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A Guide to Genres and Discovery

© 2017 Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 1 Contents Introduction ������������������������������������������������������������1 ����������������������������������������������������������������2 �������������������������������������������������������4 ��������������������������������������������������������������������6 Horror...... 8 Mysteries �����������������������������������������������������������������9 Thrillers & �����������������������������������������������10 Crime...... 11 Humor...... 12 Christian ����������������������������������������������������������������13 Fiction A-Z �������������������������������������������������������������14 & Graphic �����������������������������������18 Search Helpers �����������������������������������������21 Index...... 23

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 2 When a romance reader picks up a romance, she subgenres (rural noir), including new trends (new adult), expects her heart to flutter as a couple finds their using reader language instead of cataloger language happily-ever-after. Horror readers expect their spines to (coming-of-age stories instead of ), and Introduction tingle with terror. Mystery readers want to close a book grappling with that cross boundaries (science knowing who the killer is. Whether a library puts stickers fantasy). on the spines of books or has genrefied the , NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery as professionals, use to guide readers to is your guide to our hard work. We put careful thought their perfect book. into genre because we share your goal—matching the The librarians at NoveList are no different. We right reader to the right book. Genre isn’t -all understand that readers and librarians use genre to finding the right book and, when we’re making as a shortcut to pick books and expect a particular recommendations, we use this guide in conjunction experience. We understand that genre with NoveList’s signature appeal language to make sure aren’t clear. And we understand that readers our suggestions are spot on. are not likely to use the Library of Congress genre Genres in NoveList are a work in --and this “” when looking for a survival story. is not a complete list just the most popular. With both the importance and the complication of continue to expand and experiment and we continue genre in mind, we spend a lot of making sure we to review and expand our genre headings. We always get right. In the past couple years, we've had several welcome feedback. Please feel free to share your teams making sure headings are relevant and up to thoughts and questions with us at date. This means creating language to define new [email protected].

Happy reading!

Amy Morgan Metadata II, NoveList

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 1 The Romance genre offers a wide range of reading experiences. With contemporary and historical settings, featuring realistic and scenarios, and with sensuality levels ranging from chaste to explicit, there is something for every reader. Regardless of subgenre and , there are two characteristics that all romance novels share: the love story is the central focus, and the lovers are rewarded with a ever after for the risks they’ve in pursuit of true love. Romance

Category romances Georgian romances These by-the-book titles written in alignment with These historical romances are in Great Britain the publisher's guidelines for a category or series during the reigns of King I-IV and William IV. offer endless variation upon popular themes. Think In a realm rocked by social, political, and economic Harlequin and Mills & Boon. upheavals, manage to find safety in . ADULTS each other. ADULTS Contemporary romances . Modern love? It's complicated. While varying in Gothic romances and sensuality, these romances unfold in a These romances thrive on ambiguity and contemporary . uncertainty. Protagonists often find themselves in . ADULTS . TEENS isolated locations only to discover that nothing is quite what it seems and must decide whether to Erotic romances trust their head or their heart. ADULTS These romances focus on the couple and their . sexual and how that attraction allows them to find their happy-ever-after -- together, in Highland romances a romantic relationship. Kilts, clans, lochs, and abound in these tales . ADULTS of how Highland lads and lasses, lairds and ladies met and fell in love. Fantasy romances . ADULTS , between good and evil, and lovers who find their fated mates make these Historical romances romances magical. Primarily set prior to War II, historical . ADULTS . TEENS romances present timeless love stories in their appropriate social context, whenever and wherever Futuristic romances that may be. ADULTS TEENS Despite elements like travel or aliens, the . . protagonists of these futuristic romances face the same obstacles as most couples: making a romances relationship work. The characters’ relationship in these romances is . ADULTS imbued with the of the holiday season, as they find their match during when being with the ones we love most. . ADULTS

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 2 LGBTQIA romances Romantic suspense Love knows no boundaries in these romances, which While navigating life-threatening situations, explore the full spectrum of romantic relationships protagonists must also decide whether to check between two or more characters of any sexual or unpack their emotional baggage as they orientation or identity. determine whom they can trust. . ADULTS . TEENS . ADULTS Medieval romances romances is not dead. Couples find lasting love in these Transported to unfamiliar eras, couples in these romances set primarily in during the Middle romances may be divided by differences in time Ages and feature all the trappings of feudal -- and geography but are united by love. castles, convents, brave knights, and fair maidens. . ADULTS ADULTS . Victorian romances

Romance Multicultural romances The sun never sets on the in These books establish men and women of color as these romances, which skillfully depict both the the and heroines of their own love stories. lighter and darker sides of the love lives of Queen Protagonists’ heritage and are integral Victoria’s subjects. to the story. . ADULTS ADULTS TEENS . . romances romances These romances capture the best of falling in Encompassing a variety of supernatural characters, love in the American West, from the early days settings, and plots, the defining element of these of survival on the lawless frontier to the modern stories is a passionate and often eternal love that embodiment of cowboy . conquers all obstacles. . ADULTS . ADULTS . TEENS

Regency romances These romances are set in Great Britain during the time that the Prince of ruled in his father’s stead. “Prinny” embodied the culture of the aristocracy of the period: bon ton and bon mots. . ADULTS

TIPS for discovering the perfect romance

Some like it hot, but other readers want the bedroom to stay closed. Adding appeal terms like Chaste, Mildly Sensuous, Steamy, and Explicit to your genre search will help your romance readers zero in on the perfect read for them. Readers who want romantic elements, but not a romance, will find these titles by combing the appeal Romantic with other genre headings. Learn more about appeal in the Learn section of the Center at ebscohost.com/novelist.

