People who grew up reading a lot of fiction books usually have these 10 unique strengths (2024)

There’s something special about people who grew up reading a lot of fiction books.

These bookworms, immersed in different worlds and characters, often develop unique strengths. It’s like they’ve lived a thousand lives, each story shaping their skills and perspectives.

In this article, I’ll share 10 unique strengths commonly found in those who spent their formative years buried in fiction.

Let’s get started.

1) Exceptional empathy

Growing up reading fiction books isn’t just about escaping to other worlds. It’s about living countless lives, experiencing myriad emotions, and walking in a multitude of shoes.

This deep dive into the human experience often cultivates heightened empathy in readers. They develop a keen ability to understand and share the feelings of others, thanks to the immersive narratives they consume.

Fictional characters, their triumphs, their tragedies, their joys and sorrows – they all contribute to shaping a reader’s emotional intelligence.

So, don’t be surprised if someone who grew up reading fiction has a knack for empathizing with people. They’ve been practicing it for years, one book at a time.

2) Improved writing skills

Now, this one I can personally vouch for. As someone who devoured fiction books growing up, I found my writing skills evolving with every page I turned.

The more I read, the more I was exposed to different writing styles, narrative structures, and evocative language. All these elements silently seeped into my own writing. It’s like I had a constant tutor guiding me through the art of storytelling, helping me paint vivid images with words.

If you come across a person who grew up reading a lot of fiction, chances are they can craft a captivating story or write a compelling argument. They’ve been learning from the best wordsmiths in the world through their pages.

3) Broadened perspectives

People who grow up reading fiction don’t just stay put in their corner of the world. They travel through time and space, experiencing different cultures, customs, and mindsets through their books.

In fact, a study from the University of Buffalo found that individuals who read more fiction were better at understanding and accepting different viewpoints.

This exposure to diverse perspectives helps fiction readers become open-minded and adaptable individuals, ready to embrace the world with all its complexities.

4) Enhanced problem-solving skills

Life is full of twists and turns, much like a good fiction book. Readers who grew up navigating their way through intricate plot lines and surprising story arcs naturally develop sharp problem-solving skills.

They’ve witnessed characters facing dilemmas, making tough choices, and finding innovative solutions to their problems. This constant exposure to problem-solving scenarios in fiction can subconsciously train the reader’s mind to think critically and creatively in the face of real-life challenges.

Fiction-loving folks often have a knack for seeing a situation from multiple angles and finding effective solutions. It’s like they’ve had a lifetime of practice handling fictional crises.

5) Rich vocabulary

One of the most noticeable strengths of people who grew up reading fiction is their expansive vocabulary. Each book they read is like a treasure trove of words, filled with unique phrases, colloquialisms, and expressive language.

This constant exposure to diverse language use naturally expands their vocabulary, giving them the right words to express their thoughts and feelings effectively.

If you wonder how someone always manages to find the perfect word for every situation, chances are they spent a lot of time with their nose in a book during their formative years.

6) Capacity for deep connections

Reading fiction isn’t just about flipping pages; it’s about forming deep emotional connections with fictional characters. We laugh with them, cry with them, and even grow with them.

These emotional bonds we form with characters often translate into our real-life relationships. We learn to connect, to empathize, and to understand others on a deeper level.

Those who grew up reading fiction often have an innate ability to form meaningful relationships. They know the value of connection, of empathy, and of understanding – lessons learned from countless heart-to-heart talks with their favorite characters.

7) Resilience and hope

I remember as a child, engrossed in stories of magical lands, heroic quests, and brave characters who always found a way, no matter the odds. These tales ingrained in me a sense of resilience and hope.

Fiction often showcases characters who face adversity and come out stronger. This narrative arc can instill in readers a belief in their own ability to overcome challenges.

When faced with tough times, these readers often draw upon the strength of their favorite characters, reminding themselves that if Harry could defeat Voldemort, they too can conquer their personal battles.

8) Boosted reality-check skills

Ironically, immersing oneself in fictional worlds can actually improve one’s ability to discern fact from fiction in real life. Readers often encounter complex characters and plotlines that require critical analysis to understand.

This constant mental exercise of sorting out the believable from the unbelievable can sharpen a reader’s ability to do the same in real-life situations. They become adept at questioning information, looking for evidence, and making informed judgments.

Paradoxically, those who spent their childhood navigating through realms of fantasy often have a keen eye for reality.

9) Enhanced concentration

Reading a book isn’t a task you can rush through. It requires focus, patience, and the ability to drown out distractions. Those who grew up with their heads in books have been unknowingly training their minds to concentrate and focus for extended periods.

This ability is not just limited to reading. It translates into other areas of life too, be it studying for an exam, working on a project, or even listening attentively to someone.

If you notice someone with an impressive ability to stay focused amidst chaos, they might just owe it to the countless hours they spent lost in fictional universes.

10) Cultivated curiosity

One of the most vital strengths that fiction readers develop is a profound sense of curiosity. They’ve explored distant planets, ancient civilizations, and magical realms, all from the comfort of their reading nook. This exposure to the extraordinary fuels their curiosity about the world around them.

Curiosity drives them to ask questions, seek answers, and constantly learn and grow. It’s a strength that not only makes them lifelong learners but also fuels innovation and creativity.

And that’s the magic of reading fiction. It doesn’t just transport you to different worlds; it turns you into someone who constantly seeks to understand and explore the one you live in.

The magic of fiction

The power of fiction stretches far beyond the pages of a book. It seeps into the minds and lives of its readers, subtly shaping them into who they are.

These strengths – empathy, writing skills, open-mindedness, problem-solving, vocabulary, deep connections, resilience, discernment, concentration, and curiosity – they aren’t just acquired skills. They’re a testament to the transformative magic of fiction.

But it’s not just about the strengths one gains. It’s about the journey – the lives lived, the worlds explored, the emotions felt. Each page turned is a step in a grand adventure that shapes us in ways we can’t always see.

So, to those who grew up reading fiction books and to those who still do – keep turning the pages. You’re not just reading a story; you’re crafting your own. And what could be more magical than that?