Favorite genre to read?

[Daniel]

What's your favorite genre to read?

[Spherical Time]

Ouch, it's tough to pick just one. Fantasy edges out sci-fi on my bookshelf, so it wins.

[Mr Steve]

I will always always say horror :) Splatter punk is the best genre of horror in my opinion as well :)

[Hellbent]

I don't read that much, I've always been into creating my own world. Same with guitar. I don't play other people's shit, I always rip it up freestyle.

But as long as the writer keeps it interesting (not many authors out there that do) then I'll actually read a book or two of theirs.

[ariella]

Gee it's kinda hard to pick between horror and fantasy.

[Sapphire]

It has got to be Fantasy for me.

[Daniel]

I should also mention this will help determine the direction of a site's project I'm going to start come early January.

[Aurorah]

Definitely horror. I'm not really into fantasy...

[Felony]

fantasy

[PencilJockey]

I like general fiction stories that are off the beaten path. If you're familiar with A.M. Holmes then you know exactly what I mean.

[elfdragonlord]

You know, it's funny. My tastes are usually so eclectic.

With music or with films I like all kinds of genres. But with reading, probably because of the huge amount of time and attention required to get through a book, I pretty much stick to what I like best - which is fantasy (a very popular choice too it seems).

I'm a fantasy junkie (which is why it's what I write). Tolkien, D&D and Fighting Fantasy are to blame - they were all a huge influence on me in my teens.

[newguy]

im gonna have to say stuff like
A thousand years of solitude or
the alchemist

[Torpeh]

Well-written thrillers are my favourites, although I read and enjoy quite a few genres.

[WhispWillow]

Fantasy and General fiction for me.

[Crazy Ivan]

Fantasy? Yes. Sci-fi? Yes. Comedy? Gimme. Horror? Sure, why not. Mystery? Why, of course!
But what is absolutely the best is if you can find a book that blends comedy with sci-fi, like Hitchhiker's or Discworld or Anansi Boys or the Pure Dead series.

[Randomer 720]

fantasy has got my vote all the way, Eragon rocks!!!! Eldest Rocks!!!! The third book which hasn't come out yet im sure will rock!!!! Fantasy Rocks!!!!

[Bluemouth]

Horror! Although I'm ultra-bias to reading only Stephen King's books. I also don't mind a bit of Michael Crichton - so I guess a science-like genre is my taste as well.

[Cpt. Corsair]

...um if i had to choose id have to say fiction of almost any type but if you want the whole cake! i would have to say anything with some action and a bit of a lovin goin down

[FreezeBlade]

Crime- Murders, Missing Person Cases, yeah anyone who can pull that plot off well is something I'll read. Books or fanfiction.

[103_smalls]

indeed this was a tough decision... most of what i read is fantasy, but as long as it's fiction i love it, so i said general fiction

[AeroDillo]

Westerns or adventure, usually, though I probably read more non-fiction and technical manuals for purposes of research.

[Axis]

Westerns or adventure, usually, though I probably read more non-fiction and technical manuals for purposes of research.

Ha haaaa. I know you, you sneaky little rodent!

[ItalianStallion]

non-fiction...true stories

[Saya]

Hmmm...it used to be Fantasy but I'm not so intrigued by fantasy anymore. I like Historical Fiction a lot more and I'm surprised that isn't a chocie up there... =/ I also like Christian fiction. =D Only if they're written well, like Francine Rivers' books. Gilbert Morris's make me shudder b/c the writing is so bad...

[AshNight]

For a good fantasy series I will happily sell my unborn children. That being said, I do really like fiction, science-fiction, and the occasional historical fiction.

[Corleone]

I enjoy crime and thriller books. At the moment I'm reading The Godfather by Mario Puzo (that's why I chose Corleone for my username) and am really enjoying it. I'm sure being a huge fan of the movies makes me a little biased haha.
I'm not a fan of fantasy though. Horror is my second favourite, Stephen King ect. But, I will read most anything.

[_booklovr_]

Mine would have to be fantasy. I enjoy other genres, especially when they're written well, but fantasy would have to be my general favorite.

[Evelyn]

I'll read just about anything, genre-wise. It has to have a front cover that doesn't make me think the publisher is trying to cash in on impulse buying, a back cover blurb that doesn't make me laugh out loud at the triteness of the premise, and a page or two selected at random that seems well-written.

I love to browse the "reshelve" carts at the library to turn up random books from everywhere. Those Penguin books with the spines that are white at the top and orange below are often really interesting, and I have fun browsing the last of the alphabet: authors whose names start with W, X, Y, or Z seem to write disproportionately interesting stuff.

I love literary fiction, but a lot of Capital-L Literature is too high-browed for me.

My vices, my "brain candy" :), mostly turn up in the "Mystery" section: Robert B. Parker's great, and I love to alternate M. C. Beaton's Hamish Macbeth "Cozy Cottage" mysteries with Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus "Scotland the Squalorous" mysteries.


Should I have checked "General" or "Other"? :)

- Evelyn

[Kit]

Difficult to choose just one category but I went for crime/thriller :)

[Heather Louise]

i read all sorts, but my favourite is either fantsasy or crime and thriller. for easy reading i like a nice childrens fantasy book which doesn't take much effort. but other times i like a book that challenges your mind and mkaes you think, so then i go for crime/thriller.
Heather

[satisverborum2003]

My favourite genre is probably fantasy but my guilty pleasure is romance - Not the usual sappy stuff or Mills and Boons but something well-written.

Thinking about it, I should probably write a fantasy and a romance story at some point...

[Adri<3]

I can't choose just one I can however rank them for you:
1). Thriller
2). Fantasy
3). Romance

I love having a bit of romance in all the novels I read but romance just by itself, not so much. :)

[Michael Allan]

It's a toss-up between 'General Fiction' and 'Other'. I love variety...

[Edward]

I've gotta say, I hate most of the Fantasy I read (too much of that over immersive Olde Englishe language and outlandish magic. also everything is all Tolkien and Gygax) but it's by far my favourite genre.

The glint of steel, the blast of a flintlock, the crackling of magic in the air, the roar of a dragon...

