Take a story's temperature by studying its tone. Is it hopeful? Cynical? Snarky? Playful?
Professorial (Explainy)
Adam Smith ain't here to entertain us. He's here to teach us some important lessons about how modern countries should manage their economies. Open this book to any random page and you'll find Smith droning along in his dry, straightforward tone. He is here to present us with clear information, saying things like:
The causes of this improvement, in the productive powers of labour, and the order, according to which its produce is naturally distributed among the different ranks and conditions of men in the society, make the subject of the First Book of this inquiry. (I.5)
You'll have to get used to that, because Smith isn't here to hold your hand. He's gonna dish out some clear arguments and it's up to you not to get bored.