Problems reading other genres other than Fantasy

[Bernardo]

I've never reeeeeally been into reading. But years ago, with Lord of The Rings and Harry Potter, I discovered a "book type" I really enjoy reading. Since then, I've read many fantasy books. But I guess I still have a "reading" problem with other genres.

Does this happen to you too?

[V.W.]

Not really, although obviously I have genres I like more than others.

Have you actually tried reading other genres? Or do you simply feel you don't have an interest?

[Grace]

Romance and contemporary are two genres I have absolutely no interest in... other than that, my interest depends more on how the author handles the genre more than what genre it is. Fantasy is definitely my favorite though, and probably always will be :)

[Faith]

Fantasy has a lot of different elements in it that are also represented in other genres - sci fi, suspense, action, thrillers, mystery, history. Maybe if you try to figure out what you like about a partcular fantasy book you can then read a book in a genre that highlights that aspect. Personally, I don't like reading the same genre all the time, I skip around and will read most genres other than romance or chicklit.

[Angela]

l also read youth adult, vampire/werewolf, and some ronchy romance i. e. 50 shades, The Vampire Queen's Servent

[Bernardo]

Don'y get me wrong. I've read a couple of other genre books that I've enjoyed, like Arthur and Saxon Chronicles (Bernard Cornwell) and Talisman (Stephen King).

Recently, tried to start "It" (Stephen King). Got stuck on "It" in about 4% of the book, and will still try to read more. Tried "The Martian" last year, and as fantastic as this book is, just stopped reading for no reason on 44%. I plan to finish it until the end of this year. Lastly, I'm reading a collection of Grimm tales. The tales are very easy and pleasant to read, so the reading are flowing (reading one or two tales a day) (are tales considered fantasy? if so... damn!).

So... Yeah, I read other things. But reading other genres don't come naturally for me. I have to consciously try to read something other than fantasy, because if you leave me unpretentiously on the bookstore, I'll buy just fantasy books. =P

[Bernardo]

Faith wrote: "Fantasy has a lot of different elements in it that are also represented in other genres - sci fi, suspense, action, thrillers, mystery, history. Maybe if you try to figure out what you like about a..."

This is actually a very nice tip. What, I guess, I enjoy most on fantasy are medieval themed fantasy, with magic and stuff. So... medieval stuff may be my thing. I REALLY enjoyed a historical romance (Arthur Chronicles, Bernard Cornwell)... maybe due to medieval stuff? Saxon Chronicles fits into the same group here!

hummmmm...

[Faith]

Bernardo wrote: "Faith wrote: "Fantasy has a lot of different elements in it that are also represented in other genres - sci fi, suspense, action, thrillers, mystery, history. Maybe if you try to figure out what yo..."

Glad I could help. You might take a look at Conn Iggulden too. I like his Roman stuff, but he has several series.

[Amber]

I almost exclusively read fantasy, although I don't shy away from other genres and will read anything that sounds interesting or has been highly recommended to me. Like you, I really enjoy a medieval-type setting with some good magic. I enjoy historical fiction a lot as well though (that's what I grew up reading since fantasy books were considered a "waste of time" in my house), and that's usually where I go when I want to read something else.

I think a lot of us have our niche that we gravitate to for one reason or another. It's just like music. Some people will listen to anything, and some people will only listen to 1-2 types, or only listen to certain genres when they're in a certain mood. Nothing wrong with that. Luckily, fantasy is such a huge and varied genre that it never feels stale to me.

If you ARE really wanting to find some different genres to check out, there are some "literary exploration challenges" that are a great way to try new things. You can also find some interesting reads by looking at the page of one of your favorite books and looking through the lists section. Sometimes there will be lists that pick out an aspect of the book that you really love and show you other books that have that in common, some of which might be in different genres.

[Trike]

Faith wrote: "Fantasy has a lot of different elements in it that are also represented in other genres - sci fi, suspense, action, thrillers, mystery, history. Maybe if you try to figure out what you like about a..."

Along with this, have you tried branching out from the usual Lord of the Rings type stuff? Like The Warded Man for instance? It's similar to that kind of Epic Fantasy but not identical to it.

