I have a tendency to read novels in topical spates, say Mormon polygamy, or long-distance swimming (there are more of these than you think). Developed long before algorithms began pushing similar titles my way, this semi-unconscious habit of circling a topic serves me well. While others turn to non-fiction to gain comprehension of a subject, I rely on fictional narratives, told from a variety of perspectives, cultures, or time periods, to fuel my understanding and empathy. T