Hi everyone, I'm about to be studying psychology in the coming few months and was wondering if anyone had any book suggestions that mix psychology and fantasy together? I'll also take and suggestions other that fantasy if it's helpful.
by No-Back-583
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Best of luck with your studies! Psychology can be a fun discipline to learn for sure.
As someone with an academic background in psychology and a love of fantasy I should probably be able to provide some answers. Hmm.
Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes is a great example! But be warned: it’s a tear-jerker.
N. K. Jemisin used to be a therapist (I believe) and it really shows in the rich character development she has in her books. Particularly her broken earth trilogy (e.g., The Fifth Season). The books don’t directly deal with psychology concepts, but it’s clear her psych training aids her description of character emotions.
Similarly, I vaguely recall Micaiah Johnson having graduate training in something social justice oriented I think? And themes relating to oppression and overcoming trauma were apparent in her book “The Space Between Worlds” and the sequel. That’s sci-fi though.
Another option (perhaps cliche) would probably be Brandon Sanderson. The Stormlight Archive series has major themes of overcoming mental health struggles, some of which even mirror real-world disorders pretty well (e.g., a main character with something akin to seasonal affective disorder).
Brandon Sanderson’s “Legion” series addresses a fictional, but interesting, mental disorder.