Not all reading is the same—fiction and nonfiction demand different approaches, especially when it comes to speed reading.
Should you blaze through a thriller at 500 words per minute (WPM), or slow down to absorb a dense historical biography?
In this deep dive, we’ll explore:
✔ Why speed reading fiction can ruin the experience
✔ How nonfiction benefits from faster reading techniques
✔ Scientific insights on comprehension and retention
✔ Practical strategies for optimizing your reading speed
Let’s unlock the secrets of reading smarter, not just faster.
Why Fiction and Nonfiction Demand Different Speeds
Fiction and nonfiction serve distinct purposes:
- Fiction thrives on suspense, emotional engagement, and immersive storytelling.
- Nonfiction prioritizes knowledge acquisition, factual retention, and practical application.
This core difference means that speed reading—a technique often praised for efficiency—can enhance or hinder your experience depending on the genre.
1. Fiction: The Case for Slower Reading
Why Speed Kills the Magic
Research suggests that fiction’s power lies in its ability to:
- Build suspense (delayed gratification makes plot twists more impactful).
- Enhance empathy (studies show literary fiction improves emotional intelligence).
- Encourage deep imagination (visualizing scenes takes time).
Example: If you speed-read The Lord of the Rings, you might miss Tolkien’s rich world-building—the very essence of fantasy.
The Ideal Fiction Reading Speed
- 200-300 WPM (average comfortable speed).
- Slower for complex prose (e.g., Ulysses by James Joyce).
- Faster for light fiction (e.g., Dan Brown’s thrillers).
Pro Tip: If you’re a natural fast reader, try purposeful slowing down—savor descriptions, pause at key moments, and let emotions build.
2. Nonfiction: Where Speed Reading Shines
Why Faster = Better (Mostly)
Nonfiction is often structured for efficiency:
- Clear headings, bullet points, and summaries (easier to skim).
- Redundant information (key ideas are often repeated).
- Fact-based (less need for emotional absorption).
Example: A self-help book like Atomic Habits can be read at 400-600 WPM without losing key takeaways.
Best Speed Reading Techniques for Nonfiction
- Chunking (reading groups of words instead of one by one).
- Eliminating subvocalization (silently pronouncing words slows you down).
- Using a pointer or guide (prevents regression and improves focus).
Pro Tip: For dense material (e.g., academic texts), alternate between skimming (for main ideas) and deep reading (for critical concepts).
The Science Behind Retention: Fiction vs. Nonfiction
| Aspect | Fiction | Nonfiction |
|---|---|---|
| Best Reading Speed | Slower (200-350 WPM) | Faster (400-600 WPM) |
| Retention Focus | Emotional & thematic recall | Factual & practical recall |
| Optimal Technique | Immersive, reflective reading | Skimming + active note-taking |
Key Insight:
- Fiction benefits from emotional encoding (stronger memory when tied to feelings).
- Nonfiction relies on repetition and application (highlighting, summarizing).
How to Adjust Your Reading Strategy
For Fiction Lovers Who Want to Read Faster
- Use pacing techniques (audiobooks at 1.2x speed can help train faster processing).
- Focus on dialogue-heavy sections (easier to speed-read than dense descriptions).
For Nonfiction Readers Who Struggle with Speed
- Preview the structure (read summaries first).
- Highlight key points (forces active engagement).
Bonus Hack: Try Speechify or RSVP apps for nonfiction—they can boost speed without sacrificing comprehension.
Final Verdict: Should You Speed Read Everything?
✅ Yes for nonfiction—efficiency is key.
❌ No for fiction—savoring the journey matters more than the destination.
“The best readers are chameleons—they adapt their speed to the book in their hands.”
Your Next Steps
- Test your reading speed (Free Tool).
- Experiment with different speeds for your next fiction and nonfiction picks.
- Share your experience—does slowing down for fiction enhance your enjoyment?
More Read: Speed Reading For Dummies!
Further Reading: