Book Genres Gelore

Hello readers,

Whether you are an established bookworm or are looking for that one book to kickstart your unquenchable desire for literature, let me assist in starting your genre exploration journey. Now, I won't say I am an expert in books, but I sure love to read. Last year, I read almost 120 books and this year I have already read over 30. A few things to note, though, is that I am not a genre / book snob (unlike my wonderful husband). I don't even have my own favorite genre -- which makes me the perfect guide for helping you find yours! First, lets explore some of the different genre categories that I have discovered (and highly recommend), including some niche categories, then I will give you some suggestions for beginning your reading journey in that genre as well as some book recs.

Fantasy

• Defining the genre: Fantasy is a huge gerne -- ranging from books like the complex writings of George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones, to the BookTok Romantasy favorites like A Court of Thorns and Roses or Fourth Wing. Yes, I have read all of the series mentioned. Books in this genre include magical and supernatural elements not of this world, and typically involved epic battles, intense world-building, and really really thick spines.

• My methodology: Since fantasy is so broad, it's hard to say exactly where one should start. Below are some recommendations that really grabbed my attention and have stuck with me years later. However, Y.A. (young adult) fantasy may be more your speed if you're a casual reader, need to be reintroduced to reading addictive books, and want to churn through a series quickly -- reach out for recs.

• Book recs:

  • Anything by Brandon Sanderson. Some of my favorite of his series are Mistborn and Stormlight, but get ready for some huge books. My favortie stand-alones of his are Tress and the Emerald Sea, Warbreaker, and Elantris

  • Name of the Wind Series - Patrick Rothfuss (warning: the series is not finished, and probably will never be *cries*)

  • Gideon the Ninth - Tamsyn Muir (part of a series, but this is my favorite)

  • The Will of the Many - James Islington (warning: the series is not finished yet)

  • Babel - R.F. Kuang

  • Legendborn Series - Tracy Deonn

Science Fiction

• Defining the genre: The amount of times my husband and I have disagreed on the definition of science fiction is absurd, so please do not come after me for this opinion of a definition. Science fiction to me involves imaginative and futuristic concepts, especially regarding technology (sorry guys, I do not consider Star Wars to be science fiction). This technology aspect is key to my definition of the genre, otherwise it is not science, it is fantasy or fiction. Usually this technology is used to develop activities like space exploration, time travel, extraterrestrial life, and even as commentary on dystopian themes and critics of currently society or individuals.

• My methodology: I am a baby sci-fi reader, having only discovered my love for the genre a few years ago. The below series, authors, and titles (especially the first four) were the books that I started reading as a newbie and have shaped my love for the genre.

• Book recs:

  • Vorkosigan Series - Louis McMaster Bujold (more space opera than science fiction, but still good)

  • Anything by Octavia Butler (my all-time favorite author). A good introduction to her work and stand-alone book is Kindred

  • Project Hail Mary - Andy Weir

  • The Murderbot Diaries Series - Martha Wells

  • The Left Hand of Darkness - Ursula K. Le Guin

    
    

Non-Fiction

• Defining the genre: This general is pretty straight forward - any literary works that deal with factual, real-life events, people, or experiences.

• My methodology: Before this last year, I really did not read much non-fiction. I always categorized the genre as only composed of memoirs, self-help books, and school textbooks. However, the below books are truly outstanding and are probably even more significant to my reading experience than any other genre of books. I can guarantee that if you read the below books and more in this genre, you will take away valuable lessons and perspectives that stick with you for life.

• Book recs:

  • Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption - Bryan Stevenson

  • The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet - John Green

  • The Black Friend: On Being a Better White Person - Frederick Joseph (truly one of the most impactful books I have ever read)

  • Crying in H Mart - Michelle Zauner

Romance

• Defining the genre: Ahhh, romance. Just what my Cancer Sun sign calls for -- or as my husband would say, emotional porn. Again, romance is a very broad genre that can easily be combined with other genres. Generally, romance novels are works of fiction that focus on the relationship dynamics and love-building between characters, typically with a happy or hopeful ending, but that's never guaranteed with my recommendations ;).

• My methodology: To me, Romance is one of the easiest entrances to learning how to love to read (again). I'm weird, so my romance novel adventure started with the historic writings of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, but this definitely isn't the easiest novel to start with. My recommendation list could go on for miles, but the ones below (beside Austen's) are great starting points.

• Book recs:

  • Anything by Jane Austen, my personal favorites are Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility

  • Someday, Maybe - Onyi Nwabineli (warning: be ready to cry)

  • Song of Achilles - Madeline Miller

  • Anything by Sally Rooney

  • Act Your Age, Eve Brown - Talia Hibbert (this is the last in a series, but my favorite)

  • We All Want Impossible Things - Catherine Newman (warning: this one hurt too)

    • P.S. if you liked the Bridgerton show, read anything by Georgette Heyer. Unlike Jula Quinn's series, Heyer's stories don't get repetitive and I find her a lot more witty

Cozy Fiction

• Defining the genre: Cozy fiction is my only sub-genre in this list, but one of my favorites and a great (re)introduction to casual reading sessions. Cozy fiction generally evokes comforting emotions in readers with low-stakes plots. I especially enjoy reading these as "appetite cleansers" between intense novels, or if you're just really feeling stressed out and need an escape. They leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside! Just note that these books might not be the best for igniting your reading passion, and are easy to set down, so I wouldn't recommend them if you are a casual reader only.

• My methodology: Since this is a pretty great genre to just jump into (since the stakes are low), I would recommend any of the below for a start. The first book I read in this genre was A Pslam for the Wild Built, but you really can't go wrong with any of these.

• Book recs:

  • A Psalm for the Wild Built - Becky Chambers

  • The Ruthless Lady's Guide to Wizardry - C.M. Waggoner

  • Running Close to the Wind - Alexandra Rowland

  • Bookshops and Bonedust - Travis Baldree (part of series, but I've only read this one so far)

  • Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch - Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett (may not be cozy for everyone, but hilarious and I highly recommend listening to the audiobook)

Gothic / Thriller

• Defining the genre: This last genre is the one I have explored the list, so don't judge me for my recs (and provide more if you have them!). Since I am not so much into horror and mystery, this is about the closest I will get to dark, suspenseful books. I will note, though, that they can be very addictive and exciting in a scary way (lol), which you don't always get from the other genres mentioned. I hope to explore this genre more in the future :).

• My methodology: Like I mentioned, I am an amateur in this genre, but I think any of the below books are a great start for those just hoping to explore!

• Book recs:

  • A Dowry of Blood - S.T. Gibson (warning: series not finished yet)

  • Anatomy, A Love Story - Dana Schwartz

  • Weyward - Emilia Hart

  • First Lie Wins - Ashley Elston

  • The Death of Mrs. Westaway - Ruth Ware

  • They Never Learn - Layne Fargo

  • Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs

Overall, it's hard to provide such a limited number of recommendations, and these are only books that I have read recently or reread a lot. If you want to discuss more book recs, leave me a message and I would be happy to give more!

Best,

Hailey