Why Adults Should Read Non-Fiction and Fairy Tales

The Cost of Being Picky

Being selective in what you read might seem like a virtue, sharpening one part of yourself. However, focusing exclusively on one type of literature can stunt your growth, leaving other parts of your mind and soul underdeveloped. This imbalance makes it harder to fully engage with the broader complexities of life.

C.S. Lewis illustrates this beautifully through the character of Eustace Scrubb in The Chronicles of Narnia, a boy whose narrow reading habits left him ill-equipped to navigate the magical world he stumbled into. Eustace’s shortcomings are a cautionary tale for anyone, at any stage of life, about the consequences of a limited literary diet.

The Wisdom of C.S. Lewis

In his dedication to Lucy Barfield in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis highlights that fairy tales are far from being the sole domain of children; they are reservoirs of wisdom that grow richer as we age.

"My Dear Lucy,
I wrote this story for you, but when I began it I had not realized that girls grow quicker than books. As a result, you are already too old for fairy tales, and by the time it is printed and bound, you will be older still. But someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. You can then take it down from some upper shelf, dust it, and tell me what you think of it. I shall probably be too deaf to hear, and too old to understand a word you say but I shall still be your affectionate Godfather."

Rediscovering the Power of Fairy Tales in Adulthood

These stories reveal that reality is more than what meets the eye. Through metaphor and allegory, they offer insights into truths that lie beyond logic and reason. Fairy tales nurture our moral imagination, shaping how we discern right from wrong and inspiring us to find meaning in our lives. Without them, how can we sustain the faith and hope our souls so desperately need?

As adults, many of us drift away from fiction and fairy tales, losing the imaginative wonder of childhood. In my own life, absorbed by the demands of academia and professional growth, I stopped reading imaginative works, focusing instead on practical nonfiction. Yet, as I returned to the timeless classics—the great works of literature and fairy tales—I rediscovered them as essential nourishment for the soul. These stories reveal that reality is more than what meets the eye, offering metaphor and allegory to unlock truths beyond logic and reason. Fairy tales offer more than moral lessons; they restore hope, resilience, and a sense of possibility, reminding us that even in the face of challenges, growth and triumph are always possible.

In a world flooded with shallow, fleeting fiction that often lacks depth, these works provide a rich, lasting source of wisdom and hope.

Lessons from Eustace Scrubb

C.S. Lewis’s critique of narrow reading is sharply conveyed through Eustace Clarence Scrubb in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader:

"There once was a boy named Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it."

Eustace had read only dry, factual books, neglecting stories that could spark his imagination. Later, in Narnia, his imagination was so stunted that when he stumbled into a dragon’s lair, he failed to recognize the danger:

"Most of us know what we should expect to find in a dragon’s lair, but as I said before, Eustace had read only the wrong books. They had a lot to say about exports and imports and governments and drains, but they were weak on dragons."

This was more than a humorous critique. It is a truth about the power of literature. We’re shaped and influenced by all of the content that we take in, but this is particularly true when it comes to the books we read. Perhaps this is because of the time commitment involved in reading a book, or perhaps it’s because of the way reading forces us to use our imagination. Reading shapes us in ways that extend far beyond knowledge; it prepares us for life’s challenges.

The Role of Great Literature

Great literature—whether fairy tales, poetry, or timeless novels—cultivates the imagination, allows us to lay a foundation of guiding principles and inspires us to pursue higher ideals. It offers timeless principles that guide us through life’s complexities. As Lewis suggests, "We are, in fact, what we read." If that’s true, then it’s worth asking: What are we reading?

Why It Matters

Life is often hard. In such times, we need stories that offer a North Star—guidance, inspiration, and hope. Fairy tales and other enduring works of literature provide these things. They have stood the test of time precisely because they speak to our deepest needs.

Lewis reminds us of the stakes:

"Since it is so likely that children will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage. Otherwise, you are making their destiny not brighter but darker."

The same holds true for adults. Life is filled with dragons, both literal and metaphorical. In books, we meet heroes who teach us how to recognize and confront them. Whether it’s Frodo Baggins, Beowulf, or Hamlet, these characters give us examples to follow and lessons to heed. We also encounter women like Penelope, Marmee, and Beatrice, who embody resilience, patience, and moral fortitude. Even in tragedy—as with King Lear, Gatsby, or Raskolnikov—there is wisdom to be gained, helping us avoid their mistakes.

Finding the Right Books

When we, like Dante, find ourselves in a dark wilderness, the stories we’ve read can guide us back to the straight and true. The key is to read the "right books"—ones filled with hobbit holes, brave knights, and heroic courage. These stories have inspired countless generations through their darkest trials.

Choose to read the books that enrich your imagination, deepen your moral sense, and equip you for the battles of life. The right books are waiting to be rediscovered. Dust them off, and let their wisdom guide you.

Keep Learning

Want to gain practical tips to build and sustain a healthy reading habit? Check out our popular post, “How to Start and Maintain Healthy Reading Habits: A Guide for All Readers”.

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