Then there is Science Fantasy like Anne McCaffrey's The Dragonriders of Pern which have the elements of Fantasy blended with a sort of medieval science fiction.

[CS]

I was looking at the moustache in your photo. Have you tried any steampunk? Seriously.

Others will have to recommend steampunk books for you. I've only read one steampunk book, and I don't remember the name.

My advice is to read what you like and branch out from there. No judging. You're reading for yourself.

[Margaret]

I also find that historical mysteries scratch my itch for the kind of "otherness" I often find in fantasies, and I know there are plenty of historical mysteries with a medieval setting. The fact that it's a mystery usually means a strong plotline, too.

[Aria]

Amber wrote: "If you ARE really wanting to find some different genres to check out, there are some "literary exploration challenges" that are a great way to try new things."


I usually put those together for myself if I'm interested in some other genre that I'm familiar with. It does involve a decent amount of research but it's also custom made therefore, I can choose what would interest me more.

For example, right now I'm reading some different books about marketing and this non-fiction genre is generally very new for me. But because I understood that I don't really know anything about business and selling, I thought I'd step out of my comfort zone and see that'll happen.

I also find audiobook format to be especially good with those non-fiction books. Otherwise, I find it hard to stick with them because the reading can be quite tedious sometimes. Especially, if the book consists mainly of theoretical ramblings and there is no plot to guide you through.

[Bernardo]

CS wrote: "I was looking at the moustache in your photo. Have you tried any steampunk? Seriously.

Others will have to recommend steampunk books for you. I've only read one steampunk book, and I don't remembe..."

That´s a fake/joke moustache. =P

[Bernardo]

David wrote: "Being a reader (or a writer, for that matter) is a growing process, believe me. What Faith said is dead on: figure out what you like about fantasy, and then look for those same elements in differen..."

How many likes could I make for this comment? I guess you're right about evolving as a reader. I just thought that reading should come naturally for everybody, but the more you read, more you'll understand about genres, styles, etc, more you will want to read other stuff.

I started "It", from Stephen King, because I've already read "Talisman" (don't really know if that's the title in english) and liked it. I guess I liked it due to the fantastic background when the character traveled through worlds. "It" isn't bothering me. In fact, I can't wait to see when the clown will show up again, but the stories that the autor build to make the whole story are kinda boring. I guess I'll just have to pass through it. =P

One literature book I'm ancious to read is "War and Peace", from Liev Tolstoi. Still trying to figure out how to start reading it. Maybe the way you said, about reading a couple of it and then one book from my favourite list. I think this will work.

Thanks

[Faith]

I think your exploring is great. One other thing you might try is finding other people on Goodreads who felt the same way you did about fantasy books you have read (either liked or disliked) and then see what else they have read and liked.

[Bernardo]

Faith wrote: "I think your exploring is great. One other thing you might try is finding other people on Goodreads who felt the same way you did about fantasy books you have read (either liked or disliked) and th..."

I'm finishing my current fantasy book to embrace a Fantasy Book Challange from a Book Club. I'll maybe start with Uprooted on march and join this club's challange. I think it may be kind hard for me, as you can clearly see for my writting, english is not my native language and this book still hasn't any translation for my native language. I've read a couple of books in english, but mostly juvenile books with very easy language. This one may be a real challange for me. =)

[Chris]

Is it really a problem to be fixed? I assume that we are talking about reading for leisure, not for school or work. I have gone through phases of reading mostly one genre. I have also gone through phases of not reading much outside of what was required (i.e., not leisure reading). Feeling obliged to read, on a regular basis, sounds like a good way to kill enthusiasm for reading. I say, follow your passion. It's probably not a pattern that will stay the same over your whole life.

[Bernardo]

Chris wrote: "Is it really a problem to be fixed? I assume that we are talking about reading for leisure, not for school or work. I have gone through phases of reading mostly one genre. I have also gone through ..."

It's not a problem, for say. But I'm worried that my reading will be all about one kind of books (genre) and that I'll be missing some GREAT stuff out there. That's why I'm building my path to read classic literature, such as "War and Peace".

Maybe it will be fun. Maybe not. If not, I'll know that classic literature is not for me.