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 3 asks “What if?” and then answers the question. Encompassing a range of locations and timelines, this “ of ” depicts, with varying degrees of , the plausible, the improbable, and the seemingly impossible. Whether exploring the farthest reaches of or the intricate workings of the mind, this genre challenges readers to envision the best -- or worst -- of all possible . Science Fiction Science fiction Science fiction is first and foremost a literature of Extrapolating from our current understanding of ideas. With varying degrees of realism, Science the , this subgenre puts the science in fiction depicts the plausible, the improbable, and science fiction. the seemingly impossible. . ADULTS ADULTS TEENS AGES 9-12 . . . Alternative War. What is it good for? Testing out those death rays, for one. Super-soldiers armed with cutting- "If only…" is the thread that ties together this genre, edge weaponry engage in high-tech combat. which examines how even minor alterations to the ADULTS fabric of spacetime can change the fates of nations . or even worlds. . ADULTS . TEENS This genre follows Clarke's third : any Apocalyptic fiction sufficiently advanced is indistinguishable from . It's the end of the world as we know it. Whether ADULTS it's from , , asteroids, or pandemics, . is under threat and may not survive. Science fiction mysteries . ADULTS . TEENS Whether pursuing suspects through spacetime or solving crimes that haven't yet been committed, these stories rely on futuristic for conducting investigations. Operating on the fringes of futuristic , ADULTS brilliant anti-heroes turn cutting-edge technology . against its corporate masters. fiction . ADULTS Less technological and more anthropological Dystopian fiction than Hard SF, examines how and -- human and , - These books feature repressive governments or or space-faring -- operate. systems of social control that force individual ADULTS citizens to question the status quo and challenge . the establishment. . ADULTS . TEENS

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 4 Space Outer space provides endless scope for advanced Stylish retro-futurism evokes the society, , and to conduct political intrigues and clockwork of the . intergalactic warfare. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 ADULTS . stories fiction The stories feature superheroes saving the world Boldly going where no franchise has before. through vigilante . (Capes optional.) . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 fiction is strong with this franchise. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12

Science Fiction TIPS for searching by genre

Become a NoveList pro with field code searching! Enter the field code GN (must be capitalized) with the genre you are looking for in the search box. Example: GN Find your perfect genre combination by adding the Boolean operator AND (must be all caps). Example: GN science fiction AND GNclassics Discover that perfect book by combining appeal with genre. Example: GN science fiction AND AP witty Don’t forget, you can learn more about field code searching in the Learn section of the Idea Center at ebscohost.com/novelist.

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 5 Evoking awe and wonder through dizzying feats of , Fantasy fiction casts a spell on readers, immersing them in a world of magic. Set in alternate realms or -- some similar to, some very different than our own -- this genre emphasizes tales of heroism against seemingly insurmountable odds, often climaxing with epic battles between the forces of good and evil. Fantasy

Fantasy fiction Fantasy mysteries Welcome to a world of imagination: Whodunnit? Shapeshifter, wizard, or fae? archetypal characters, magical artifacts, arduous Supernaturally skilled sleuths round up the usual quests, climactic battles, and vanquishing suspects in these magical mysteries. the darkness. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 ADULTS TEENS AGES 9-12 . . . fantasy Animal fantasy Characters stumble into other worlds through magic From ordinary farm animals to mice in imaginary , wardrobes, and other portals to find that magic kingdoms, these fantasy stories feature and adventure await them on the other side. anthropomorphic animals as the main characters. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 . AGES 9-12 Arthurian fantasy With , wizards, and questing heroes, these As the once and king, Arthur (and his Knights books fully embrace traditional fantasy . of the Round Table) can appear in any setting or They are set in alternate worlds filled with magic and time period. creatures. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 . TEENS . AGES 9-12 Celtic fantasy These stories are inspired by the and rich These stories feature magic, mythical creatures, and mythological of the Celts, and evoke the other fantastical elements…in otherwise recognizable atmosphere and aesthetics of the misty green isles. historical settings and periods. . ADULTS . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 There's no such thing as "normal" in contemporary Just a touch of the fantastic adds intrigue to these fantasy. These stories are located at the intersection stories set in the real world. of the magical, the mythical, and the mundane. . AGES 9-12 . ADULTS Military fantasy Epic fantasy 's magnificently stern array is on full display in Heroes rise, empires fall, good and evil battle these books, which adds magic to already combustible through it all. These often multi- fantasy combat situations. feature detailed world-building, a sprawling . ADULTS cast, and intricate plotting. . ADULTS

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 6 Mythological fiction Gods and goddesses come down from the heavens Starring streetwise protagonists and set in gritty , to meddle in the affairs of mortals in these stories these books feature fast-paced, -packed plots influenced by world mythology. fueled by supernatural and elements. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 . ADULTS . TEENS Weird Westerns These books include elements of the supernatural Oh give me a , where the sorcerers roam and the being particularly scary or romantic. gunslinging slay. The West is infused with . TEENS . AGES 9-12 fantasy and supernatural elements in these stories. . ADULTS Fantasy and sorcery Holding out for a ? You might be out of luck. Morally flexible and self-serving, these opportunistic adventurers show readers a swashbuckling good time. . ADULTS

TIPS for searching for fantasy

Fantasy is the perfect genre to see how adding appeal to a genre search will help readers sort through a wide range of reading experiences from to George R.R. Martin. Try it yourself! Compare the results when you search GN fantasy AND AP funny versus GN fantasy AND AP gritty.

