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.
I'll read anything that is fiction (and non-fiction too) but I lean towards fantasy books for often then not.
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!
Fantasy 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.
I absolutely love fantasy. It was the genre that got me into reading so it will always have a special place in my heart.
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. :]
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.
Like many others, I initially fell in love with Fantasy. But lately? I like Sci-Fi and detective fiction.
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.
