A Book Lover’s Guide to Popular Genres
Hey there, book lover! Ever find yourself standing in front of your bookshelf or staring at your Kindle, wondering what to dive into next? You know you want to read, but the options seem endless. Fear not! I’m here to help you navigate the wonderful (and slightly overwhelming) world of book genres. Whether you’re in the mood for a fantastical adventure, a heart-pounding thriller, or a cozy escape into a small-town mystery, I’ve got you covered.
The umbrella genres that hold court over the rest are the mainstays Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Fiction
Ah, fiction. The heart and soul of storytelling. Fiction is the genre that’s as vast and varied as the human imagination itself. It’s all about characters, plots, and worlds that spring from the mind of the author—not real life. Want to lose yourself in a good story? Fiction’s where you’ll find it. Whether it’s contemporary or literary, fiction takes you on journeys you didn’t know you needed to go on.
Popular book to try: 1984 by George Orwell — dive into a dystopian world as one man struggles to resist a regime where surveillance, propaganda, and oppressive control erase individuality.
Non-Fiction
Not all stories are made up, and that’s where non-fiction comes in! Non-fiction books are all about real people, real places, and real events. Want to learn something new? Feel like getting inspired? From biographies and memoirs to history and true crime, non-fiction has it all. It’s a genre that leaves you richer in knowledge and sometimes even richer in perspective.
Popular book to try: Educated by Tara Westover — this memoir is a gripping, mind-blowing story about one woman’s journey from isolation to education.
Let’s get a little more specific. Imagine each of the following as a tree trunk with an endless number of categories branching from it. All aboard for a whirlwind tour through some of the most exciting, page-turning, heart-tugging genres out there. Ready? Let’s go!
Young Adult (YA)
YA books are the place to find coming-of-age stories, young love, and epic adventures. These books are written for teens but are often adored by adults too (we’re all young at heart!). From dystopian societies to magical realms, YA tackles everything from friendship to finding your place in the world.
Sub-genres:
- Contemporary YA,
- Fantasy YA,
- Dystopian YA,
- Romantic YA,
- Mystery YA, etc.
Popular book to try: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green — this is the YA novel that broke all the hearts. A love story between two teens with cancer that’s both beautiful and devastating.
Fantasy
If your idea of a good time involves dragons, wizards, magical realms, and epic quests, then fantasy is your thing. This genre is where imagination knows no bounds, and the laws of reality are made to be bent (or totally broken). Want to battle monsters, find hidden treasures, or save a kingdom? Fantasy is where the magic happens.
Sub-genres:
- High/Epic Fantasy,
- Low/Urban Fantasy,
- Dark Fantasy,
- Portal Fantasy,
- Sword & Sorcery, etc.
Popular book to try: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling — of course! What better way to start your magical journey than with Harry and his Hogwarts gang?
Urban Fantasy
Urban fantasy takes everything you love about fantasy and drops it right into the modern world. Imagine a city where magic is real, mythical creatures walk the streets, and hidden societies exist under your nose. It’s gritty, it’s magical, and it’s often packed with action and intrigue.
Sub-genres:
- Supernatural Crime,
- Paranormal Detective,
- Dystopian,
- Hidden World,
- Mythic, etc.
Popular book to try: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare — enter the shadowy world of the Mortal Instruments series, where demons, angels, and dark secrets lurk in New York City.
Romance
Are you a sucker for a good love story? Romance is the genre for you. These books are all about relationships, love, and the rollercoaster ride that is falling for someone (or trying to keep them!). Romance novels can range from swoony, heartwarming tales to emotional, tear-jerking drama. Whatever your flavor, romance has something to stir your heart.
Sub-genres:
- Historical Romance,
- Contemporary Romance,
- Romantic Suspense,
- Romantic Comedy,
- Why Choose? Romance,
- Erotic Romance, etc.
Popular book to try: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks — get your tissues ready! A heartwarming (and heart-wrenching) love story that will stay with you long after you close the book.
Paranormal Romance
Take romance and add a twist of the supernatural—voilà, you’ve got paranormal romance. Think vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and otherworldly creatures falling in love with mere mortals. These books combine sizzling chemistry with just a hint of the supernatural, offering readers the best of both worlds.
Sub-genres:
- Vampire Romance,
- Shifter Romance,
- Monster Romance,
- Angel/Demon Romance, etc.
Popular book to try: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer — team Edward or team Jacob? The ultimate supernatural love triangle that took the world by storm.
