvm, you brought it up later in the vid 😅). For me, i also just enjoy books because it feels like a puzzle to understand. What kind of person put their soul and effort into that specific idea they wanted to bring to life. Are they highly emotional and descriptive, is it more straightforward? ... idk a lot of people i know dont understand that books are their own art form too. There isnt always a deeper message, but it's still created with effort and intention, and i think it's fun to think about sometimes.
@@Tessa_Ru Absolutely agree, the amount of perspective you gain from being inside someone else’s head is one of the best ways to gain empathy. Books are the best art form! Rather than a thousand words from a picture, why not 100,000 words from a book? So many messages and morals to gain
I love seeing you spotlight the Elric Saga in the background of your video. You're only the second Booktuber that I've seen with any of Moorcock's books. The series is so good, and so important to the development of the genre, it's sad no-one seems to know it. I wish more booktubers would explore the history of the genre and authors like Moorcock, Weis, and Eddings who helped design the blueprint for the likes of Martin, Sanderson, and Hobb, though Hobb was writing under a pen name in the80s. Great video.
@@OldManReads-c9r Thanks! I’m slowing working on catching up on all the new and modern staples, I’ve got a lot of catching up to do. But it’s cool seeing the inspiration from early series like Elric in books coming out today aye
Also joined the book club-I will be choosing we are the dead and between two fires as my spooky season fantasy. I think I’m gonna try and read horns by Joe hill as well-as recommended by Andrew’s wizardly reads (the other wizard of booktube)
Before I really struggled staying focus and lost comprehension of what was happening and could read like maybe 20 pages or so maybe 50 now after finishing the faithful of the fallen I have increased my reading speed and comprehension and can now read 100-150 a reading session. I loved your point about how there are still lessons in fantasy that can teach us, tolkein was a strong believer in that. Many people today believe that fantasy and science fiction are just for kids and youth but that is definitely not the case. My sister gets insecure because she draws anime but, only because she is afraid people may think she is immature or childish which I would disagree with those people because of basically as you said it there are lessons points of view that can be learned.
@@inkhornate1492 I love to hear how reading has helped your focus and comprehension, that’s so awesome and underrated! Good on you for supporting your sister with her passion!
@Chance.Dillon "Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten." Is the full quote. Sorry idk who said it either, everyone attributes it to a different author, but it left a lasting impression.
Really appreciate your videos, man! You were one of the first booktubers I discovered a few months ago, and since then, I've powered through 60 speculative fiction books. You've been a big inspiration for my reading journey, especially after not picking up a book since high school. Just wanted to show my thanks-Dylan! Also, I need to get my hands on a UK cover of Empire of the Vampire. The US cover just isn't it. 🤣
@@HepTrades Thank you so much, I’m so glad to hear you’ve been reading a ton! What have been your favourite reads recently?? You definitely need to get a copy of that, it’s the best series!
This is a very heartwarming video, and I agree with every point! Every reading genre is important, but nothing makes me feel true escapism like fantasy. Though the movie rather than the book, I distinctly remember watching LOTR with my step-dad when I was young, and he constantly made sarcastic comments about how it was a 'true story', as if the films were terrible because these things were so far from real life, silly and made up. I have never been able to understand why he deemed that to be a reason for criticism... Now that I've watched this, I have lots of reasons to take to him to explain why fiction is so important that I've never been able to vocalise before 😅
@@library_of_a_silversaint I’m glad to hear we’ve been able to add to your arguments for fantasy and fiction, it’s definitely under appreciated for what it can provide. I also forgot to mention how valuable it is for the exploration of ideals, philosophies and traumas too.
Also, reading fantasy has helped IMMENSELY with my anxiety. More than anything else. If I'm having a good reading month it probably started as a bad anxiety month 😂
@@SpacedOutReadsu started listening to the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. It’s massively popular right now, so you’ve probably heard of it, but it’s amazing. And Jeff Hays as a narrator is incredible. Definitely recommend it. It’s been two months and I’m just finishing up the 5th one.
I get totally get that. My advice is to find a book that really interests you and try to read just one chapter a day. You can of course do more if you want to, but at least read one every day. You will eventually start to pick up pace where you’re reading multiple chapters in one sitting. If this doesn’t happen, there’s no shame in picking up a different book and trying that one instead😊
@@finnmyers7137 This is awesome advice!! ❤️ I usually try to have multiple books on the go in case my mood shifts - eventually i catch momentum on one of them!
Absolutely lovely!
@@Talking_Story Thanks John!!
Books and video games all day long! I have such a hard time with shows and movies these days cause they just can’t immerse me the same way books, manga/graphic novels and video games do
@@cadearcher2258 They just aren’t on the same level aye!
As a sci-fi/fantasy reader I feel like my friends and coworkers who exclusively consume non-fiction tend to look down on the genre. I really appreciate your perspective, videos and recommendations; keep up the great work!