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 7 draws on the unseen, the unknown, and the uncanny in order to explore -- and expose -- humanity's darkest . It provokes a range of visceral reactions in the reader, from the subtle chills of dread evinced by Victorian stories to the adrenaline-laced and disgust evoked by contemporary novels. Themes of abjection, monstrosity, and taboo are common. Horror

Horror Historical horror Varying in amounts of dread and gore, these These tales of horror take place in the past. unsettling tales aim to scare or shock you into sleeping Atmosphere and setting are key appeals to this with the lights on. genre and social conventions relating to the era are . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 often explored. ADULTS Ghost stories . These spooky stories feature , , and other spirit entities that haunt houses, antagonize characters, and frighten readers. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12

TIPS for horror fans

One way to think of horror books is to think of a spectrum of dread (think The Haunting of Hill House) to gore (think ). Use appeal to pinpoint your book. Tone appeals like Moody, Creepy, and Menacing will lead you to the dread end of the scale. Looking for a real gut-churner? Try a search for Violent, Gruesome, or Disturbing!

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 8 Whodunnit? Mysteries are catnip to readers looking for puzzles to solve, no the subgenre (like cozies or police procedurals). They can be -focused or action-oriented, fast-paced or leisurely; in some cases, the location (or time period) is as much a part of the story as the characters are. Tonally, mysteries can range from punny and humorous to downright disturbing. Mysteries

Mysteries Locked room mysteries Frequently referred to as “whodunnits,” this genre Featuring seemingly impossible crimes (such as those is concerned with the aftermath of a crime. An that require an escape from a room locked from the investigator, whether professional or amateur, outside), these mysteries appeal to readers who like unearths clues to discover the perpetrator and bring devilishly difficult puzzles. justice to the victim. . ADULTS ADULTS TEENS AGES 9-12 . . . Medieval mysteries Cozy mysteries Taking place during Europe’s (476-1492), These popular mysteries typically feature clever these mysteries are as likely to depict monks and nuns amateur sleuths (usually women) with very little as they are agents of European royalty. violence. Murders happen off stage, and generally to . ADULTS unlikable people. . ADULTS Police procedurals Filled with the nitty-gritty of a police investigation, Culinary mysteries these stories commonly offer a fair amount of Often considered a subset of cozies, these stories are suspense; often, the perpetrator’s identity is known to set in culinary establishments: almost always, a caterer, the reader, if not to the police. baker, or chef has stumbled across a crime that needs . ADULTS to be solved. . ADULTS Supernatural mysteries You’ve got to take certain paranormal elements into Hobby mysteries account when solving the crimes central to these Another subset of cozy mysteries, these novels feature mysteries; ghosts, vampires, and are just as details of the amateur detective’s favorite pastime, likely to be P.I.s as perpetrators. whether it’s quilting, gardening, antiquing, or finishing . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 crossword puzzles. . ADULTS Victorian mysteries Occurring during Queen Victoria’s time on the fiction British throne, these mysteries take place against a Unsentimental and gritty, these works feature tough, background of peace and prosperity…even as they flawed detectives doing their best to solve crimes. depict scenes that are anything but peaceful. Violence is common; danger a frequent companion. . ADULTS . ADULTS Historical mysteries These mysteries feature crimes set at least 25 years ago; often, the historical eras are vividly depicted, whether it's the 1650s or the 1960s. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 9 Increasing tension and menace keep Thrillers & Suspense readers on the edge of their seats. In some, protagonists have only a short time to neutralize fatal threats (to themselves or the world), while in others, a more subtle danger is in . Sometimes, readers may know more about what’s going on than the protagonists do, which amps up the suspense. Anticipation keeps readers hooked and pages flying by.

Thrillers and suspense Medical thrillers The clock is ticking in these fast-paced, action-packed, Watch your pressure -- medical professionals and increasingly tense stories, and our protagonists are on call in these anxiety-provoking stories, but have a limited amount of time to prevent disaster. they are not always the good guys. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 . ADULTS Bio-thrillers Political thrillers Thrillers & Suspense In these books, tension is caused by an out-of- Political corruption and power struggles are often control biological agent whose has at the center of these ripped-from-the-headlines global implications. thrillers; conspiracy theorists will love having their . ADULTS suspicions confirmed. ADULTS Cyber-thrillers . Artificial , cyberterrorism, and Psychological suspense viruses threaten humanity’s very existence in these Less action-packed than other types of suspense tense, suspenseful novels. stories, these novels offer plenty of chills through . ADULTS . TEENS elaborately layered plots, unreliable or twisted narrators, and lots of mind games. Financial thrillers . ADULTS . TEENS The intrigue and action in these stories is set within a financial or corporate system. Financial details mix with plenty of danger -- for individuals, companies, Whether action-packed or more cerebral, these or countries. stories employ spies and counter-spies as pawns in . ADULTS . ADULTS TEENS AGES 9-12 Legal thrillers . . . Plenty of suspense combines with legal procedural -thrillers and investigative details in these novels, which are a Often focusing on an armed between natural crossover for mystery fans. military forces, the technology used in these clashes . ADULTS is just as important as the characters and the . . ADULTS

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 10 thrives on what transpires in the : the seedy underbelly of the big , the forgotten desperation of small country towns, or even quiet domestic that begins to boil over. The protagonists in these genres are rarely role models; they pursue their objectives by any means at their disposal and often find their primary obstacles in subverting law and civil society. Readers interested in crime fiction may be drawn to exploration of ambiguity, complex

Crime , or vivid of life outside mainstream society.