[Novel Novice]

Definitely "suspense/mystery". Love the plot twists and such. I'm also slightly getting into some sci-fi (Ender's series).

[Pnin]

I voted for general fiction, but actually I don't have a favourite genre. In a way I'm very picky, in another way not - I don't think about literature in genres, but rather in periods. In general, a book should provoke some thoughts in me, some emotions and should let me view the world a bit different than before, that's all I require. What I can't stand is too much action, too much focus on the plot. This is why I stay away from most thrillers, fantasy and such, but I certainly don't avoid any genre per se - why would I want to restrict myself like that?

[Haemoglobin]

Ouch. It was really hard to pick just one, but I settled on Horror. I love a thrill and I love gore. So, horror would be an obvious pick for me.

[WhiteRider]

Fantasy

[wordweaver]

*raises hand* fantasy. With historical fiction a close second. ;)



I've gotta say, I hate most of the Fantasy I read (too much of that over immersive Olde Englishe language and outlandish magic. also everything is all Tolkien and Gygax) but it's by far my favourite genre.


Edward, have you read George RR Martin's series? The first book being, A Game of Thrones? Excellent, fantastic, and totally engrossing! Try it if you haven't already. :)

[Frost]

Fantasy probs.
Followed by general fiction.

[SeaBreeze]

Fantasy, and probably romance. Suspense and thrillers are good as well as James Pattersons crime novels.

[Eoz Eanj]

Why is there not drama on this list?

[Funny Bunny]

Non fiction, usually brain chemistry, medicine, or probability, also philosophy, natural history. In fiction, I like thrillers/suspense, mainstream (plot but doesn't fit in any category, like T. C. Boyle, Ian McEwan) or Literary, Isabella Allende, or Gabriel García Márquez.

[Troy]

i'd have to say fantasy, but i read all sorts like most people, fantasy, historical fiction, science fiction, crime/thriller.

[sunflower]

Well, that's a tough one because I like Science Fiction Fantasy, and Fantasy and Science Fiction.:redface:

[Weaselword]

Speculative fiction--i.e., horror, fantasy and sci-fi.

[Lemex]

Horror... give me a collection of Lovecraft's work and i'll be happy for hours.

[LionofPerth]

Sci fi, and these days the harder the better. Assimov will keep me busy for days.

[lessa]

Fantasy and Westerns. both take me to a different place and time.

[lordofhats]

Everyone knows Science Horror Fantasy owns all XD. I'll just say Science Fiction cause Heinlein is my favorite wuthor of all time.

[MarcG]

Crime/Thriller is closest. Suspenseful phsycological stuff. No idea what you'd call it. Crime and Punishment, The Plague, etc.

[ANT (Bar YOSEF)]

I'd say historical fiction- as it is fiction but set in a real context. I really like Christian Jacq's RAMSES books.

[charms3468]

i like both fantasy and general fiction....but i had to go with fantasy seeing as i have more fantasy books than anything on my shelf.

[Tori]

I read a lot of fantasy, so I'd say fantasy was my favourite genre. I do have a soft spot for some romance novels but I'm really picky with what I like so I don't tend to read romance that much.

[Kid At <3]

I love to read fantasy, I just don't like writing it...

[CharlieTheUnicorn13]

I picked sci-fi, but really, I think it's tied with fantasy. :)

[Plucko]

I absolutely love fantasy. And if it's fantasy and romance in one story, it's perfect.

[silverbells&&cockleshells]

I like the regular realistic fiction books. I used to be a fantasy girl, but it just got really old because theres only really one sort of plot it can follow. I mean I still like it, but I get bored with it.

[Running Up That Hill]

Other: psychologial writing, dramatic plots, interesting character profiles... I don't like stories following particularly one genre.

I certainly read all of the genres listed above, but Fantasy/Sci-Fi is definitely my least favourite genre - followed by Crime/Thriller. It's too conceptional for me actually.

[The Majicou]

I've got to say that fantasy is my #1. However, a humor book can be awesome, too, if it's done well.

[(Mark)]

I like reading writers like Hemingway, Steinbeck, Faulkner, Fitzgerald, Salinger and McCarthy on one hand, but on the other I also really enjoy Vonnegut, Pynchon, Burroughs, Heller and Barthelme.

[Owen]

Currently enjoying Jasper Fforde's stuff. I've been overdosing on the funny side of things lately - Tom Holt, Fforde and Robert Rankin mostly. I think I need to get my teeth stuck into a gory horror novel next!

[Hulk]

Then its Stephen King for you.

[EnderW]

Stephen King is seriously underrated by book snobs, who dislike him because he is commercially successful. His short stories in particular are noteworthy, and in my opinion, better than his novels that have been his huge moneyspinners.

Anyways, my favourite genre to read is dystopian science-fiction.

[writiki]

I enjoy a bit of crime/thriller reading from time to time.

I also read Cormack's The Road recently and found it to be really enjoyable! I read half of it on a plane, and then finished it within a couple days, I couldn't put it down.

[soujiroseta]

gotta love the crime/thrillers, i think Jeff Deaver's novel The Devil's Teardrop is a AWESOME read!

[nicthechick]

Just from what I had seen from the forum, fantasy and sci fi appeared to be the favourite which is why I took part in the poll, just to see. I wasn't far wrong and the thing is, I find it really tough to review such stories. I am also ****e with poetry so I don't feel I have anything to offer in reviewing poems because I just don't get them. They always seem to have some deep, hidden meaning that I just don't get. It was the same when I was studying for my degree and poetry was part of the syllabus, the class frequently laughed when I totally did not get Sylvia Plaths angst and gave some simple explaination. *sobs*

[InPieces]

Normally fantasy and horror, but fantasy outnumbers horror greatly.

[mikespread1988]

Was a toss up between Humour and Sci-Fi and eventually went for humour. I know its not technically as good but I find it more entertaining. Do like Sci Fi and Fantasy though. Never read a horror book in my life.