@@Edorasaurus They are the ones missing out aye, they haven’t seen the truth yet 😅
Thanks so much!
For me, in addition to exploring new worlds and fun magic- I feel like these things can be used to really explore characters in a way that I find lacking in non fantasy/scifi fiction. Also entertainment.
@@MaxFidler absolutely agree!
Idk about anyone else but when i read or listen to an audiobook its like a movie in my head, the visualization is better than any movie or show can do justice. I definitely agree that its the best entertainment value. I try and get more and more people into fantasy/sci-fi who don't read, i know it would change their life, but there's so much pushback.
I love being in the head of our characters and see their choices, good or bad. How they navigate the world, how their morals shape the world around them, how they react to different cultures (human/non human especially) etc. Stories have no boundaries beyond what the human imagination can push for. Thats why it will always be better than media entertainment.
To anyone reading, don't ever be ashamed of showing your love for fantasy/sci-fi/fiction in public and to friends and family. Never compromise what you love for what other people think of you. Those types of people just don't know what they're missing out on.
@@Dugrath It’s definitely a movie in my mind too, but with a way higher budget than anything on TV!
It’s the unrivalled best form of entertainment and medium for story telling!
🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌
My favorite genres are both low and high fantasy but also history. Just history. Two that popped up in my mind right of the top of my head are Isabella: The Warrior Queen and a Churchill biography of his time during the Boer Wars, with the narrative still making it read as if you were reading an exciting piece of fiction. Plus you'd be hard pressed to create fictional characters as good as those we've had IRL. Isabella for example was never meant to rule, was left destitute by her half brother after their father (King Henry of Castile) died, took arms against him and won, married the heir of the neighboring Aragonese Crown - which led to the creation of Spain, fixed the horrible finances of her brother's rule, ended the seven centuries long Reconquista in Granada - in person - and sponsored the Columbus expedition that same year, which kickstarted the Siglo de Oro/Golden Century were the ''sun never sets on the Spanish Empire''; the original use of the phrase before it passed on to the British in the Victorian Era. Oh, and her grandson was THE Charles V - the Holy Roman Emperor that led the Counter-Reformation in Central Europe while also facing off for years against Suleiman the Magnificent, the infamous Ottoman sultan (plus a salty France) that was set on conquering the continent. Anyway, don't neglect the history section at your local book shop.
@@casper_z1259 They sound like some great reads, I do need to read more history.
Such a wholesome and insightful video, I couldn't agree more with all the takes you shared here. There really is nothing that comes even close to the experience of getting lost in a fantastical story to me, and I think it's pure magic that you can get so much out of it without even realising it directly. Thanks for sharing ;)
@@esmayrosalyne Absolutely agree! Getting lost in a fantasy world is the best!
I loved the section about perspectives and the lessons from stories. Isnt there some studies about how fiction had the unexpected effect of training people's empathy? Willing to engage in stories and perspectives of characters that are complete strangers to us, trains our brains to look at people IRL with the same mind that tries to understand the fictional perspective.... (LOL ok nvm, you brought it up later in the vid 😅).
For me, i also just enjoy books because it feels like a puzzle to understand. What kind of person put their soul and effort into that specific idea they wanted to bring to life. Are they highly emotional and descriptive, is it more straightforward? ... idk a lot of people i know dont understand that books are their own art form too. There isnt always a deeper message, but it's still created with effort and intention, and i think it's fun to think about sometimes.
@@Tessa_Ru Absolutely agree, the amount of perspective you gain from being inside someone else’s head is one of the best ways to gain empathy.
Books are the best art form! Rather than a thousand words from a picture, why not 100,000 words from a book? So many messages and morals to gain
I love seeing you spotlight the Elric Saga in the background of your video. You're only the second Booktuber that I've seen with any of Moorcock's books. The series is so good, and so important to the development of the genre, it's sad no-one seems to know it. I wish more booktubers would explore the history of the genre and authors like Moorcock, Weis, and Eddings who helped design the blueprint for the likes of Martin, Sanderson, and Hobb, though Hobb was writing under a pen name in the80s. Great video.
@@OldManReads-c9r Thanks! I’m slowing working on catching up on all the new and modern staples, I’ve got a lot of catching up to do. But it’s cool seeing the inspiration from early series like Elric in books coming out today aye
Also joined the book club-I will be choosing we are the dead and between two fires as my spooky season fantasy. I think I’m gonna try and read horns by Joe hill as well-as recommended by Andrew’s wizardly reads (the other wizard of booktube)
@@Chance.Dillon Hell yeah, welcome to the club man! Sounds like you’ve got some great spooky dark reads coming
@@SpacedOutReads yessssir-I’m looking forward to it
I've always felt like readers have an enhanced empathy, love that section of the video. Very well put together video!
@@crystalsbookishlife Completely agree! And thank you!!