Crime fiction Rural noir These books focus on the planning or committing Set in rural locations often riddled with poverty and of a crime and offer detailed descriptions of the drug addiction, these bleak, often violent novels criminal from the perspectives of those feature characters imprisoned by their lack of options, who live in it. with ever-narrowed by bad decisions. . ADULTS . ADULTS Caper novels Scandinavian crime fiction Often starring bumbling would-be thieves, these Whether mystery or suspense, these dark novels set in comic tales feature crimes perpetrated in full Scandinavian and Nordic countries commonly feature view of the reader in which efforts to succeed are flawed protagonists, bleak , and social and constantly stymied. political issues. . ADULTS . ADULTS A dark and moody atmosphere, self-destructive or characters, and a bleak tone distinguish these books in which justice often isn’t served. . ADULTS

TIPS how genres are created in NoveList Twenty years ago, Scandinavian crime fiction wasn’t a thing. Now there are movies, shows, not to mention books filling up library shelves. Librarians at NoveList are always keeping their eyes peeled and ready for new reading trends.

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 11 When you’re and life is making you lonely, you can always go… to the Humor genre! Guffaws, cackles, smirks, and mwahahahas abound in these novels. While other genres make use of humor, the sole purpose of these stories is to make the reader laugh. Humor ranges in tone, in level, and in situations -- from witty and absurd scenarios to dark humor and sarcastic critiques on society’s flaws. Humor

Black humor These books invoke the taboo, controversial, and These stories are humorous imitations of , frequently disturbing aspects of existence from an genres, and cultural touchstones. The tone of these absurd or ironic perspective. Not for the faint of heart; sendups can range from winking and affectionate to you’ll laugh, but you’ll feel bad about it. mocking and satirical. . ADULTS . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 Farcical fiction Satirical fiction This genre places exaggerated characters into These works use humor, sarcasm, or to critique improbable, over-the-top situations for comic effect. society’s flaws -- you’ll find expert purveyors of Ranging from the charming to the raucous, farce mockery and here. promises lots of laughs. . ADULTS . ADULTS Humorous stories Lots of books can be funny , but these stories exist to make the reader laugh. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12

TIPS for finding the perfect laugh Got a kid who laughs at farts? Find a book full of their kind of giggles with the search GN humorous stories AND AP gross.

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 12 Christian fiction, also known as , is written from a Christian . Across all these subgenres, readers will find popular Christian themes of forgiveness, , redemption, and the triumph of good over evil. Christian

Christian fiction Christian romances An umbrella genre including a variety of titles These romances demonstrate that a strong reflecting a Christian worldview. Characters relationship with God is an essential component confront challenges and everyday issues by turning of true love. Couples often undertake a journey of to their and religious for support spiritual growth before building a future together. and guidance. . ADULTS . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 Christian romantic suspense Christian adventure stories The protagonists in these stories encounter These books the action-packed, plot- situations designed to test their faith but rely on driven of adventure stories with a Christian Christian teachings and values to survive and perspective. prevail against evil. ADULTS . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 . Christian apocalyptic fiction Christian science fiction Titles in this genre imagine the end of the world Exploration of science fiction elements -- such as interpreted through a Christian lens. Books may as other and alien cultures -- serves to invoke , the rapture, or the final battle expand the role that God plays in the universe and between good and evil. his plan for all living things. ADULTS TEENS AGES 9-12 . ADULTS . TEENS . . . Christian fantasy Christian suspense Works of fantasy fiction that reflect some part of the In these tense stories, characters face dangerous Christian perspective through or . situations and derive their strength and endurance through their faith. ADULTS TEENS AGES 9-12 . . . . ADULTS . TEENS Christian Christian This genre offers historical fiction with a strong sense of Christian values. In this genre, characters contend with real- world challenges, like unfaithful spouses, family ADULTS TEENS AGES 9-12 . . . problems, poverty, and drugs, overcoming Christian historical romances hardship through their faith in God. . ADULTS . TEENS These romances set in the past focus on a man and a who fall in love and undergo a process of Christian Westerns spiritual growth that brings them closer to God and one another. These stories take place in the nineteenth century American Old West, featuring cowboys, lawmen, ADULTS . and an untamed , all while exemplifying Christian mysteries a Christian perspective. . ADULTS In these mysteries, the classic whodunnit plot is expanded to include elements of faith and . . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 13 This category is wide-ranging and inclusive, a smorgasbord that covers that doesn’t fit elsewhere, from heartwarming domestic fiction to gritty tales of life on urban streets. Here you’ll find adaptations of classic stories, the themselves, novels featuring real-life people, smaller genres like Chick Lit and New Adult, not-really-genres like Coming-of-Age stories, and edgier stuff like ...and a whole lot more! Fiction A-Z

