Booklists

Science Fiction is a genre that incorporates scientific elements and includes speculative scenarios. Stories can be set in an alternative past or in the future, on Earth or in space. Scientific and technological details are an important part of this genre. The tone and mood can be post-apocalyptic or dystopian presenting dark, scary predictions about the future. Science fiction books pose "what if" questions about the effect of science and technology on society.

Examples: Star Wars, Hunger Games, Halo

 

Horror fiction is intended to terrify readers. It sometimes, but not always, includes elements of the supernatural. The endings of horror novels are often unresolved or ambiguous. Unlike other genres, evil triumphs over good in horror novels.

Examples: Frankenstein, Hannibal

 

 

 

Romance is a literary genre that focuses on the romantic relationship between the hero and the heroine and ends in a "happily ever after," often with the marriage of the two main characters. An important principle in romance is "the obstacle," a miscommunication between the two characters that will keep them apart until the very end of the novel.

 

Examples: The Princess Bride, The Longest Ride

 

 

 

 

 

Mystery books focus on solving crimes, usually murder. The main character (an investigator), along with the reader, tries to piece together the available clues that lead him or her to the crime's perpetrator. The story usually concludes with the discovery and capture of the criminal. The investigator is usually a member of the police force, a private eye, or an amateur detective.

 

Examples: Sherlock Holmes, Murdoch Mysteries, Criminal Minds, CSI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adventure novels feature fast-paced adventure stories. and include main characters with diverse professions. The characters use their professional expertise to get out of sticky situations. The setting can be realistic or supernatural; historical, contemporary, or futuristic. The plots are gripping and action-packed.

Example: Tom Clancey, James Bond, Die Hard

 

 

Fantasy fiction is defined by the presence of magic and supernatural elements. The fantasy worlds are populated by mythical creatures like dragons, unicorns, elves, etc. and paranormal vampires, werewolves, shifters, etc. Storylines often revolve around a battle between good and evil, and fantasy series normally conclude with the defeat of evil doers. The main character often possesses a magical ability that helps them in triumphing over evil.

Examples: Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Narnia

 

 

Social Issues novels are usually feature a contemporary, realistic setting. They are often written in the first person point of view, and feature the emotional, realistic voice of young adults. Social Issues may “cross” different types of genres but all deal with an issue facing today’s society.

Examples: The Fault in Our Stars, Me Earl and the Dying Girl, A Walk to Remember

 

 

 

 

Historical fiction is a broad genre of books set in the past and written about the past. Containing a high degree of historical accuracy and detail, these novels require a significant amount of research and appeal to readers who want to learn more about a certain period in history through a novelized story.

Examples: Downtown Abbey, The Sisters Brothers, The Book Thief 

 

 

 Literary Fiction describes books that are character-centered and emphasize language and writing style. Literary fiction novels often include elements from other genres such as Social Issues and Historical Fiction. This genre also includes many award winning titles.

 Examples: Forrest Gump, Memoirs of a Gesha, The English Patient

 

 

 

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