Young woman wearing a white sun hat and floral-print dress is sitting on the grass and reading the book (gnutikova (123RF))
If, like me, you fell into the obsessive blackhole of reading “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” or ACOTAR as we all lovingly refer to it, and are not-so-patiently waiting for the next book, you might also understand the struggles in describing the book to other people?
Ah, so it’s a romance? Uh, not entirely.
Oh, okay so it’s like fantasy or sci-fi? Yes, but also no.
It’s a book series for people who had read and were obsessed with the Twilight series when it first came out but are now old enough for “spicy” scenes.
Apparently, that’s long for a genre title. However, the genres that ACOTAR and many newer releases, such as “Fourth Wing,” fall under are Romantasy and New Adult. But what does this mean?
Gone are the days when books simply fall under “Fiction” or “Non-Fiction.” Today, dozens of genres and sub-genres exist to help you find your next favorite read. Here’s a quick guide to some newer and niche book genres.
A lovely young girl relaxes in a hammock, reading a book by the lake with golden sunset rays reflecting in the water. (gorgev (123RF))
Romantasy: This genre combines the classic genres of fantasy and romance. There is usually a higher level of “spice,” referring to content that might be too sensual for younger readers. Books that fall under this genre include “The Night Circus” and the Empyrean series.
New Adult: These are books that can fall under any traditional genre such as romance, horror, mystery, fantasy and science fiction, but are aimed at “newer” adults ages 18-25 and cover topics experienced at this age such as leaving home, college and careers. Series that fall under this genre include Throne of Glass, Off-Campus and The Secret.
Middle Grades: This genre is made for kids that have aged out of “Children’s” books but are not quite old or mature enough for the “Young Adult” genre. Some series that fall under this genre are Percy Jackson, Mrs. Smith’s Spy School for Girls and The Last Kids on Earth.
Cozy Mystery: If Hallmark mystery movies had a book section, this would be it. You follow along with the protagonist, but there are a lot less scares and tension, and the stakes tend to be much lower within this genre compared to regular mystery books. Series that fall under this genre include the Vintage Cookbook and the Antique Bookshop.
Realistic Fiction: These are stories that absolutely could have happened. There are no fantasy or science fiction elements to them. They are written for all age ranges. Series that fall under this genre include Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Me Before You and Beartown.
Young woman relaxing on holiday with a book and cup of coffee (giorgiomtb (123RF))
Historical Fiction: Are you obsessed with the Netflix show “Bridgerton?” Did you know that it is based on an eight-book-long series? Historical fiction tells stories set in the past and are usually based on events that actually happened. However, the fiction element allows for authors to take liberties with the facts. Series that fall under this genre include The Saxon Stories (aka “The Last Kingdom” series), The Arthurian Tales and the Red Queen series.
Memoir: Memoirs and autobiographies are not the same thing. Who knew? Autobiographies are written by the author about themselves and encompass the majority of the author’s life. Whereas, while memoirs are also written by the author about themselves, they tend to focus on a certain time or phase in the author’s life, rather than their entire life. Books that fall under this genre include “The Third Gilmore Girl,” “A Moveable Feast” and “Educated.”
True Crime: True Crime podcasts and television series are all the rage. This genre of books involves the author examining a crime that has actually happened including the details, persons, locations, motives and actions surrounding the crime. Books that fall under this genre include “We Keep the Dead Close,” “Savage Appetites” and “Disko Bloodbath” (now titled, “Party Monster”).
Gothic Fiction: Not quite scary or thriller, gothic fiction encompasses books with themes that combine elements of death, fear and/or horror with romantic elements like high emotions, individuality and nature. Books that fall under this genre include “Beloved,” “Interview with a Vampire” and “Mexican Gothic.”
Contemporary Fiction: While high school English classes might have you believe nothing good was written after the 1800s, contemporary fiction is here to challenge this notion. This genre encompasses literature, poetry and dramas written and set in the present era or the recent past. Books that fall under this genre include “The Paper Palace,” “Lessons in Chemistry” and “Daisy Jones & The Six.”
