37 of the Most Popular Book Genres To Browse—Because There's More Than Just Fiction and Nonfiction
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Book lovers know that you can't always describe a book as simply being "fiction" or "nonfiction." That's why there are so many specific genres that books fall into. Genre is just another name for category and each category has a set style and subject matter. Off the top of your head, you could probably name some of the common genres like mystery, romance (love those enemies-to-lovers stories!) or thriller. But there are likely plenty of other categories that don't come to mind right away. Here are just 37 of the most popular book genres that you will find.
Although there is a wide variety of genres, it isn't unusual for one book to fit into several different categories. For instance, a classic could also be a mystery, or a romance could also be historical fiction or even a memoir. But here are the most popular book genres along with a couple of books that fit the category best.
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Most Popular Book Genres
1. Fantasy
The fantasy genre is made up of fictional worlds full of supernatural and magical powers that transport the reader into a whole new realm. Typically, the stories are inspired by mythology, folklore or even religion, with plots of good and evil. One of the greatest works in fantasy is J.R.R. Tolkien's, The Lord of the Rings, which is a tale taking place in Middle Earth and comprised of such characters as elves, hobbits, dwarves and trolls.
2. Historical Fiction
This genre is a fictional plot that takes place in a real historical era. True events that happened like wars or the Great Depression are brought to life by fictional characters. Although the actual story isn't true, the time period contains factual information. Arguably the best books in historical fiction are written by authors who do intensive research on the time period of the story.
3. Thriller
A thriller is a type of mystery with the focus being on the main character's plight. It could be a life-and-death situation or any plot that brings about feelings of anxiety, fear, excitement or suspense. The best thrillers are action-packed with plenty of twists and turns. They are usually a quick read because most stories are page-turners that are hard to put down.
4. Romance
The romance genre speaks for itself. Most often, the plot involves a love story where a couple comes together against all odds. Or, as in The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks, a couple endures the test of time. These books are heartwarming and emotionally satisfying.
5. Science Fiction
Most of the time, science fiction novels are futuristic. It's a genre that is similar to fantasy but deals with future worlds and technology. Authors can imagine a world that goes above and beyond the capabilities of today. Think Star Wars and the holograms, droids, space cars and even the ability to clone.
6. Mystery
Mystery usually involves a murder or crime and a quest to find out who did it. The books will hold clues that keep the reader guessing as to who the perpetrator is. Even though a lot of times readers will be able to guess, the best books will have a surprise twist that is totally feasible but unexpected.
7. Poetry
Poetry can be a rhythmic composition of words that convey emotion or it can tell a story through its short narrative. It's a form of art that is often put to music as well. There are several types of poetry that can be used to make a point, be reflective, express emotion or pay tribute to someone. A collection of poems is meant to be savored and appreciated for its deep meaning and thoughtful expression throughout.
8. Drama
A drama is a plot—sometimes in the form of a play—that is based around the conflict of several characters. It's emotionally based and often the end is resolved in a tragic or painful way. Some of the emotional themes that you will find include themes on morals, addiction, violence and corruption.
9. Classics
The definition of classic is: "Judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind." Therefore, books that fall into this category have stood the test of time and are considered favorites to be read over and over again. Since these books need to be proven over time, many of the classics are over 100 years old.
10. Humor/Comedy
Sometimes, humor is infused within a genre and other times, the book is just plain laugh-out-loud funny. Outrageous situations and self-deprecating statements are meant to bring amusement and laughter to the reader.
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11. Religion and Spirituality
Books on spirituality or specific religions cover various topics that we struggle with like hard times, discipleship, finding strength, as well as basic living and studies on a particular faith.
12. Philosophy
Books on philosophy focus on the human condition or the meaning of life. The authors use rational argument and critical thinking to analyze the way humans think and perceive the world around them.
13. Psychology
Psychology books deal with the mind or more specifically the scientific study of mental function and behaviors. Many of the books offer helpful insight into feelings, habits and thinking.
14. Business
Business is a popular genre with entrepreneurs and business leaders, but there are books within this genre that help beginners as well. You can learn how to be more productive or motivated as well as learn certain skills required to do your job better. No matter what your job is, there is a book that will help you to be the most successful at it and accomplish your goals.
15. Young Adult
Young adult books encompass a wide variety of themes, but they are all geared toward the ages of 12 through 18. Typically, the main character will be a teenager and the events in the book will be relatable to that age group.