Adaptations, retellings, and -offs Classics-inspired fiction These books put a spin on some of our favorite Readers who can’t get enough of classic literature stories and characters, whether it's picking up will want to read these books that retell, modernize, where the story left off or updating the setting to a and continue their favorite stories. different time and place. . TEENS . AGES 9-12 ADULTS . Coming-of-age stories Adventure stories Character development takes center stage in these Swashbuckling, jungles, high , plus lions and stories about young people growing up. tigers and bears! Excitement and the thrill of the . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 chase are the name of the game for these books. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 Domestic fiction Gather around the hearth for fiction focusing on Autobiographical fiction family relationships -- whether functional The life of the is the inspiration for these or dsyfunctional. stories. Events may be exaggerated or names . ADULTS changed, but the story will generally stay true to the author’s life. lit ADULTS TEENS AGES 9-12 . . . Larger-than-life characters make for bold and dramatic storylines. These books focus on intense Biographical fiction relationships within a diverse cast, filled with These are fictional works about real people. jealousy, betrayal, and revenge. Authors may take some liberties with details or be . ADULTS selective in what is included in these stories. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 Erotic fiction Love need not apply. Erotic fiction is all about Chick lit that other L-: Lust. These stories focus on the With a sense of style and humor, these books focus satisfaction of sexual curiosity rather than romantic on modern women juggling work responsibilities, fulfillment. looking for love, keeping up with family and . ADULTS , and trying to be their best selves. . ADULTS Experimental fiction This genre prioritizes over storytelling. It’s Classics an approach that values taking risks with narrative These are the books you were assigned (and form, innovating traditional structures, and loved?) in high school. Classics are the books we expanding our of the novel. return to again and again and which have earned a . ADULTS special place in the literary imagination. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 14 tale and -inspired fiction LGBTQIA fiction These stories are steeped in the rich heritage of These books include a plotline with LGBTQIA folk literature from cultures all around the world. themes and characters in a central role. . TEENS . AGES 9-12 . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 Gentle reads Books that are easy like Sunday morning -- feel- Literary fiction offers rich, layered, character- good and upbeat stories without sex or profanity. driven stories where the writing itself is the star. . ADULTS Fill your NPR totebag with these books. ADULTS Glitz and glamour . These stories -- typically about the romantic, glitzy Love stories lives of the rich and famous -- are filled with flashy, Happy endings are not guaranteed in these larger-than-life characters. romantic books. intervenes in ADULTS unpredictable ways and the scope of the

Fiction A-Z . story is broader than the characters' romantic relationship. ADULTS TEENS In an atmosphere of gloom, suspense, and horror, . . these books often feature crumbling castles, haunted places, and complex or disturbing family Magical realism relationships. This genre blends elements of the fantastic or . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 marvelous with the everyday. This style originated in America, but has since been emulated by Historical fiction writers all over the world. ADULTS TEENS AGES 9-12 Step back in time with these stories and read . . . about life from ancient times to the 20th century. Mainstream fiction . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 These popular books offer a variety of stories Horse stories about ordinary people's lives written in an accessible style. These books are about all things equestrian. ADULTS Characters often care for horses or are involved . in equestrian sports, but the heart of these stories is the relationship between the characters and these animals. Fiction that is self-aware, whether the author is a . AGES 9-12 character or the characters specifically address the reader. Introductory classics . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 These books use condensed plots and simplified language to provide kids and teens with an introduction to the literary . . AGES 9-12

TIPS #WeNeedDiverseBooks

NoveList has ways for you to find them. Addappeal terms like diverse, culturally diverse, LGBTQIA diverse, or religiously diverse to searches for juvenile and teen books. Looking for more suggestions to perfect your NoveList searching? Check out our search strategies, located in the Learn section of the Idea Center at ebscohost.com/novelist.

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 15 Modern classics Road novels If you're looking for exemplary titles written for a Pack your bags and buckle up, these stories are told contemporary adult audience, try Modern classics. on the wide open road. You'll find , , and other . ADULTS . TEENS post- authors here. . ADULTS Romantic Here you find madcap stories about the pursuit of Modern Westerns love. Fun and funny, these books have broad appeal These stories transport the atmosphere of the by not taking romance too seriously. Old West into modern day, revisiting themes . ADULTS . TEENS of justice, revenge, and survival in a more contemporary context. stories ADULTS . Saltwater in your face and wind in your sails! Stories set on the open sea; yo ho ho a privateer's life for me! Mormon fiction ADULTS TEENS AGES 9-12