[Oasis Writer]

I'm a fantasy reader. Just something about escaping this world that makes me want to read more. :)

[TheFedoraPirate]

Was a toss up between Humour and Sci-Fi and eventually went for humour. I know its not technically as good but I find it more entertaining. Do like Sci Fi and Fantasy though. Never read a horror book in my life.

You should read www.johndiesattheend.com it's both horror and humour.


Personally, I'm all about humour and I'll read any genre so long as it's funny. Horror comedy, sci-fi comedy, fantasy comedy...especially if it can at all in any way be related to absurdist humour.

[AWR]

Can't pick just one.
I'll read any genre if is well-written. I possibly tend more toward sci-fi and fantasy but hate to put my reading in a single box.
Actually, I'll even read a badly written novel if the story-line intrigues me enough.
I'll do the reverse, too. Well written but bad/predictable story. I love stories that use unexpected but appropriate descriptions.

The only books I put down before finishing are ones that strike out in both respects ie no story and excruciating to read.

[pegasi_quill]

Hmm, I'd probably go for Fantasy and General Fiction as my favourite. Romance, sometimes, if I'm in the right mood, too.

And anything else that's good :)

[Oasis Writer]

Oh, I love crime novels too :D Forgot about the how Mystery Crime novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle :D

[midnightphantom]

Ohh. I was sad that i had to only pick one. Fantasy and romance pretty much dominate my shelf at home and a lot of them are those two genres combined. I also like historical books. I belive the Dear America series was my favorite when I was younger. Or any book about the holocaust, old west, or the roaring 20's are good too. One of my favorite historical books is "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. I read that for American Lit. and I couldn't put it down.

[JAP]

I like many kinds of books, but on top of it I like Fantasy the best among all genres.
The Chronicles of Narnia is what inspires me to begin writing novels from the first place.
I also like horror books, prefer it than watching horror movies. Lately I've been into crime and thriller books as well. But Fantasy remains my passion of reading, so I voted for that genre.

::JAP::

[Sugar N. Spice]

Bittersweet humor has got to be my favorite, though I also like supernatural.

[Milady]

I used to read only fantasy and sci-fi, and still say those are my favorite... but I keep finding romance cropping up among my library conquests... maybe I'm just acting girlish for once in my life.

I don't usually like general fiction. If I want normal crap, I'll go get a life.

[Amor]

I love reading humor, although I can't really write humor for my life. And I like some fantasy novels, and also general fiction -- there's not really a genre that I totally dislike.

[Scott Tuplin]

Agh, no.

Fantasy is winning? Nothing against all you fantasy readers out there, I just could never get into it myself. The Hobbit was the only book I ever felt was a chore to read. Ruined English in Year 5 for me :p

[wildflower]

I love sci-fi but I own more period/historical novels so its 'other' for me ;)

[Kaij]

I go for the horror genre at the moment, but I used to read nothing but fantasy. I suppose one genre just got old after a while and I needed a new twist for reading. Huzzah for creepy, scare-the-crap-out-of-you books.

[Rumpole40k]

Anything that is well written, but I guess I lean towards mystery.

[FinalConflict]

It depends on the story for me, I'm not too picky when it comes to genre's, I'll read anything as long as I enjoy it. Although my personal favorite has got to be Action/Drama's or Thriller's.

[Jaclyn]

General fiction all the way. Fantasy isn't my thing.

[Daniel W]

Fantasy. I love fantasy, and i write fantasy. It will always be fantasy for me. It really makes my imagination run.

[Krisser]

General fiction, although I'll settle for the occasional biography or latest scientific/mathematical essay. (I'm a nerd, what can I say?)

[effielorraine]

DEATH

Morbid I know but it entices me particulally all the emotion around it.

EL x

[Greenthorn]

Horror followed closely by mystery.

[Aurora_Black]

All kinds of books are pretty much fine by me, BUT, I don't like it when they overdo a love scene, like describing a kiss that lasted 4 seconds but describing it like it lasted seven hours.

[HookshotManiac]

Out of all the listed from the poll, I read humor and general fiction the most. Other than that, I haven't delved into fiction reading that much in my life compared to how much nonfiction work I've read.

[Eliza.Doolittle]

Isnt there an element of everything in one story. Your always going to find bits of everything in any percific genre. But i think Sci-fi and Fantasy are the best. They transport you to another world. More work for you imagination :D

[Tex]

I love to read Fantasy, but I love to write tragedy.

[windovervocalcords]

Thriller--

I read Jeffrey Deaver, Greg Iles, Lee Childs, Peter Straub. And political non-fiction.

[penhobby]

I enjoy sci-fi, romance, gen-fiction and historicals (epic sagas following several generations.) Oh and children's fiction (I have 3 boys, and I get into the stories as much as they do.)

[Lucy E.]

Fantasy all the way.

[Thagryn-Sylrand]

I've been reading fantasy forever so the choice is obvious.

[BrinkofDawn]

Fantasy hands down. Horror would be second

[Weston13]

I live and breathe fantasy.

[Anliya]

Wow, lots of fantasy readers out there. I personally find it hard to get drawn into a world someone else has created. Tolkien is the only fantasy I've been able to read (and not even all his books are bearable). And Harry Potter, if that counts.

I'm more for general fiction. I also love reading memoirs and stories about people from other countries. Anything that's profoundly moving and makes me see the world in a new light.

[schrei]

I enjoy horror. I like to know how twisted some people's minds come be that they can create something that's frightening or just plain disgusting.

[Rumpole40k]

Any genre that is well written.

[WingedHermes]

Adventure or Science Fiction. Occasionally I like realistic.

[Thekherham]

I read mostly science fiction and fantasy.

[KingCobra00]

Horror/Thriller. I love Stephen King's novels.

[AdamLeliel]

Any genre that is well written.

I concur. I voted for horror, however.

[Rebekkamaria]

Definitely fantasy. :) We own something like 600 fantasy books (about 2000 books all together). :) I'm constantly finding new, lovely books to read from that wonderful shelf. Charles de Lint is my most resent love interest.

[Undefined]

Science fiction, I'm not even going to pretend otherwise.

