Common Misconceptions About Books and Reading

When it comes to books, people believe a lot of things that just aren’t true. Common misconceptions, false beliefs about reading, publishing, and literature that persist despite evidence. These aren’t just harmless myths—they shape what we read, how we teach kids, and even what books get published. For example, many think Goodreads is the only place for honest reviews, but that’s not true. There are dozens of platforms where readers share real, detailed thoughts—some even more thoughtful than Amazon. And while people assume the Bible is stolen because it’s valuable, it’s actually taken because it’s free, everywhere, and rarely guarded.

Another big one? That phonics was replaced in schools. It wasn’t. It was ignored. For years, teaching reading focused on guessing words from pictures or context, not sounding them out. Now, science is pushing back. Schools are returning to systematic phonics because it works—especially for struggling readers. This isn’t a trend. It’s a correction. And it’s changing how a whole generation learns to read.

Then there’s the idea that the biggest fantasy series is Game of Thrones or Wheel of Time. It’s not. Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy trilogy with over 150 million copies sold worldwide. Also known as The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, it’s the only fantasy series that shaped everything that came after it—from world-building to character arcs to how we define epic storytelling. People also think the most purchased item on Earth is something tech-related. It’s not. It’s the Bible. Again. Not because it’s trendy, but because it’s given out in hotels, hospitals, and prisons—millions of copies every year.

And what about those "life-changing" books? Many claim one book can transform you. But real change doesn’t come from a single page—it comes from what you do after you close it. The same goes for cultural narratives. They’re not just stories. They’re the invisible rules we live by—how we see heroes, grief, courage, and belonging. That’s why the most powerful stories aren’t about dragons or space battles. They’re about quiet moments: a daughter saying goodbye, a parent working two jobs, a stranger offering help.

Some think the oldest adventure story is Homer’s Odyssey. It’s not. That title belongs to the Epic of Gilgamesh, a 4,000-year-old Mesopotamian poem about a king’s search for meaning and immortality. It’s older than the Bible. Older than any Greek myth. And it’s still gripping because it’s about fear, friendship, and facing death—things we still wrestle with today.

These aren’t trivia facts. They’re corrections. And they matter because they change how you pick your next book, how you teach a child, or even how you understand your own culture. If you’ve ever believed one of these myths, you’re not alone. But now you know better. Below, you’ll find real answers to the questions people keep asking—backed by data, history, and real reader experiences. No fluff. No guesswork. Just what’s true.