Fiction A-Z . . . These are titles written for a predominantly Mormon audience and seek to promote Mormon teachings Shakespeare-inspired fiction or exemplify a Mormon way of life. The works of the provide the plotlines and ADULTS TEENS AGES 9-12 . . . characters for these books. New adult . TEENS . AGES 9-12 The kids aren't alright…yet. These books feature Southern fiction freshly minted grown-ups navigating the rough terrain of life, love, purpose, and belonging in the Here y'all can find books set below the Mason-Dixon wider world beyond home and high school. line. Whether in the mountains, farming towns, or a big city, these books encompass what it means to be ADULTS . a Southerner. Picaresque fiction . ADULTS These episodic novels string together a series of lighthearted adventures, like and Sancho Panza battling the windmills of Spain. From decaying plantations to claustrophobic small towns, these books set in the American South have ADULTS . an underlying tension often stemming from , poverty, or class conflict. . ADULTS It's all about politics here, whether offering a backdrop of social upheavals or war, or talking pigs Sports fiction that think some animals are more equal than others. The play's the thing in these stories set in the world ADULTS . of sports. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 Get into the head of the character! These novels Stories told by animals are where the interior thoughts or psychological motivation of the characters drive the story. If you could talk to the animals, you might hear stories like these. ADULTS TEENS . . . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 Surrealist fiction These melodramatic and sensational titles can be in just about any genre but are unified by the Surrealist fiction embraces and the salacious and pulpy popularized in the unexpected, blending the fantastic with the real in 20th century. dreamlike . ADULTS . ADULTS . Realistic fiction Survival stories These stories concern the everyday lives and Whether the danger comes from man or , conflicts of children and teens living in the these stories feature life-or-death struggles. present day. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 . TEENS . AGES 9-12

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 16 Teen chick lit War stories Teen and tween girls can be either nice or nasty in Set during war time, these stories focus on soldiers, these stories about school, dating, friendship, war, or military themes. and . . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 TEENS AGES 9-12 . . Westerns Transgressive fiction These books evoke the landscape and culture of the Pushing buttons and boundaries on everything taboo Old West: wide open , gunslingers, cowboys, (think "books that used to be behind the desk"). and the for justice in a lawless land. . ADULTS . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 Urban erotica Women's lives and relationships Here you'll find books that explore sexual These character-driven books explore the day-to- relationships, generally between African American day struggles and triumphs of ordinary women who characters. These are no-holds barred, explicit frequently find support in their circle of female friends. Fiction A-Z portrayals of sexuality and . . ADULTS ADULTS . Women's romantic fiction Urban fiction Often considered old-fashioned, these titles are Set in urban and inner city areas, these gritty titles comfortable, gentle, and broadly romantic, with a feature characters engaging in crime or illicit mainstream style of writing designed to appeal to behaviors to survive in a harsh and violent landscape. women readers. . ADULTS . TEENS . ADULTS

TIPS for narrowing a genre search

The more than 2,000 results you get when you search for Urban fiction are a perfect opportunity to explore the power of limiters on the left side of the screen. Limit by audience age level, date, appeal terms, location, and more.

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 17 Bam! Pow! Splat! Comics and graphic novels refer to a specific format. The terms are commonly used interchangeably and refer to book-length narratives and collections of shorter stories told through sequential .

Comics (Graphic works) These are sequential art collections that are not Comics and graphic novels originating in . necessarily united by a single story. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 ADULTS TEENS AGES 9-12 . . . Graphic novels Comics and graphic novels originating in . These works of sequential art are united by an . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 overarching or take place within a continuing narrative. ADULTS TEENS AGES 9-12 . . . Comics and graphic novels originating in Korea. Light novels . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 Short in length and often featuring manga-style illustrations, the light novel is a popular style of Japanese serialized fiction. . TEENS Comics & Graphic Novels TIPS for keeping up with what's new in genres Found the perfect search for a patron and want to save it? Create an account within NoveList and set up folders. You can save the search string and even set up NoveList to you with new books in that search at a regular interval. Click help in the top menu bar and search “Saving Searches.” Then impress your friends with your ability to keep up with all the newest manga series titles (*hint* that search string is GN manga AND FF forthcoming).

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 18 To help find comics and graphic novels with specific genre conventions, there are many corresponding comics headings. You can check these out below.

Action and adventure comics Fast-paced and full of dashing, daring deeds, these Readers will be frightened by these comics which comics thrill their readers. are filled with dread and/or gore. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 Humorous comics Popular since the 1980s and also known as You won't be able to stop laughing while reading independent comics, these far-ranging comics these comics. offer stories beyond those of mainstream comics . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 's superhero narratives. . ADULTS . TEENS LGBTQIA comics LGBTQIA characters and themes are central in Apocalyptic comics these comics. Characters in these comics are trying to survive the . ADULTS . TEENS end of the world. . ADULTS . TEENS Mystery comics Follow the clues and unravel the mysteries in these comics. Criminals and their attempts to evade the law . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 define these comics. . ADULTS . TEENS comic strips

Comics & Graphic Novels Dystopian comics Now collected into bound volumes, these comic strips were originally published in the The world is an uncertain and corrupt place in funny . these comics. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 . ADULTS . TEENS Noir comics Related to the crime and mystery genres, these Magic, quests, imaginary kingdoms, and the stylistically bleak and brooding comics portray conflict between good and evil often fill these desperate characters in unforgiving, crime- fantasy comics. riddled surroundings. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 . ADULTS . TEENS Historical comics Paranormal comics These comics tell stories set in bygone days. Supernatural characters and settings define . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 these comics. . ADULTS . TEENS