[Samus Aran]

Tie between Thriller and Horror. Heaven would be a mix of both <3

[Eclipse]

General fiction, although I have started to acquire a taste for post-cyberpunk.

[vampire_dua]

Horror and vampire novels in specific. Oh I adore vampire romance. But I dont like reading regular romance novels. Vampire romance holds more tragedy and pain. Maybe predictable pain, but it depends on the author and how he or she shows the characters in a magnificent horrifying yet loving style.

[Sato Ayako]

I have a wide range of genres I like to read. I generally stick with science fiction and fantasy, mostly with authors such as Ray Bradbury, Henry Kuttner, and John Scalzi.

I also like humor and historical fiction when they're done well. Westerns are (or used to be, before I saw plots repeating themselves) fun to read, too. The psychological horror genre is excellent for secondary character study. Unfortunately, I haven't found too many good PH novels.

[assassins creed]

My favorite genre to read would have to be crime/thriller followed by general fiction

[Daisy]

I'll admit it and not apologize for it. Romance! Romantic Suspense, Romantic Horror, Romantic Fantasy. Would Lord of the Rings be as great as it was without the love story between Arwen and Aragorn or imagine Star Wars without the romantic tension and comedy between Princess Leia and Han Solo, not to mention Luke's pent up longings.

[inkslinger]

I enjoy anything from crime/thriller, fantasy, and horror. I also don't mind some romance. I guess general fiction should be included. Really, I'll read anything so long as it has the ability to hold my interest, lol. As a reader, if I'm not into the story within the first few chapters, very rarely will I continue to read. I'm the same way with a bunch of other things.

[ParanormalWriter]

I'm in the fantasy corner, although I enjoy other genres as well.

[Flozzie]

I like most genres, and I'll read anything once. I tend to gravitate towards historical novels though, since history fascinates me.

[Jinx1115]

Hmmm, I was stuck between Horror and Fantasy. I guess Fantasy overpowers Horror though so I wen't with Fantasy.

[WhoWatchesTheWatchmen?]

I used to be big into SF and Fantasy but now it's SF, Horror, and Thrillers. Fantasy has died out for me, mainly because of it's sheer lack of quality. Sorry, but their are too many Fantasy books out there that are just plain boring. SF can be accused of the same thing, but I just find it more intriguing. Tolkien I can read over and over again though. He's amazing. Harry Potter died out for me. Terry Pratchett is amazing. The rest are meh, as in so-so.

[zorell]

There are days wen I want to read about someone else's life I can relate too, so I pick up General Fiction. But..I mena I am drawn to Fantasy because that's where you find werewolves and vampires. And there is a particular name for it, but it's basically GayLit because it provides alot of insights. Oh, I just love fiction,-why'd you make us chooose?!

[Crimson Threnody]

I am a huge fantasy nut, though I enjoy a good general fictions now and again.

[Speedy]

Fantasy is pretty much my main aganda when it comes to reading.

Though, thankfully I picked up a novle by Peter F. Hamilton and now starting to grasp Sci-Fi

[rumplestiltzkin]

it's hard to choose between humor and fantasy and sci-fi.........but i guess out of all of those, i like humor best....it's most fun to write, too....

[Shargrath]

Tough to pick just one, but my reading is dominated mostly by Fantasy and general 19th century literature.

[Saphael]

I usually enjoy classics...or a dark and meaningful novel. The books I read must have a meaning, but otherwise I am usually not picky. I tend to avoid fantasy books, but I enjoy reading science fiction novels such as Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and also 1984. I also read some miscellaneous light novels too, such as Host by Stephenie Meyer and so forth...

[tnme22]

I typically read teen fiction or YA but I love reading James Patterson crime/thriller novels.
I'm not a big fantasy reader, typically books that have maps in the beginning I don't do well with :)

[DragonHeart]

Fantasy is my favorite by far, though I'll read just about anything that strikes my fancy, sans horror. Creeps me out too much. Read often, read widely is an oft-quoted mantra, but so far I've only got the 'often' half down. At least I read widely within the fantasy genre. :)

~DragonHeart~

[Horus]

Considering that my fantasy collection has more books than the local library and book shop I have to say that fantasy is my fav. genre.:D

[dushechka]

Philosophical/True Crime/Historical (like actual history books - none of that historical fiction crap) and probably some fascist/big brother types.

[Tatomi]

I love romance- however I have such a hard time finding a romance novel that doesn't have sex scenes ((or major hard-core sex scenes anyway...)) Guess I'm looking for something more innocent.

Drama is good and fun too. ^_^ humor is always refreshing.

[Alstathia]

Fantasy!

[Hubert]

I liked humor but the humor people make isn't that funny

[Scarecrow28]

Within the perimeters of the the poll catagories, my favorite genre would fall under CRIME/THRILLER, although I specifically enjoy what I refer to as the "action/adventure" genre, like novels written by Clive Cussler and James Rollins.

[Puzo44]

I'd have to say crime novels although I do read a lot of biographies. I haven't read a book better than Puzo's The Godfather and Mark Winegardner's sequel Godfather Returns

[DarkMaiden273]

Fantasy!!

[assassins creed]

I have to say fantasy. Although crime/thriller comes in a close second. I hope your new project gets off to a flying start come January.

Assassins Creed

[ZionsRodeVos]

Fantasy and sci-fi are my favorite genre's to read but I read far more fantasy books than sci-fi. My favorite fantasy stories are those that have dragons and/or elves in them. I love the dragon riders of Pern books.

[Gladiatus]

Science fiction - lots of people like fantasy.......

[offscott]

I like fantasy, thriller and obviously a slight hint of comedy. My favourite ever so far is skulduggery Pleasent. Its about this skeleton who investigates crimes and all that. It has all the things I wanted inside approx 280 pages!

[Kylie]

I like reading different varieties. To me, reading only one type is sort of like eating only one type of food. I like reading thrillers, humor, historical (not Western), and biographies.

[manali]

I voted crime/ thriller, but I read other types, too.:)

[kehl]

What category would surrealism fit into?

[MightierThanTheSword]

I voted Fantasy, but Fantastical Adventures are the best!