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Sci-fi is the genre that takes you to places you’ve never even imagined—outer space, dystopian futures, alternate realities. Think of it as the ‘what if?’ genre. What if humans could time travel? What if AI and robots were smarter than us? Sci-fi pushes the boundaries of science and technology, exploring both the exciting possibilities and the terrifying consequences.
Sub-genres:
- Hard Science,
- Space Opera,
- Cyberpunk,
- Time Travel,
- Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian, etc.
Popular book to try: The Martian by Andy Weir — an astronaut stranded on Mars has to use his wits to survive. It’s science, survival, and humor all rolled into one!
Crime/Thriller
If you like to be kept on the edge of your seat, eyes wide, and heart racing, then crime and thrillers are your go-to genres. Murder mysteries, high-stakes heists, and psychological twists will have you turning pages faster than you can say “whodunit?” Whether it’s a gritty detective story or a chilling psychological thriller, this genre never fails to keep you guessing.
Sub-genres:
- Psychological Thriller,
- Legal Thriller,
- Police Procedural,
- Noir/Hardboiled,
- Domestic Thriller, etc.
Popular book to try: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn — a gripping, twisted tale of marriage, mystery, and manipulation. You won’t see the ending coming.
Horror
For those who love a good scare, horror fiction is where you’ll find all the creeps, chills, and things that go bump in the night. Whether it’s supernatural entities or psychological terror, horror books are meant to unsettle and disturb, keeping you up at night (in the best way, of course).
Sub-genres:
- Supernatural,
- Psychological Horror,
- Gothic Horror,
- Body Horror,
- Cosmic Horror, etc.
Popular book to try: It by Stephen King — because who doesn’t love a creepy clown and a terrifying monster that lurks in the sewers?
Cozy Mystery
Not a fan of too much gore but love a good mystery? Cozy mysteries are the perfect solution. These books often take place in small, charming towns and follow amateur sleuths solving crimes with wit, charm, and sometimes a bit of tea and biscuits. There’s still a mystery to unravel, but with none of the heavy violence—just a cozy atmosphere and a satisfying puzzle.
Sub-genres:
- Culinary Mystery,
- Pet/Animal Mystery,
- Bookstore/Library Mystery,
- Historical,
- Amateur Sleuth,
- Private Eye, etc.
Popular book to try: The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith — set in Botswana, this delightful series follows Precious Ramotswe as she solves cases with wisdom, wit, and heart.
Historical Fiction
Historical fiction lets you step into the past and live through pivotal moments in history, all while enjoying a good story. Whether it’s ancient Rome, WWII, or the Victorian era, historical fiction brings the past to life and immerses you in the sights, sounds, and struggles of another time. You get a blend of learning and entertainment, and sometimes, a bit of romance too!
Sub-genres:
- Historical Romance,
- Alternate History,
- Biographical Historical Fiction,
- Historical Mystery, etc.
Popular book to try: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr — set during WWII, this novel tells the story of a blind French girl and a German soldier, and it will break your heart in the best way possible.
Self-Help
We all need a little guidance sometimes, right? Self-help books are all about helping you improve your life, mind, and soul. From boosting your productivity to cultivating happiness, self-help books give you the tools to become the best version of yourself. Sometimes, all we need is the right book to light the spark of change.
Sub-genres:
- Personal Development,
- Motivation/Inspirational,
- Psychological/Self-Awareness,
- Spiritual Growth,
- Career/Business,
- Healthy Habits, etc.
Popular book to try: Atomic Habits by James Clear — this book is packed with practical tips and tricks to build habits that stick.
Poetry
Poetry is like a shot of pure emotion distilled onto the page. It’s language that plays with rhythm, rhyme, and beauty. Poems might be short, but they pack an emotional punch that can stay with you long after the last line. From love poems to heartbreaking ballads, poetry invites you to feel deeply.
Sub-genres:
- Narrative Poetry,
- Lyric Poetry,
- Epic Poetry,
- Haiku, etc.
Popular book to try: Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur — a collection of poems that explore love, loss, trauma, and healing in a simple but powerful way.
So, What’s Your Next Read?
And there you have it! A quick guide to some of the most exciting, engaging, and entertaining book genres out there. Whether you’re in the mood to escape into a fantastical world, solve a crime, or discover something new about yourself, there’s a genre just waiting to sweep you off your feet. So, what will it be? The adventure is just a page turn away!
Happy reading, and may your next book be the best one yet!
Next Up: Subgenres
Wait, There Are Even More Genres?!
Looking to explore genres even further? Check out some popular subgenres, because we can never get enough!