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 19 Surrealist comics Fall in love with the characters as their romantic These comics fit within the Surrealist fiction genre, relationships develop in these comics. but enhance the juxtaposition of incongruous . ADULTS . TEENS thoughts and objects with dreamlike and hallucinatory artwork. Satirical comics . ADULTS These comics use humor to illustrate and examine the ridiculousness of modern life. Underground comics . ADULTS . TEENS Popular in the 1960s and , these comics focused on the scene of the time and flouted the Comics Code of the time by bypassing traditional publishers. Through outer space and futures near and far, ADULTS these comics ponder the possibilities of the . universe. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 These comics present realistic depictions of soldiers Spy comics and life during wartime. ADULTS TEENS AGES 9-12 Documenting spies and their covert operations . . . are the mission of these comics. . ADULTS . TEENS Now collected into bound volumes, these comics Steampunk comics were originally published on the web. ADULTS TEENS AGES 9-12 Gear up for some gaslight adventures in . . . these comics. . ADULTS . TEENS These comics are inspired by life in the Old West. The most recognizable of the comics genres, these stories tell of the adventures of and superheroines. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 Comics & Graphic Novels TIPS finding the perfect Did you know we have appeal terms for illustrations such as charming, colorful, detailed, muted? If our book The Secret Language of Books: A Guide to Appeal isn’t handy, click help in any NoveList screen and search for “appeal” and learn the language to sort Bone from Amulet.

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 20 These headings may not be considered genres in the traditional sense but were created as access points within NoveList so that readers can find these popular books.

Adult books for young adults Books for adult new readers These adult books have been dubbed appropriate for These books are written with straightforward prose and of particular interest to teens by an authoritative and simple to help newly literate adults, or review source or an awards body. those learning English as a second language. . ADULTS . ADULTS African American fiction Books for reluctant readers Stories of all sorts, written by African American Combine this heading with genres, appeal, or subjects authors. This heading is always used in conjunction to help encourage kids and teens to pick up books with relevant genre headings. they may find interesting. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 Australian fiction Books to movies These books are written by Australian authors. These books inspired movies. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12

Library Search Helpers Bilingual materials Books to TV These stories told in two languages give readers These books inspired TV shows. new to English (or to a foreign language) a chance to . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 compare and structures. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12

TIPS beyond books From The Thorn Birds to , find books that have been made into TV shows or movies with a quick genre search for GN books to tv or GN books to movies. You can also go the other way and find TV and movie by searching GN movie tie-ins or GN tv tie-ins.

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 21 Canadian fiction Movie tie-ins These books are written by Canadian authors. Movies inspired these books. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 novels Multiple perspectives These stories told in diary form allow readers intimate Readers are given different angles of the story by these access to characters’ innermost thoughts and feelings. books told from multiple characters’ points of view. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 Epistolary novels fiction Dear reader, Here you can find stories told by These books are written by New Zealander authors. characters corresponding through letters. Yours, . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 NoveList. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 Novels in These are novel-length narrative poems. Fewer words, First person narratives more feelings. I personally like to read stories that are written from . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 the point of view of me, myself, and I. . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 Parallel narratives These stories have separate storylines unfolding Franchise books alongside each other until a connection is revealed. Why let a story when you can continue the tale? . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 These books occur in established that originated in non-print . Think , , or LEGO. Here you’ll find books that have been translated from ADULTS TEENS AGES 9-12 . . . their original language into English. High interest-low vocabulary books . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 Easy to read and hard to put down, these books appeal TV tie-ins to even reluctant readers. TV shows inspired these books. TEENS AGES 9-12 . . . ADULTS . TEENS . AGES 9-12 Library Search Helpers

TIPS for finding the right book Helping a struggling reader? Try searching GN high interest-low vocabulary or GN books for reluctant readers. Limit your search results by audience to find age-level appropriate books. For adults try searching GN books for adult new readers.

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 22 A Ability diverse, 15 Coming-of-age stories, 14 Action and adventure comics, 19 Contemporary fantasy, 6 Adaptations, retellings, and spin-offs,14 Contemporary romances, 2 Adult books for young adults, 21 Cozy mysteries, 9 Adventure stories, 14 Crime comics, 19 African American fiction,21 Crime fiction,11 Culinary mysteries, 9 Index Alternative comics, 19 Alternative histories, 4 Culturally diverse, 15 Animal fantasy, 6 Cyberpunk, 4 Apocalyptic comics, 19 Cyber-thrillers, 10 Apocalyptic fiction,4 D Appeal, 3, 5, 7, 8, 15, 17, 20 Diary novels, 22 Arthurian fantasy, 6 Domestic fiction,14 Australian fiction,21 Drama lit, 14 Autobiographical fiction,14 Dread to gore, 8 B Dystopian comics, 19 Bilingual materials, 21 Dystopian fiction,4 Biographical fiction,14 E Bio-thrillers, 10 Epic fantasy, 6 humor, 12 Epistolary novels, 22 Books for adult new readers, 21, 22 Erotic fiction,14 Books for reluctant readers, 21 Erotic romances, 2 Books to movies, 21 Experimental fiction,14 Books to TV, 21 F C and folklore-inspired fiction,15 Canadian fiction,22 Fantasy, 6–7 Caper novels, 11 Fantasy comics, 19 Category romances, 2 Fantasy fiction,6 Celtic fantasy, 6 Fantasy mysteries, 6 Chick lit, 14 Fantasy romances, 2 Christian adventure stories, 13 Farcical fiction,12 Christian apocalyptic fiction,13 Fiction A-Z, 14–17 Christian fantasy, 13 Field code searching, 5 Christian fiction,13 Financial thrillers, 10 Christian historical fiction,13 First person narratives, 22 Christian historical romances, 13 Forthcoming books, 18 Christian mysteries, 13 Franchise books, 22 Christian romances, 13 Futuristic romances, 2 Christian romantic suspense, 13 G Christian science fiction,13 Gateway fantasy, 6 Christian suspense, 13 Gentle reads, 15 Christian urban fiction,13 Georgian romances, 2 Christian Westerns, 13 Ghost stories, 8 Classics, 5, 14 Glitz and glamour, 15 Classics-inspired fiction,14 Gothic fiction,15 Comics & Graphic Novels, 18–20 Gothic romances, 2 Comics (Graphic works), 18 Graphic novels, 18