[DownUnder]

I mostly like reading action or crime/thriller but will also pick up the odd book with character transformation or even a soppy teenage romance...

[Rio Moss]

I write thrillers, so obviously I like reading thrillers, crime, detectives, police stories.

But I can enjoy other books as well.
Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro has very little thrilling about it, but it's one of my favorite books. Saturday by Ian McEwan and Ghost by Robert Harris are some of my recent favorites.

[K~la]

I picked crime/thriller, but I horror and fanstasy is definently up there too.

[deadastronaut001]

For me is definitely science fiction
http://photo-shack.com/img/eb160de1de89d9058fcb0b968dbbbd68.jpg

[Ennui]

Stimulating topic,and I speculate that every genres is relishing.But classics is my paramount thing.

[Rei]

What category would surrealism fit into?

That would be "Other"

[W8n4snow]

Horror, Scifi, and fantasy win with me, but I chose Horror on the poll.

[Only Sissies Write]

I like the idea of fantasy, and my novel (a single page so far that's in need of another edit) is fantasy, but I have trouble reading it because I have an urge to create my own world rather than read about another. I voted general fiction, because I think that's where you start to get away from uniform genre and see some amazing works. Now Stephen King and other top horror writers are amazing, but a lot of writers build off of their genre's precedent and lose a lot of individuality.

[Emerald]

I really should read more Fantasy/Sci-fi, but it's one of those things where 80% of it is crappy self-indulgent trite written by someone off in their own world.

I like books more connected to reality, about people and the human condition, so I picked Crime/Thriller. (That's not to say there isn't speculative fiction like that, it's just it tends to be more about the imaginary world than the real people inhabiting it...)

[Cheeno]

Crime and Thriller, but not because of the blood and guts (though it helps:)). I prefer it when the protagonist has to struggle within himself on his journey to overcome adversity. I like it when it's personal.

[cjharley]

I enjoy general fiction the most. I like the occasional crime novel and Stephen King. After the Da Vinci Code came out I became attracted to novels with a religious background such as The Footprints of God by Greg Isles.

[Scarlett_156]

I will read anything but romance. I tend to read mostly stuff that falls outside of "genre" definitions as a general rule anyway. Some of my favorite writers are those that are usually thought of as being unclassifiable--Alain Robbe-Grillet, James Joyce, Albert Camus. (Yes, I KNOW that these guys had styles named after them, but not genres.)

If I like an author, regardless of his/her style, I will read everything I can get my hands on by that writer. I recently went through a phase like that with Jack Vance. A couple of years ago it was Doris Lessing. I'm still working on the modern horror writer Thomas Ligotti (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Ligotti). If you like horror fiction, CHECK THIS GUY OUT, he's AWESOME. yours in Chaos, Scarlett

[Sato Ayako]

I just discovered I like some westerns. I read Louis L'amor--pardon me if the name is spelled incorrectly, I'm tired--and now have to read a couple more of his books, and maybe other writers after that. Anyone have any suggestions?

Also, does "furry" or "anthropomorphic" literature count as a genre?

[Medic]

Anyone else into Military fiction?

[Sato Ayako]

Anyone else into Military fiction?


Only when it's science fiction =D. Okay, so Marines of Autumn was pretty good, but it wasn't exactly "fiction". Armageddon Reef was a good sci-fi, military-epic story.

[misaditas]

Fantasy. I love the escapism. Especially love serials like the Belgariad and Pern series. I like loosing myself in another world.

Heck, I wish there was such a thing as the Neverending Story!!

[kaianddestiny]

In this world of anything but peace and love, what else could i read than the lovable genre of romance? Seriously, people, i can't let any other world occupy my spare reading sessions than the world of romance.

[xanadu]

I voted general fiction, specifically of the classic variety. With the exception of Harry Potter and one Stephen King novel, I think the most "recent" book I've ever read (of my own volition) was Atlas Shrugged from '57. I don't know, the whole idea of using description, flashbacks, complex symbolism, and almost mundane characters/events to portray a theme seems to be looked down upon in today's society, but I've always thought that those aspects were the most interesting parts of a story.

Maybe I'm just old-fashioned.

[mutants vs. vampires]

I can't really friggin pick. its too hard.

[jackie0109]

I'm into romance and suspense fiction. The plot for suspense intrigues me while romance always gives me the chills when I'm in love.

[Lolita]

I don't have a favorite genre...I will read pretty much anything, especially the classics. I love reading romance, because I'm a hopeless romantic, and these books at least give me some hope that I won't be alone for the rest of my life. Fantasy is another genre I like, but I surprisingly haven't read that much. I like reading because it takes you to another world where you can escape the mundane things of everyday life.

[Ameasha]

:)I enjoy reading fantasy, where it takes me away to other times, realms and dementions. I haven't travelled far in this lifetime, so it's a treat for me to read about other destinations and inhabitants. I love conflict and surprise endings. My own fantasy novel, yet to be published, The Calling, does just that. I feel fortunate that I am able to dream my chapters. Time wise it can become lengthy, waiting to dream the next chapter, but well worth the wait.
Ameasha

[Ti Odio E Ti Amo]

Humor is my absolute favorite simply because I laugh even at the stupidest stuff, although I can't say that I haven't read a book from each genre that I didn't like(excluding western).

[aintmisbehavin]

I'm the only fan of westerns? Screw you guys.

[Cogito]

Smile when you say that!

We have a strict rule about respecting other members.

[The Sheriff]

I have long been a fan of Science Fiction, so that wins out for me. When I was younger I read a lot of fantasy though, third place i guess would have to be crime thriller.

[Zcreative]

Go Fantasy!

....I'm a little late aren't I :redface:

Z

[Mara]

I voted "other".
Over the past few years, what I mostly enjoy reading is autobiographies and biographies of people in northern Canada and people who are doing something unsual with their lives (overwintering in their sailboat in the Arctic, raising orphaned bear cubs in Kamtchatka etc). I've also been reading non-scientific books about different animal species that I'm interested in. And (we live very isolated) I have discovered the wealth of info and entertainment to be gleaned from reference books. And 30% of the time, I still read a good old novel :)

[madhoca]

Perhaps in a survey of this type it would be useful to include 2-3 broad age bands? (To apply this demographically according to known population statistics).