16. Children's Literature
Any book that is geared to young children, other than picture books, would be included in the Children's Literature genre. The books are most appropriate for elementary school-aged children.
17. Memoir
A memoir is a collection of narratives that reflect on the author's memories of particular events or experiences at a given time. The book could focus on the memories of their impressive career or involvement in something traumatic such as a wartime experience as homelessness, like in The Glass Castle, and more.
18. Autobiography
Rather than focusing on just one moment in time, an autobiography focuses on the author's entire life. They are normally written by a famous or noteworthy person in their later years. Since many of these books are used as resources by historians, the books will be fact-checked for accuracy.
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19. Biography
Similar to an autobiography, a biography is a book about someone's life, but it is written by someone else. Authors who write biographies do a great deal of research. They may use letters or diaries of the person, conduct interviews with family members or friends, and look at other reference books for facts.
20. Self-Help
You might think that self-help and psychology are the same genre. They may overlap at times, and do have similarities. However in the self-help genre, for example, a person who just lost 100 pounds might write a book about how they did it and how you can do it too.
21. Home & Garden
These types of books often deal with DIY projects for around the house as well as in your outdoor spaces. From simple projects to full remodeling, you can find tips for any type of improvement. As far as gardens go, there are books on planting vegetable gardens, flower gardens and landscaping tips.
22. Western
Westerns are written about the time period of the American Old West from the late eighteenth century all the way up to the late nineteenth century. Depending on the amount of factual content involved in the story, some Westerns could also be considered historical fiction.
23. Outdoors
The outdoors genre is full of adventuresome stories about hiking, fishing, camping, cycling, running and anything that involves activities outdoors. Besides stories, there are also many how-to books for learning any of these activities.
24. Fairy Tale
A fairy tale is a short story that is part of folklore. Unlike most fantasy books, fairy tales are geared toward young children. The stories still usually involve a hero and a villain with plenty of magic thrown in. However, the plots are usually more kid-friendly.
25. Dystopian
Dystopian books are written about futuristic societies. Most offer a bleak look into what the future could hold. For instance, possible societal issues like government oppression, technological control, environmental ruin or deprivation are played out in fearful plots.
26. Travel
Travel literature takes people to places that may not be able to go to themselves. From informative books on destinations to stories with settings in hard-to-reach places, the travel genre offers a lot of inspiration and insight.
27. Cookbooks
Cookbooks are a necessity as well as a pleasure. This genre contains books with recipes, techniques and the culture of food. They include a variety of different cuisines running from basic cooking skills to full-on gourmet.
28. Action Adventure
Action adventure fiction involves an intense setting that is unbalanced. Stories typically involve conflicts between a protagonist and antagonist during high-energy and fast-paced events. Books will be full of fights, chases and risks. Typically, the plot involves a personal journey.
29. Horror
Horror, as the name implies, is meant to scare and shock the reader. Books often contain violent material. The premise is to create a feeling of fear or dread. Also, they often contain a mix of non-human characters.
30. Military
These books focus on plots involving military activities like wars, combat and military life. The battles could be based on true experiences, historical facts or fiction but typically are written from the viewpoint of either the soldier, a military officer or an affected civilian.
31. Sports
The sports genre includes motivating books of perseverance. Books not only include those that give information on a sport, but also true stories about players and how they made it to the top of their game.
32. History
Unlike historical fiction, history books are based fully on fact. Books give true accounts of historical events, wars and time periods. There are also books on culture and change in different regions around the world.
33. Popular Science
Science can be hard to understand. However, popular science is intended for any reader. It is much more broad in scope. The books bring the discoveries of science to a level that most of us can understand.
34. Satire
Satire is sometimes humorous and sometimes not. It uses humor as well as exaggeration, irony or ridicule to make a point about someone else's behavior. It is often used in the political arena or in other areas of competition.
35. Art
Books on art focus on showcasing the art as well as techniques for creating it. You will find books on a wide variety of artistic mediums including photography, drawing, painting, crafts, fashion, etc.
36. Health & Wellness
Books in health and wellness focus on physical and mental well-being. Diet, exercise and nutrition make up a big segment of this genre. You can also find books on specific illnesses and mental health issues.
37. Mythic Fiction
Stories in this genre are inspired by myth or folklore. Myths can be based on a moral or political issue and are typically cultural.
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