Books transport us into new worlds, spark our imagination, and feed our curiosity. But with so many different types of books out there, how do we know what to expect from a particular story? That’s where understanding book genres becomes important.
In this post, we’ll break down the book genre meaning, dive into the types of book genres and subgenres, and list the top 10 most popular book genres with examples. Plus, we’ll share some top-rated book recommendations you can grab through our affiliate links to grow your collection!
What Does “Book Genre” Mean?
A book genre is a category that defines the style, content, and form of a book. It helps readers find stories that match their interests and expectations. Whether you’re a fan of thrilling mysteries or heartwarming romances, genres guide your reading choices.
Types of Book Genres and Subgenres
Book genres can be broadly classified into two main categories: fiction and non-fiction. Each category is further divided into subgenres.
1. Fiction Genres
Fiction books contain stories created from the imagination of the author. Common fiction genres include:
- Fantasy – magical elements, mythical creatures (e.g., Harry Potter)
- Science Fiction (Sci-Fi) – futuristic tech, space, time travel (e.g., Dune)
- Mystery – crime-solving, suspense (e.g., Sherlock Holmes)
- Romance – love stories, emotional drama (e.g., Pride and Prejudice)
- Thriller/Suspense – fast-paced, tension-filled plots (e.g., Gone Girl)
- Historical Fiction – stories set in a specific historical time (e.g., The Book Thief)
2. Non-Fiction Genres
Non-fiction books are based on facts and real-life events. Examples include:
- Biography/Autobiography – life stories of real people
- Self-help – personal development guides
- Travel – adventures and experiences in different places
- History – factual accounts of historical events
Subgenres
Each major genre contains subgenres. For example:
- Romance can include contemporary romance, historical romance, paranormal romance, etc.
- Mystery may be divided into cozy mystery, police procedural, and legal thriller.
Understanding these genres and subgenres helps readers find books they’ll love and writers target the right audience.
Top 10 Most Popular Book Genres (With Examples)
Here’s a list of the most widely read book genres today, along with bestselling examples:
- Fantasy – A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- Mystery/Thriller – The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
- Romance – It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
- Science Fiction – The Martian by Andy Weir
- Historical Fiction – All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
- Horror – The Shining by Stephen King
- Young Adult (YA) – The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- Self-help – Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Biography/Autobiography – Becoming by Michelle Obama
- Literary Fiction – The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Recommended Reads You’ll Love
Looking to build your personal library? Here are a few top picks from popular genres:
- Fantasy: Buy The Name of the Wind on Amazon
- Thriller: Get The Silent Patient on Amazon
- Self-help: Order The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
These books are highly rated and often recommended by readers around the world.
Final Thoughts
Understanding book genres helps you navigate the literary world with ease. Whether you’re choosing your next read or starting a writing journey, knowing the difference between genres and subgenres is the first step.
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