I’m in university, and luckily my professors love when I cite relevant ideas from books I’ve read (fic and nonfic). Wrote a paper on surveillance— The Circle by Dave Eggers. Wrote a paper on predicting the future using the past— The Good Earth by Pearl S Buck. Wrote a paper on GPS data— On Trails by Robert Moor. Wrote a paper on double binds (specifically for women)— Jane Eyre.

I’m specifically trying to get a literature oriented career, and my professors know this. So possibly I’m just lucky. Also ofc these are not my only sources, just adding these in to illustrate the broader ideas better.