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Books + Reading + Writing

Ultimate List of Book Genres: Expand Your Reading Horizons Now

Reading is one of my favorite pastimes and a goal of mine is to expand my usual go-to book genres! If I could get paid to read all day and do nothing else, I would jump on the opportunity in a heartbeat! I often picture myself traveling the world as I please, finding a nice spot with a beautiful scenic view, a mug of tea, a good book, and reading like I have nothing else to do in the world…. A girl can dream, right?

From the smell of fresh pages to the excitement of a gripping plot, reading offers an escape like no other. Whether you’re into swoon-worthy romance novels, spine-tingling thrillers, or thought-provoking literary fiction, there’s a whole world of stories waiting to be discovered.

For those who not only love reading but also dream of writing their own stories, diving into various genres can be incredibly inspiring. As a passionate reader, exploring different book genres can expand your horizons, fuel your creativity, and provide endless entertainment.

Below is an extensive, ultimate list of book genres. Also, checkout the most popular fantasy books of 2023!

List of Book Genres

Fiction

  1. Literary Fiction
  2. Mystery
    • Detective Fiction
    • Cozy Mystery
    • Police Procedural
    • Hard-Boiled
  3. Thriller
    • Psychological Thriller
    • Crime Thriller
    • Spy Thriller
    • Legal Thriller
  4. Horror
    • Gothic Horror
    • Supernatural Horror
    • Psychological Horror
  5. Science Fiction
    • Hard Sci-Fi
    • Soft Sci-Fi
    • Cyberpunk
    • Space Opera
    • Dystopian
    • Post-Apocalyptic
  6. Fantasy
    • High Fantasy
    • Low Fantasy
    • Urban Fantasy
    • Dark Fantasy
    • Epic Fantasy
  7. Romance
    • Historical Romance
    • Contemporary Romance
    • Paranormal Romance
    • Romantic Suspense
    • Erotic Romance
  8. Historical Fiction
  9. Young Adult (YA)
    • YA Fantasy
    • YA Contemporary
    • YA Dystopian
    • YA Romance
    • YA Thriller
  10. Children’s Fiction
    • Picture Books
    • Early Readers
    • Middle Grade
    • Young Adult
  11. Adventure
  12. Western
  13. Magical Realism
  14. LGBTQ+ Fiction
  15. Graphic Novels
  16. Satire

Non-Fiction

  1. Biography/Autobiography/Memoir
  2. Self-Help
  3. Cookbooks
  4. True Crime
  5. Essays
  6. History
  7. Science
  8. Travel
  9. Art
  10. Photography
  11. Humor
  12. Religion/Spirituality
  13. Philosophy
  14. Politics
  15. Business/Economics
  16. Health/Fitness
  17. Crafts/Hobbies
  18. Home/Garden
  19. Technology
  20. Sports
  21. Education
  22. Parenting/Family

Hybrid Genres

  1. Historical Romance
  2. Science Fiction Romance
  3. Fantasy Romance
  4. Mystery Thriller
  5. Historical Mystery
  6. Paranormal Mystery

Subgenres and Special Categories

  1. Steampunk
  2. Dieselpunk
  3. Biopunk
  4. Military Fiction
  5. Political Thriller
  6. Legal Thriller
  7. Techno-Thriller
  8. Alternate History
  9. Metafiction
  10. Speculative Fiction

Fun Facts About Different Book Genres

  • Romance
    • Highest Revenue: Romance novels make the most money in the book industry, generating over $1 billion annually. Their popularity stems from a loyal reader base, frequent purchases, and the genre’s broad appeal across various demographics.
    • Diverse Subgenres: Romance encompasses a wide range of subgenres, including historical, contemporary, paranormal, and romantic suspense, making it versatile and continuously engaging for readers.
    • **I have actually yet to read a full-on romance novel, but I imagine I will include this genre in my TBR collection a bit more as I get older. The fantasy, mystery/thriller, or action/adventure books I tend to read the most now usually include romance as a side plot. (Romantasy I am talking to you – Fantasy + Romance = Romantasy)
  • Mystery/Thriller
    • Most Adaptations: Mystery and thriller genres often receive the most TV and movie adaptations. The suspenseful and plot-driven nature of these stories translates well to the screen, captivating audiences with their twists and turns.
    • Bestselling Authors: Authors like Agatha Christie and James Patterson dominate bestseller lists, with Christie’s books selling over 2 billion copies worldwide.
    • **Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie were the two main mystery books I started out reading when I was younger.
  • Science Fiction
    • Visionary Influence: Science fiction often predicts future technological advancements. Notable examples include Arthur C. Clarke’s prediction of satellites and William Gibson’s foresight into cyberspace.
    • Cult Followings: Sci-fi series like “Dune” and “The Expanse” have garnered passionate fan bases, leading to successful adaptations and expanded universes.
  • Fantasy
    • Highest Grossing Authors: J.K. Rowling, author of the “Harry Potter” series, has a net worth of over $1 billion, making her one of the wealthiest authors in the world. The immersive and expansive worlds in fantasy novels attract large, dedicated audiences.
    • Epic Adaptations: Fantasy novels often inspire epic film franchises, such as “The Lord of the Rings” and “Game of Thrones,” known for their elaborate storytelling and grandiose settings.
    • **LOTR and GOT may not be for everybody, but if you’re a fan of fantasy they’re worth a watch!
  • Non-Fiction (Self-Help)
    • Transformative Impact: The self-help genre is one of the most popular non-fiction categories, empowering readers with advice on personal development, health, and success. Books like “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” have sold millions of copies globally.
    • Educational Value: Self-help books are highly educational and informative, providing practical tips and strategies for improving various aspects of life.
  • Historical Fiction
    • Rich in Detail: Historical fiction novels are lauded for their meticulous research and attention to historical accuracy, offering readers an immersive experience of different eras and cultures.
    • Award Winners: Many historical fiction books, like “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr, have won prestigious awards and critical acclaim for their storytelling and historical insights.
  • Young Adult (YA)
    • Trendsetters: YA books often set cultural trends and spark significant fan movements. Series like “The Hunger Games” and “Twilight” have influenced popular culture and media.
    • Broad Appeal: While targeted at teens, YA books are widely read by adults as well, thanks to their relatable themes and engaging stories.
    • **Entering the world of YA books was life-changing for me, as these books went on to heavily influence my childhood/teens. I often wonder how or if my perspective will change once I get older. The teenager in me is still waiting for “The Mediator” and “Dark Visions” series… A girl who sees ghosts and a girl who has ominous visions.
  • Non-Fiction (Biographies/Memoirs)
    • Inspirational Stories: Biographies and memoirs offer intimate insights into the lives of influential people, making them both educational and motivational. Books like “Becoming” by Michelle Obama have inspired millions.
    • Educational and Informative: This genre provides readers with historical context, personal achievements, and life lessons, making it one of the most educational non-fiction genres.

