DK Publishing: Good Reference Books, but Lack of Narrative Flow

I recently picked up three books by DK Publishing to gain a broad overview of Islam, philosophy, and LGBTQ+ history. At first glance, the books were visually appealing, with vibrant spreads and engaging graphics. However, I soon found myself abandoning the idea of reading them cover to cover.

Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t find a rhythm with these books. Rather than following a traditional chapter structure, they read more like a series of encyclopedia entries. While not boring, they lacked narrative flow—something even nonfiction needs to maintain a reader’s interest. Without a cohesive sense of storytelling, the content felt disjointed.

That said, these books aren’t without value. They’ll earn a place on my shelf as useful reference tools—ideal for quick fact-checking or dipping into specific topics when needed.