I must confess I find it incredible that Sci-Fi is so popular--I won't be so sweeping as to say I can't stand it, since there's well-written work I can appreciate in this (and most other genres)--but really? I thought Romance was still the biggest seller?

[HeinleinFan]

This is going to be influenced by several factors. First, I've heard it said that the majority of people who join random blogs are male. It's not a large majority, but still - and a lot of romance readers are female.

Also, while I know some people who read romance a lot, I also know a lot of writers, and very few of my writing friends read romance most. A lot of them are fantasy or sci-fi readers, or are the really voracious sort who read biography, history, historical fiction, science magazines, science fiction, fantasy, horror, romance, classic novels. . .

[Spearnymph]

I expected fantasy to be the most popular, so I'm not surprised to see this. Fantasy is definitely very popular with writers, although it is difficult to classify. I like books with science fiction and fantastical elements, though I'm not a fan of the genre archetypes like spaceships and aliens for sci-fi, or sword and sorcery for fantasy. I mean, if a story isn't entirely true to reality as we know it, it could be classified as either.
When asked, I usually go with "Adventure" as my favourite genre.

[The Walrus]

I've always enjoyed crime/thriller books from authors like John Grisham, John Saul, Dean Koontz, and Stephen King. I can read some adventure, and Fantasy books... but some just don't fit my taste I think.

Here lately I've been reading a lot of biographies, especially ones about musicians. When I was a kid I use to read a lot of biographies, but switched to fiction in my teens, and back to biographies now in my late 20's. Usually if I find the person interesting enough I will read every biography I can find on them.

All in all though, I love to read. I visit my local library so much, I've pretty much remembered what authors/genres are in what row, I'm suprised they haven't offered me a job yet. :p

[March301]

I said fantasy, but by a narrow margin. I'll pretty much read anything that looks like it has an interesting synopsis. The last couple of novels I read weren't fantasy, though. I guess I'd be more likely to give something a shot even if the synopsis didn't catch my attention if it was fantasy, although I'll give anything a try. :)

[staceystars]

horror and romance with a mix of fantasy.. depends really on how i am feeling but my current novel has a mixture of horror and romance. Majority of books that i read are horror and romance mixed also so maybe this contributes to why i have started writing in that way, as it is a style i am comfortable with.

[kyle777]

Fantasy, of course. To me, it's the most imaginative and creative branch of fiction. Not to mention, I highly value ingenuity and creativity in a story.

[Tulip]

It kinda depends on the book more than the genre... I've enjoyed a number of fantasy novels, but there are also a large amount I haven't been able to get into. I've been addicted to Frost, a crime series, but haven't read any other book from the genre. I've enjoyed a couple of romantic novels, and a couple of...well, novels I don't know where to place! Haha.
That being said, I want to write for fantasy, so I suppose I'll opt for that!

[S-wo]

It would be fantasy for me. It usually entails me to keep on reading rather than general fiction that I might take breaks on every few days. I haven't read any romance and I don't think that I would like it, nor have I read any westerns either. I used to read a lot of mystery when I was a child. I think I need to go back into that again.

[Dante Dases]

As much as the genre I read most is fantasy, I have to say SF is the genre I like to read most.

[Dr. Doctor]

I tend to be more down to Earth, liking novels that talk about realistic things, or realistic things distorted in a way to make them fantastic. I like books that step outside the norm.

[RurouniGriffin]

It looks like this particular forum is full of many different kinds of readers, but, as always with these forums, contains the most fantasy fans.

[Atari]

Fantasy, of course!
I never even try to read anything else. BOR-RING! Why would I wanna read about some dudes problems in life? Lame.

The only other type I like is just an action-packed fiction. (Something like Tom Clancy. Without Remorse was a good book. I should read it again, some time.)

[Lucas Maroon]

My favorite genres are Romantic and Victorian literature. Since this list seems to deal with contemporary fiction, I picked fantasy as I also enjoy that genre. I particularly like reading dark fantasy and sword and sorcery.

[Vergil]

Manga and graphic novels mostly. I should really read more books. I do like reading about ancient Japan because Swords Are Cool!

[Agreen]

The only objectively correct answer is both.

[kkshicute]

What's your favorite genre to read?

i always go for romance.. i'm an emotional person.. :D

[Every]

I had to go for ''general fiction'', though I have to say my favorite genres are dystopian novels, psychologic mysteries and historically correct dramas (especially of cultures other than the West).

[CharlieVer]

I read everything.

All of the above, plus nonfiction, history, biography, politics, religion, current events, websites, newspapers, magazines.

In a pinch, I read the cereal box. ;)

Here's a list of what I've read so far this year:

1. Stalemate, Iris Johansen
2. Duma Key, Stephen King
3. The Gospel Parallels, Burton Throckmorton
4. The Millionaires , Brad Meltzer
5. The Rise of Barack Obama, Pete Souza
6. Pattern Recognition, William Gibson
7. The Postman Always Rings Twice , James Cain
8. The Door to December, Dean Koontz
9. Hard Eight, Janet Evanovich
10. The Truth (with jokes), Al Franken
11. Death in Holy Orders, P.D. James
12. Barack Obama: From Promise to Power, David Mendel
13. Shadow land, Meg Cabot
14. American Gospel: God, Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation, Jon Meacham
15. The Seventh Sinner, Elizabeth Peters
16. The Epic of Unitarianism, David B. Parke
17. Children of the Vampire, Jeanne Kalogridis
18. The Collectors, David Baldacci
19. Frankenstein1: Prodigal Son. Abridged Dean Koontz
20. Plum lovin’, Janet Evanovich
21. Blade runner (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?), Phillip K. Dick
22. The Zero Game, Brad Meltzer
23. Lincoln’s Melancholy, Joshua Wolf Shenk
24. Mary, Mary, James Patterson

I'm currently reading, To Kill a Mockingbird, "No Safe Place" by Richard North Patterson and "Unitarians and Universalists" by Robinson.