As an avid reader and book lover, your journey through the diverse world of books is bound to be an exciting adventure or educational read regardless of what book genre you choose.

Embracing different book genres not only enriches your reading experience but also ignites your passion for storytelling.

Whether you’re cozying up with a heartwarming romance, unraveling the mystery in a thrilling crime novel, or exploring new worlds in fantasy and sci-fi, there’s always something new to learn and enjoy.

So keep turning those pages, exploring new authors, and letting your love for reading guide you. Remember, every book you read brings you one step closer to understanding the magic of writing and the endless possibilities it holds. Happy reading!

Let us know in the comments what your favorite book genres are and your thoughts on the fun facts!!

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Khush
Khush
5 months ago

I am not that much in to reading but my husband loves reading books. These are some great book suggestions I can definitely forward your post to him.

Lavanda Michelle
Lavanda Michelle
5 months ago

Thanks for the fantastic list of book genres! It is comprehensive guide is incredibly helpful for expanding my reading horizons.

Natasha Mairs
Natasha Mairs
5 months ago

I’m a big book lover but never realised how many sub-genres of books there are.

Hari
Hari
5 months ago

I am hearing about the police procedural genre for the very first time. Thanks for putting this list together!

Rosey
Rosey
5 months ago

I’ve been to that library you have pictured, in Ireland. 🙂 One of the most beautiful book displays I’ve seen. The wouldn’t let us take photos there. We were allowed to take them in the next room over though, without flash, where they had the Book of Kells on display.

Dana
Dana
5 months ago

I’ve always been into self-help books. I’m always looking to improve myself and my wellbeing.

Erin
Erin
5 months ago

I love thisnidea of expanding what you read. I love fiction, but now am really into self improvement and help books.

Sue Tanya
Sue Tanya
5 months ago

Wow! thank you so much for this list of books. It seems like a really good list. Can’t wait to check this out.

Melanie E
Melanie E
5 months ago

I do enjoy reading but find that time is never on my side for me to be able to do so. I do enjoy reading a range of different genres. My favourites are science fiction, trillers, fantasy etc. It’s good to read a variety of different types.

Tammy
Tammy
5 months ago

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate non-fictions more. But fantasy was definitely the stepping stone for me when I was younger that made me fall in love with reading and writing. So many great genres and books out there to discover.

Jordan
Jordan
5 months ago

I have been stuck in a sci-fi (and a little fantasy) romance addiction since February. I’m talking almost 200 books. I listen to a lot of audio books, so I’m listening to something almost consistently all day. Hoping my addiction goes away soon so I can enjoy all of the other genres, lol.

LisaLisa
LisaLisa
5 months ago

WOW, what a great list of books and I need to check out a few of these especially the ones you have listed in the Horror category, I love horror books and movies.

karen
karen
5 months ago

omg this is beyond helpful, THANK YOU SO MUCH. I am often very confused with the book genres, there is a ton of them. The list is incredibly helpful, thanks a lot.

Jupiter
Jupiter
5 months ago

I really do need to read more – it’s just often not something that I put my time into. Thank you for this starting list.

Yeah Lifestyle
Yeah Lifestyle
5 months ago

I also love to read and doing it all the time sounds blissful. I don’t have a favourite genre and I am always looking to explore more options. Thanks for sharing your list.

Beth
Beth
5 months ago

This list is fantastic! I’m a big reader, and there are some on here I’d never heard of before.

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