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 23 H Modern Westerns, 16 Hardboiled fiction,9 Mormon fiction,16 Hard science fiction,4 Movie tie-ins, 22 High fantasy, 6 Multicultural romances, 3 High interest-low vocabulary books, 22 Multiple perspectives, 22 Highland romances, 2 Mysteries, 9 Historical comics, 19 Mystery comics, 19 Index Historical fantasy, 6 Mythological fiction,7 Historical fiction,15 N Historical horror, 8 New adult, 16 Historical mysteries, 9 Newspaper comic strips, 19 Historical romances, 2 New Zealand fiction,22 Hobby mysteries, 9 Noir comics, 19 Holiday romances, 2 Noir fiction, 11 Horror, 8 Novels in verse, 22 Horror comics, 19 P Horse stories, 15 Parallel narratives, 22 Humor, 12 Paranormal comics, 19 Humorous comics, 19 Paranormal fiction,7 Humorous stories, 12 Paranormal romances, 3 I Parodies, 12 Idea Center, 3, 5, 15 Picaresque fiction,16 Introductory classics, 15 Police procedurals, 9 L Political fiction,16 Legal thrillers, 10 Political thrillers, 10 LGBTQIA comics, 19 Psychological fiction,16 LGBTQIA diverse, 15 Psychological suspense, 10 LGBTQIA fiction,15 Pulp fiction,16 LGBTQIA romances, 3 R Library Search Helpers, 21–22 Realistic fiction,16 Light novels, 18 Regency romances, 3 Limiters in NoveList, 17 Religiously diverse, 15 Literary fiction,15 Road novels, 16 Locked room mysteries, 9 Romance, 2–3 Love stories, 15 Romance comics, 20 Low fantasy, 6 Romantic, 3 M Romantic comedies, 16 Magical realism, 15 Romantic suspense, 3 Mainstream fiction,15 Rural noir, 11 Manga, 18 S Manhua, 18 Satirical comics, 20 Manhwa, 18 Satirical fiction,12 Medical thrillers, 10 Saving searches in NoveList, 18 Medieval mysteries, 9 Scandinavian crime fiction,11 Medieval romances, 3 Science fantasy, 4 Metafiction,15 Science fiction,4 –5 Military fantasy, 6 Science fiction comics,20 Military science fiction,4 Science fiction mysteries,4 Modern classics, 16 Sea stories, 16

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 24 Shakespeare-inspired fiction,16 Tips: Keeping up, 18 Social science fiction,4 Tips: Movies and TV, 21 Southern fiction,16 Tips: Narrowing a search, 17 Southern Gothic, 16 Tips: Reluctant readers, 22 Space opera, 5 Tips: Romance, 3 Sports fiction,16 Tips: Searching for fantasy, 7 Spy comics, 20 Tips: #WeNeedDiverseBooks, 15 Spy fiction,10 Transgressive fiction,17 Index Star Trek fiction, 5 Translations, 22 Star Wars fiction, 5 TV tie-ins, 22 Steampunk, 5 U Steampunk comics, 20 Underground comics, 20 Stories told by animals, 16 Urban erotica, 17 Superhero comics, 20 Urban fantasy, 7 Superhero stories, 5 Urban fiction,17 Supernatural mysteries, 9 Surrealist comics, 20 Victorian mysteries, 9 Surrealist fiction,16 Victorian romances, 3 Survival stories, 16 , 7 W War comics, 20 T War stories, 17 Techno-thrillers, 10 Webcomics, 20 Teen chick lit, 17 Weird Westerns, 7 Thrillers and suspense, 10 Western comics, 20 Time travel romances, 3 Western romances, 3 Tips: Dread to Gore, 8 Westerns, 17 Tips: Genre searching in NoveList, 5 Women's lives and relationships, 17 Tips: Graphic novels, 20 Women's romantic fiction,17 Tips: Gross books for kids, 12 Tips: How genres are created in NoveList, 11 Acknowledgements

Many people helped create this book. Thank you to those who worked to write and design this booklet. And also thank you to those in the Book Discovery Department who worked on creating and refining genres.

Booklet & Design Danielle Borasky, Shauna , Cassi Hall, Liz Holdzkom , Cathleen Keyser, Jennifer Lohmann, Amy Morgan, Lori Reed, Lisa Schimmer, Gillian Speace, Kathy Stewart, Christine Wells, Autumn Winters

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 25 Metadata gives rise to a truly endless list of possibilities. Our goal is to give librarians and “ readers the tools they need to explore the world of reading in new and exciting ways.

-- Victoria Caplinger Director of Book Discovery, NoveList

NoveList Genres: A Guide to Genres and Book Discovery | ©2017 26