People who grew up reading a lot of fiction books usually have these 7 unique traits

Want to know a secret about book lovers?

People who grew up reading a lot of fiction books have some pretty awesome traits that set them apart from the rest. 

Yeah, I’m talking about you, the ones who couldn’t get enough of Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice, or The Lord of the Rings. 

All those hours spent escaping into fantastical worlds didn’t just entertain you; they helped shape you into the amazing person you are. 

In this article, we’ll reveal seven unique traits that many fiction readers share. So, if you’re a bookworm or know someone who is, keep reading to find out what makes you guys so special!

1) They have a colorful imagination

Remember that feeling as a kid, lying in bed, covers pulled up, flashlight in hand, and a book casting shadows on the ceiling? 

Yep, that’s the magic I’m talking about.

As someone who grew up with my nose buried in fiction books, I’ve always found that they’ve helped me develop a super active imagination.

I mean, it was like I could almost smell the gingerbread in Hansel and Gretel or feel the softness of the princess’ mattresses in The Princess and the Pea.

Of course, how could I forget the heartbreak of The Little Match Girl, matches burning brightly as she dreamed of a better life in the cold? 

It was like these stories were living, breathing things, and I was right there in the middle of them, experiencing it all firsthand.

And the best part is that magic never fades. 

Even today, whenever I pick up a new book or revisit an old favorite, I still feel that same sense of wonder and excitement.

Because no matter what’s going on in my life, I know that I can always count on a good book to take me away, to transport me to a different world, and to remind me of the magic of childhood.

2) They have a broader perspective on life

I’ve often heard people say, “I don’t read fiction; it’s just not my thing.” 

While I get that not everyone enjoys a good book, I truly believe that those who grew up reading fiction have a unique advantage in life.

For one thing, when you read a lot of fiction books, especially at a young age, your way of thinking changes. Simply put, you start seeing the world through different lenses.

Perhaps, it’s because you get to experience life from different characters’ perspectives. You see the world from their point of view, which often challenges your own beliefs and biases. 

This allows you to become more open-minded and tolerant by learning to appreciate other cultures, lifestyles, and ideas. 

I remember reading The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini when I was in high school. The story takes place in Afghanistan and follows the lives of two young boys whose friendship is tested by war, betrayal, and guilt. 

Their experiences made me realize how fortunate I was to be born where I was, with access to education and safety.

To this day, when I hear news about conflicts in the Middle East, that book connects me on a deeper level with the people affected.

3) They have a natural gift for storytelling

When you spend a lot of time reading fiction, you start to absorb the way stories are structured, the way characters are developed, and the way language is used to paint a picture in your mind.

It’s like you’re learning how to tell stories without even realizing it. So without even trying, you also start to internalize these techniques. 

Now, whenever you sit down to write or tell a story, you might notice that people really listen.

You can easily make your listeners laugh, cry, or gasp in surprise. It’s like you’ve gained a superpower, and it’s all thanks to the countless hours you spent reading fiction as a kid.

But it’s not just about the technical skills. Reading fiction also taught you how to connect with people on a deeper level. 

Reading fiction is like stepping into someone else’s shoes. You get to see the world through their eyes, feel what they feel, and understand why they do what they do.

And when you do that, you start to understand people better. You start to see that everyone has their own struggles and triumphs, and that everyone has a story to tell.

4) They have a talent for escaping reality (in a good way)

As an adult, I realize that this skill—the art of escaping through reading—is something precious. 

Life can get pretty overwhelming, but thanks to my fiction-filled childhood, I know how to step back, take a deep breath, and find comfort in a good book.

But you know what? It’s more than just a temporary escape.

Reading books, especially fiction, allows you to escape reality in a healthy way.

One of the things I love about escapist literature is its power to transport us to different worlds, letting us experience lives that are nothing like our own.

It teaches us to laugh at life’s absurdities, appreciate the beauty in everyday things, and never lose sight of the extraordinary potential within each of us.

So, yes, I enjoy escaping reality now and then. 

But I don’t escape to abandon reality; I do it to return with a fuller heart, a clearer mind, and a spirit touched by the magic of stories.

And that, I believe, is the true testament to the power of escapism, the joy of reading, and the childhood gift that keeps giving, long after the pages are turned and the last line is read.

5) They have a strong sense of self-awareness

It was like every new story you immersed yourself in gave you a glimpse into your own thoughts, feelings, and motivations.

For example, when I read Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, I couldn’t help but identify with Elizabeth Bennet’s independent spirit and her tendency to judge others based on first impressions. 

It made me realize that I had a similar habit of jumping to conclusions without fully understanding people or situations. 

That realization hit home for me because I had always thought of myself as a pretty open-minded person, but seeing it reflected in a character made me question my own beliefs.

In a way, reading acts like a window into my own mind. It lets me figure out what makes me tick, what I value, and what I’m afraid of.

So when I spot parts of myself in characters, be they good or bad, it pushes me to reflect on those traits. I think about how they shape how I deal with others.

And this self-reflection helps me grow into a better version of myself, both on the inside and out.

6) They have a heart for others

If you’ve spent hours lost in fiction, be it fantastical adventures or love stories, you’ll know it’s more than just entertainment.

These stories hold a kind of magic—they teach you about empathy, compassion, and kindness.

When you read fiction, you immerse yourself in a different world, one that’s full of characters with their own struggles, hopes, and dreams.

You practically laugh with them, cry with them, and sometimes even hate them. 

But most importantly, you connect with them on a deep level, and that connection allows you to see the world from their perspective.

And through that perspective, your heart expands.

You see how a single choice can ripple through lives, how pain can scar and love can heal, and how even the most seemingly insignificant soul carries a universe within.

And through it all, you also discover your own capacity for action, for love, and for understanding.

7) They have a tendency to romanticize everyday life

I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but it’s definitely a thing.

You see, when you spend that much time immersed in fictional worlds, it starts to bleed into your real life. You begin to see the world through rose-colored glasses. 

You start to expect grand gestures and sweeping romances.  And that’s the problem.

People who grew up reading a lot of fiction books might set unrealistic expectations for themselves and others. They might have this subconscious belief that life should be like a book. 

That’s when they wait for that perfect person, like Prince Charming, to sweep in and rescue them. They expect every kiss to be fireworks and violins. And when it’s not, they’re disappointed.

But here’s the truth: there’s real beauty and magic in romanticizing life. It just doesn’t come from waiting for a fairytale; it comes from actively creating one.

This means infusing our days with the magic of possibility, the thrill of unexpected encounters, and the simple joy of noticing the beauty around us.

Final thoughts

So, whether you’re a total bookworm or just getting started with reading, remember: stories shape who we are. 

They light up our imaginations, boost our empathy, and turn us into braver, kinder people. So, pick up a book, crack it open, and let the magic of fiction do its thing. 

You might just discover a brighter, richer world, not just within the story but within yourself.