Before I really struggled staying focus and lost comprehension of what was happening and could read like maybe 20 pages or so maybe 50 now after finishing the faithful of the fallen I have increased my reading speed and comprehension and can now read 100-150 a reading session. I loved your point about how there are still lessons in fantasy that can teach us, tolkein was a strong believer in that. Many people today believe that fantasy and science fiction are just for kids and youth but that is definitely not the case. My sister gets insecure because she draws anime but, only because she is afraid people may think she is immature or childish which I would disagree with those people because of basically as you said it there are lessons points of view that can be learned.
@@inkhornate1492 I love to hear how reading has helped your focus and comprehension, that’s so awesome and underrated!
Good on you for supporting your sister with her passion!
Definitely earned the blazer, lol. Great video man. Respect for repping Moorcock in the background!
@@OnlyTheBestFantasyNovels Thank you!!!
Got to, he’s the man.
Great video Dylan- very insightful and well executed.
@@Books_BrewsandBeyond Thanks Jenny!
Keep up the good work man! Love your vids!
@@willholland322 Thank you so much! Will do!
Video games enters chat
Good call, I don’t have any experience in that field
I heard this quote the other day. And I cannot attribute it to the proper party so I’ll paraphrase.
“Dragons are not real-but defeating dragons is.”
@@Chance.Dillon Oh I love that quote!
@Chance.Dillon "Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten." Is the full quote. Sorry idk who said it either, everyone attributes it to a different author, but it left a lasting impression.
@@Tessa_Ru yes!!!!! Exactly. Thank you so much for doing it justice
Really appreciate your videos, man! You were one of the first booktubers I discovered a few months ago, and since then, I've powered through 60 speculative fiction books. You've been a big inspiration for my reading journey, especially after not picking up a book since high school. Just wanted to show my thanks-Dylan! Also, I need to get my hands on a UK cover of Empire of the Vampire. The US cover just isn't it. 🤣
@@HepTrades Thank you so much, I’m so glad to hear you’ve been reading a ton! What have been your favourite reads recently??
You definitely need to get a copy of that, it’s the best series!
@@SpacedOutReads by far my favorite series this year has been the Farseer trilogy
@@HepTrades Hobb is truly the best isn’t she!
A very good overview on Fantasy and why we love it. Also, recently i saw a TedX on "From Tolkien to Sanderson: How Fantasy Helps us Navigate Life".
@@-clyx-2907 Thanks! I’ll have to watch that!
This is a very heartwarming video, and I agree with every point! Every reading genre is important, but nothing makes me feel true escapism like fantasy. Though the movie rather than the book, I distinctly remember watching LOTR with my step-dad when I was young, and he constantly made sarcastic comments about how it was a 'true story', as if the films were terrible because these things were so far from real life, silly and made up. I have never been able to understand why he deemed that to be a reason for criticism... Now that I've watched this, I have lots of reasons to take to him to explain why fiction is so important that I've never been able to vocalise before 😅
@@library_of_a_silversaint I’m glad to hear we’ve been able to add to your arguments for fantasy and fiction, it’s definitely under appreciated for what it can provide. I also forgot to mention how valuable it is for the exploration of ideals, philosophies and traumas too.
Also, reading fantasy has helped IMMENSELY with my anxiety. More than anything else. If I'm having a good reading month it probably started as a bad anxiety month 😂
@@crystalsbookishlife I’m glad to hear reading has been able to help you there. It’s definitely helped me a lot too
Yes
🙌🙌🙌
Lovely video ❤
@@valliyarnl Thanks!
On a side note, I've recently discoverered and become a massive fan of lit rpg.
@@Books_BrewsandBeyond What series got you into the genre???
@@SpacedOutReads It was actually an ARC book that I read for an author and reviewed a while ago.
@@Books_BrewsandBeyond oh lovely, is it one you’d recommend?
@@SpacedOutReadsu started listening to the Dungeon Crawler Carl series. It’s massively popular right now, so you’ve probably heard of it, but it’s amazing. And Jeff Hays as a narrator is incredible. Definitely recommend it. It’s been two months and I’m just finishing up the 5th one.
@@Shoe_e I’m in the middle of book 4, it’s so fun!
Whose this fly professor in the blazer? Better listen up!
@@calumlott Get out your notebook kiddo
I need to retrain my attention span!
I get totally get that. My advice is to find a book that really interests you and try to read just one chapter a day. You can of course do more if you want to, but at least read one every day. You will eventually start to pick up pace where you’re reading multiple chapters in one sitting. If this doesn’t happen, there’s no shame in picking up a different book and trying that one instead😊
@@finnmyers7137 This is awesome advice!! ❤️ I usually try to have multiple books on the go in case my mood shifts - eventually i catch momentum on one of them!
@@CD287- We all do aye!
@@finnmyers7137 Fantastic advice! That’s what I did when getting into reading