If you’re a reader, you know exactly how exciting it is to discover a new book that completely blows your mind. Whether it’s the latest dystopian novel or something more romance-driven, if there’s a genre out there, that speaks to you and has the potential for greatness,
I’m here to tell you: read it! But even if you’re not looking for something new right now—or at all—plenty of classics are worth revisiting. So to help guide your reading habits in 2023 (and beyond), we’ve gathered some of our favourite classics from across genres.
Romance
It’s a funny thing. When looking for romance novels, the ones that stand out are more than just a story about two people falling in love. But, of course, they must be more than just that: they must tell you something about yourself and your own experiences of finding love in unexpected places—or at least they should try!
If you’re looking for some recommendations from me on what kind of books would fit your tastes best, here is my top pick: 50 Shades of Grey by E L James (a contemporary romantic novel)
Mystery/Thriller
These books suit those who like to read about crime, suspense and mystery. However, they’re not just for adults; younger readers will also enjoy them! The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins is an excellent example of this genre.
Science Fiction
Science fiction is the genre most associated with space travel and alien encounters, but it also has a long tradition of more earthly science fiction. So if you’re looking for books that take place on Earth but have an extra layer of mystery or exploration (or both), science fiction is your best bet. My top picks for this section are: The Martian by Andy Weir and The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Fantasy/Paranormal
It would be best if you thought outside the box to read fantasy/paranormal fiction. If that sounds like a challenge, here are some books that will keep your brain busy while your imagination runs wild:
- Harry Potter Series by J.K Rowling (A Series Of Unfortunate Events)
- Lord of the Rings by J.R Tolkien (Lord Of The Rings Trilogy)
- Game of Thrones Series by George R R Martin (The Name Of The Wind & Good Omens)
- The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien (The Fellowship Of The Ring & Return Of The King)
Horror/Gore
Horror and its subgenres, like gore, are not just for adults. All ages can enjoy them. It’s easy to get swept up in horror stories—themes of fear and death often resonate with people at any age level. But as with any genre that involves violence or sex, you don’t want your kids reading about these things if they aren’t ready yet.
Horror is an excellent way for parents to introduce their children to reading; it’s also a good way for them to explore their fears about the world around them. Moreover, horror novels give readers access to other characters’ mindsets. As a result, readers can understand how characters might feel scared or upset in certain situations or be curious about how things could turn out differently than expected. Here is my top pick: Dracula by Bram Stoker
Young Adult Fiction
Young Adult fiction is a genre of literature for teenagers. It’s one of the most popular books in any genre, particularly young adult fiction. Themes often include coming-of-age, relationships, and sexuality. Unfortunately, it can also include bullying, suicide, mental illness (and its portrayal), drugs and alcohol abuse, and even abuse between parents/siblings or friends from school (or even enemies). You can check out Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi.
It’s essential to read in different genres. For example, if you’re a Sci-Fi fan, there are plenty of great books and horror novels. On the other hand, if you’re more of an indie hipster and love romance novels, then, by all means, go ahead and add some more classics to your list!
So there you have it, the best books to read in every genre! Each of these genres has much to offer, and we hope you enjoyed learning about them today. Remember that these are just suggestions—if you’re looking for something else, try searching our site for recommendations from other readers like yourself. Everyone should try some of these books at least once because they will get you hooked on reading for years!
