Brandon Sanderson is among the most widely renowned fantasy authors of the modern day. Ever since being plucked from relative obscurity by Robert Jordan’s editor and widow, Harriet McDougal, to complete Jordan’s Wheel of Time series, Sanderson has done everything within his power to prove just how much he deserved that shot at success.
Not only were the final novels of the series, which Sanderson played such a key role in helping bring to fruition, widely respected, but his own original novels have received rave reviews and great sales as well.
Brandon Sanderson urges fans to read different genres
Since becoming such a successful creator, Sanderson has also maintained a vocal online presence through social media sites and podcasts. He makes an effort to be incredibly transparent about his creative process and the things across pop culture that excite him. This was proven again this week when praising something unexpected: the works of author Emily Henry.
Emily Henry has become an enormously popular author herself over the last few years, with novels such as Beach Read and People We Meet On Vacation gaining viral attention online. Sanderson recently read one of Henry’s latest books and praised it on TikTok for its prose and “great concept.” He used this as an example of how people shouldn't dismiss certain genres for being “girl” or “boy” books.
“When I grew up, we talked about this way too much: ‘What’s a boy book? What’s a girl book?’ I grew up reading quote-unquote ‘girl books.’ My first fantasy novel was Dragonsbane by Barbara Hambly, which is about a woman having a midlife crisis and having to choose between her career and her vocation. Her vocation is magic, and it's really cool," Sanderson explained.
He continued, saying, “It’s so shocking to me that even in these days, there are divisions of what people should be reading. Read the books that you love. Read different books, try different things. You will be a better reader and a better writer if you read widely and try new things.”
Fans love Sanderson's take
Many fans have taken Sanderson’s response to heart, finding it an endearing stand against traditional stereotypes. As one commenter said, “he’s single-handedly dismantling toxic masculinity.”
"Men who read 'girl books' make better partners," another commented, while a third added, "Go off king! Love this!"
Others mentioned they were impressed that Sanderson even has time to read when he writes so much, which is a valid thought. The Cosmere author released his latest novel, Isles of the Emberdark, in July, and he’ll be coming out with Tailored Realities this December.
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