For modern fiction, two of my favorite authors are Brad Meltzer and Dean Koontz. (Odd Thomas is a favorite series!)

[g1ng3rsnap9ed]

I used to only read Horror, but my enthusiasm for it is beginning to wear down. I've been reading a lot of Fantasy lately, especially that of the metaphysical variety. I can't stand novels grounded in reality, so I guess surrealist-fiction in general.

[traffic101]

I like mystery crime, and next would be horror. Fantasy...is okay, but lately I crave mysteries.

[flashgordon]

I'm not particularly tied to a genre, but more to a level of writing. I can't read the simplistic stuff you find often in mass markets or the like. I like involved, complex stories with solid character development - whatever the genre may be.

[Killey]

My book shelf is line with mostly fantasy. Id put sci-fi in a close second.

[litilraven]

I like a little of everything. I really don't care for non-fiction much though.
I Like sleuth/mysteries, fantasy, just about any general fiction, some horror. I am not one for romance unless it is realistic. If it's full of mush, or stuff like Harlequin, forget it!

[World's on fire]

I absoloutely love Horror...mainly cause the imagery is great and is very chilling.

[sweetchaos]

All of the above! :)

[ArticulatedInsanity]

General Fiction

[Jiggy]

I like science fiction, I also love a good comedy story.

[The Viendish One]

I am fantasy and fantasy is me. :D

[Laurababs]

I love reading Horror.

[captain gonzo]

Usually stuff like on the road, the great gatsby, naked lunch.....anything thats hedonistic.

[Azkadellia]

I adore fantasy - escaping into a completely different world has always excited me!

[akshaykartik]

fiction ofcourse....the only genre where the imagination runs unleashed

[DownUnder]

Thrillers, or something that has an emotional concept of which I can relate to (something that moves me).

[Castlesofsand]

I also enjoy thrillers, though like many genre with the exception of romance(darn guys in them are too nice for me)

[Steve Benson]

I'm one of those oddball kids who realy enjoys dystopian literature and music. I know there isn't really enough of us to create our own section, but still, I find it enjoyable. The books I'm really throwing in here would be things like George Orwell's 1964 and Margaret Atwood's A Handmaiden's Tale. There are bad attempts of course; such as Margaret Atwood's Oryx and Crake. But all-in-all I like them and write them.

Also if your ever in the mood for very strange, industrial music pertaining to this. Nine Inch Nails's cd Year Zero is a perfect example of dystopian music. It is beautifully written into a harsh reality. It's also kind of a protest cd of sorts, but I find it real cool all the same.

- The Steve

[JZydowicz]

Postapocalyptic!!!!

[lynneandlynn]

I'd have to say psychological thrillers/ medical thrillers. I tend to like suspense novels the best. Fantasy used to be my favorite genre a couple years ago but I got a bit tired of the unreality so went to more realistic fiction (I still read fantasy every now and then, it just doesn't get top pick in my list anymore).

~Lynn

[CRISTIANO7]

I'm a huge fan of the Star Wars books, so it's gotta be Sci-Fi for me.

[Lokiman42]

I am open to most genres. But I mostly prefer fantasy or any form of fiction. Anything that doesn't exist in the real world. (Although reality stories intrigue me as well if done right.)

[hortaux]

I'll give anything a go once or twice, except self-help books. NO. Just... NO. Never.

I enjoy books that are well-tied together— books that make sense in the end, completely conclude. Fiction, nonfiction, horror, fantasy, science-fiction (although the science has to sound plausible), even epic-poems; I have a few favorites in every genre.

[vanhunks]

I voted general fiction, but specifically literary fiction. I enjoy amonsgt others Phillip Roth [The Human Stain, American Pastoral, I married a communist, The Ghostwriter].

vanhunks

[thegearheart]

I really like pulp fiction and adventure stories! I think that's because I'm a child at heart.

[busy91]

I like memoirs/autobiographies most. Therefore I chose other.
As far as fiction genre's I don't know, I tend to enjoy mainstream.

[giselle_zella]

I read everything!!!!!
I'm really not picky about what I read - I love to read.
But I guess I'd have to say that my favourite genre is....romance...
^_^

[Apo]

Romance is my favorite!!

[-NM-]

I used to like Fantasy the most, but it just seems to be all getting very similar nowadays, most fantasy books i read i feel like i've read before because the characters and plots are very rarely anything special or anything out of the ordinary.

Nowadays i tend to just read non-fiction, it's more interesting than fiction.

[starseed]

Hi, I'm new.

I voted general fiction. The stories I want to read about are of the real life variety. I like stories about real people I can relate to. Stories about travel, overcoming the challenges of life and love and family, coming of age stories, etc. Stuff like that.

This is also the genre I write myself, although one day I'd love to branch out and try out writing a horror story! :)

[lazerus reborn]

I'll give anything a go once or twice, except self-help books. NO. Just... NO. Never.
Perfect now i hardly have to type anything =}
HOw to sum it up in,
Yesterday I read Brisinger(eragon book3) today I read Gears of War Aspho Fields, tomorrow, A wizard of the earth sea-(highly recommended by a few friends and staff), Its my extended holiday so i thought id catch up on some reading.
What can i say am enthusiastic,

cb

[JGraham]

I really read almost anything.

My favorite books are the Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett and Next By Michael Crichton. I love Crichton's Science Fiction and Follett is amazing at setting the scene and I love the general fiction. I have never tried reading like romance, but im not really into that, although I do like some elements from them.

[fantasy girl]

fantasy big style, im bloody addicted to the thing

[Purple Ink]

I love reading Historical Fiction

[The Memory Arsonist]

You can't be a writer without being a reader. General Fiction all the way! :D

[Bookmagician]

I enjoy writing that is different. Purely fantasy with dwarfs and elves and the like are too overdone to like, as well with science fiction. I do lean more toward the fantasy if I have to, but I generally stay away.

Unique is the best.

