The old adage states, “You are what you eat,” but are you what you read too? If you’re an avid reader, but have not thought of switching to a literary genre other than the one you usually focus on, perhaps it’s time for you to step outside your comfort zone.
We’re not just talking fiction versus non-fiction here—there’s a wide array of literary styles to explore! If you’re interested in getting out of a literary rut, here are some popular genres for you to consider the next time you step into a bookstore:
Drama
Just like television shows or movies with a dramatic edge, books in this genre tend to center on conflicts and emotions. These are conveyed through action and clever dialogue.
Fable
Sometimes known as folk tales, fables are typically mythical in nature, with animals and plants having the ability to speak and inanimate objects coming to life. Often, there is a moral to be learned from the story.
Fairy tale
These short stories are about fairies and other magical creatures like giants, mermaids, elves, or dwarves. They usually have a happy ending hence the phrase “fairy tale ending.”
Fantasy
These works of fiction invite you to suspend your disbelief as you encounter strange, amazing, and otherworldly places and characters.
“You are what you eat,” but are you what you read too? Click To TweetFolklore
Every culture has its folklore. These are essentially stories and myths that have been passed down through the generations.
Fiction Narrative
Here’s another literary work with a “made up” story line. Fiction narratives are usually fictitious stories that are not based on real people or events.
Fiction in Verse
Rich in plots, subplots, themes, as well as major and minor characters, fiction in verse is also known as full-length novels.
Historical fiction
This genre presents stories with fictional characters and events that are set in a historical background.
Horror
Not for the faint of heart, horror stories are meant to make you feel scared or downright disturbed! They can be based on true stories or fictional ones.
Humor
Everyone needs a laugh or a smile, so why not pick up fiction that’s full of fun?
Everyone needs a laugh or a smile, so why not pick up fiction that’s full of fun? Click To TweetLegend
Often based on fact, but injected with imaginative material, legends are usually based on heroic figures, their adventures, and exploits.
Mystery
Mystery-based fiction frequently revolves around crime solving and the unraveling of secrets.
Poetry
This genre isn’t just for hopeless romantics! If you haven’t explored the world of verse and rhythmic writing, try poetry on for size, and see if it doesn’t stir deep feelings within you.
Science Fiction
Whether real or imagined, science fiction helps us see into the past, future and even other worlds or planets.
Short Story
If you’re used to reading lengthy novels, why not try a short story or two? Just because it’s short, it doesn’t mean there’s no entertainment value to be had!
Biography/Autobiography
If you’re a big fiction fan, perhaps you can try reading a true story about a person’s life for a change.
This list might have inspired you to widen your reading horizons, but maybe now you’re thinking “so much to read, but so little time?” Fortunately, there’s an easy way out.
Learn speed reading techniques like those taught at Soundway Efficient Speed Reading™ workshops. Picking up speed reading as a skill means you’ll be breezing through your favorite books—plus new genres—in no time!
photo credit: fiddle oak via photopin cc