[bumboclaatjones]

I love historical fiction, and just pure history. I think that there is an underlying story to all of mankind, and to find it, you have to read all the history that you can. Real events are far more implausible than the most out-there fiction, with results that resonate across the centuries. I give as examples The Reformation, The American Civil War, and the European Colonial Era, all of which still affect the world we live in today. John Jakes and James Clavell are some of the best reads out there for historical fiction.

I'm amazed to see that so many people read fantasy. I guess reading every damn Dragonlance and Forgotten Realms novel when I was 11-13 burned me totally out on that genre, although I guess I would classify most of Stephen King as fantasy (especially the Dark Tower), so I guess I still enjoy it, just as long as there aren't a bunch of gay elves and dwarves and other BS that has made that genre so stale.

[Carthonn]

General Fiction all the way. Give me a great author (John Irving, Kurt Vonnegut,etc.) and I'm set.

[Aenigma]

I'll read anything that is fiction (and non-fiction too) but I lean towards fantasy books for often then not.

[Anir]

I'm a big fan of fantasy, most of what I read is fantasy.

[akania]

Horror/occult with a bit of fantasy but within the Horror if that makes sense.

[jonathan hernandez13]

For me its been science fiction, but it does not mean that I wont read another genre. I think its almost impossible to read just one genre exclusively.

Anyone ever notice that the romance section in the bookstore is always near the SF&F section? I think the managers are trying to hook up the nerds with a coug!:D

[echo_wolf]

I think it goes to fantasy. I think the idea of creating a whole new world is so fun and when i write fantasy, I really do live in my own little world.

[Lesander Arnaut]

I love storys that take you out of the norm. That puts its characters in situations were they have to think. Make them live for the moment. And bring me along with them. There is no better feeling than to be pulled into the story and at the end of the book feeling like your going to miss your friends. It is the reason I read my favorite books over. To visit some good friends.;)

[FairyTales&Whiskey]

Actually, if I can find one of those rare tales that combines science fiction, epic fantasy, and a disturbing amount of horror, I call it a treasure. But I grew up on fiction, so I'd have to say fantasy.

[forcefield081]

Of course Fantasy, they're the best :)

[Anders Backlund]

I enjoy a good Action/Adventure with a pronounced Fantasy flavor, liberally seasoned with Romance and a pinch of Science-Fiction. Please hold the Horror.

[ponyfeathers]

I'm gonna go with Science Fiction, though its almost a tie between Fantasy. I like both genres, but looking at my bookcase SciFi wins.

[Johnny Legend]

Crime and Thriller without a doubt keeps me the most entertained.

[Gheala_InFlacari]

Wow. So, the fantasy is the most voted for? I stopped reading that, after Harry Potter was done.
I voted for Crime, but it's weird, I don't really have a favourite genre. I love Anne Rice's horror, Rowlings and Tolkien's fantasy, and I actually don't have a thriller author in mind now. But Dean Koontz is good, I suppose. That, if you're looking for events and not writing styles.

[Saffron]

Science Fiction and Fantasy, definitely. Probably leaning more towards SF at the moment, having just re-read Ursula Le Guin's fantastic The Dispossessed and purchased an omnibus of classic SF short stories, edited by Brian Aldiss.

I am very picky when it comes to fantasy, though. I just can't seem to find anything new and exciting these days. And there's only so many times I can re-read Fellowship of the Ring.

[FairyTales&Whiskey]

I am very picky when it comes to fantasy, though. I just can't seem to find anything new and exciting these days. And there's only so many times I can re-read Fellowship of the Ring.

I understand your frustration! But then, after such an epic story like LoTR, your standards become so high that it's tough to find a worthy book. Though I did like the refreshing brutality of John Marco's "Tyrants and Kings" series, along with Joe Abercrombie's "The Blade Itself".

[Ansky]

I read crime/thriller most of the time with a touch of humor and non-fiction at times. I've read books in other genres but it's fairly rare that I stray too far.

[Rowley]

I'd have to say that I do enjoy reading Dark Fantasy/Horror the most more because they're both just so unique compared to other genres [Not aaaall the time, but still.]. I do enjoy Sci-Fi as well, but not as much as the above two.

[Kimberley]

I enjoy reading crime. Within fantasy it all depends on the author in question, some books I enjoy because the author creates a world that seems more or else realistic (strange to be realistic with writing fantasy but I'm sure you all know what I mean) without it being boring.

[Gigi_GNR]

Oh gosh, I read just about everything. But what's really enjoyable is stumbling upon That Kind of Book, the kind that you start reading, and can't stop reading, and you're in a foggy haze when you stop cuz you can't stop thinking about the book.

[murphcas]

I absolutely love fantasy. It was the genre that got me into reading so it will always have a special place in my heart.

[Three]

I devoured Fantasy like you wouldn't believe for a long time, but now I find it harder to get into. I am just starting to get into Sci-Fi, which is a pretty cool genre, but I'm afraid I'll have to say Horror.

The kind of books I like to read (and write) about are those that have unusual characters, bold ideas, unexpected twists and deal with extreme emotions. I love books in which I can forget who I am and try someone else's shoes on. And they must be very interesting shoes indeed to tear me from my own. :]

[Faith*Hope*Love]

Considering I really became a book worm with the start of reading The Chronicles of Narnia, then fantasy. But I really am pretty colorful when it comes to genres. I like horror, non-fiction, and mystery/crime.

[Kamille]

Like many others, I initially fell in love with Fantasy. But lately? I like Sci-Fi and detective fiction.

[Unit7]

High Fantasy- I just love reading stories involving a world completely unlike ours, yet familiar. Its fun to read about how some hero tackles some unheard of creature.

Science Fiction- I love seeing what things could be like. I always found it fascinating when an author comes up with some invention years and years before it was even considered possible. Also it can provide an interesting look into humanity. Also I am completely fascinated by the Universe and the mysterious it hides.

Horror- I love being scared. Some of my favorite horror movies/stories often seem to ask a question about humanity as a whole. I remember reading the last few pages of The Stand by Stephen King and I disturbed. Same goes with George A Romero's Diary of the Dead. I remember watching in horror as I watched the last scene. But just being scared of the situation itself is another thing I love.

Of course I will read just about anything, but these are my top 3 Genres. :D