[Faith]

Bernardo wrote: "Faith wrote: "I think your exploring is great. One other thing you might try is finding other people on Goodreads who felt the same way you did about fantasy books you have read (either liked or di..."

The only reason I suspected English was not your native language was because I looked at your profile. Your English is excellent, but I can see how long, untranslated books would be a challenge. I remember how I struggled with Madame Bovary in French, fortunately I had already read it in English.

[Bernardo]

Faith wrote: "Bernardo wrote: "Faith wrote: "I think your exploring is great. One other thing you might try is finding other people on Goodreads who felt the same way you did about fantasy books you have read (e..."

I've struggled with Eric Clapton's biography, and haven't compleated it yet. The only books I've read in english are two from Rick Riordan (Pearcy Jackson) books, but as I've said, they are all very juvenile and with easy language. Tried also Neil Gaiman's American Gods, also with no success (stopped on about 10%).

March's challange will be both a reading and a english challange for me. =)

[Heather]

I think it's important to grow as a reader. Reluctant readers struggle to find books that keep their interest so it's very important that you find the common elements in your favorite novels. Reading books that aren't interesting to you will just discourage reading in general.

If you tend to read only one kind of fantasy, first venture into different types. You can try out some flintlock fantasy: Promise of Blood. I see that you like comics; maybe try Steelheart.

You can also expand into sci-fi/fantasy mixes to get a taste of it: Prince of Thorns, The Gunslinger, The Chronicles of Amber, The Dragonriders of Pern, Swan Song, The Stand. The Green Mile.

I have read a lot of western literary cannon if you want recommendations. Given your interest in fantasy from medieval period, maybe start closer to that period in cannon literature. War and Peace would be a tough starting point!

[Bernardo]

Heather wrote: "I think it's important to grow as a reader. Reluctant readers struggle to find books that keep their interest so it's very important that you find the common elements in your favorite novels. Readi..."

The only recommendation you gave I know is Prince of Thorns. The first trilogy is on my reading list, and I will read it after the cloob's fantasy march fantasy challange (Uprooted). And... wow... Steelheart seems very promising!

I also have a cyberpunk book on my list, from a brazilian author. I hope to read it at some point this year.

Never thought about reading western, though. Don't like western movies, so this never stepped through my mind. Then again, I've seen many compliments to Dark Tower books. So I might take a look at it on the future.

[Kyra]

I almost exclusively read fantasy, though I also enjoy historical romance and the occasional mystery/thriller. My mother sometimes gives me literary women's fiction that her book club reads and when I read them I keep wishing some guy with a sword and/or a wizard (or, ideally, a wizard with a sword) would come in and liven things up a little!

If you're looking to expand your reading, I'll echo others' suggestions to look for things that have common elements with the fantasy you enjoy. Steampunk, fantasy in settings with more advanced technology or in non-western (as in western civilization, as in Europe-based, not as in Old West western)/non-medieval settings, fantasy-science fiction crossovers, urban fantasy, "magical realism", historical fiction set in medieval times, etc. Have you read any Jorge Amado? A Brazilian author whose work has elements of historical fiction and magical realism. I really enjoyed Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon and Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands

But if fantasy is what you really love, embrace it and don't feel like you should have to change. There are enough great fantasy books, both well-known and obscure, to keep a reader busy for a lifetime.

[Tori]

You should take a look at your favorite movies/TV shows too (if you enjoy that as well). There's not nearly as many straight-up fantasy movies and such out there, so what genres your favorite non-fantasy movies are might translate into books as well.

You could also look into more children's or YA fantasy since that might be something a little different.

[Kevin]

Fantasy is also lumped in with Science Fiction, but it seems like within the last 10 years Fantasy has gotten really and more and more popular, while most Science Fiction readerships have been dying off and declining.

[Aaron]

There are enough fantasy books for a lifetime, I would recommend trying to branch out. But looking at your profile you are just really starting to dive in so there is really no need to branch out yet.

For Sci-fi/fantasy I would recommend Heroes Die, it's probably my favorite dark fantasy novel, the first 15% or so I could see being a bit confusing at first but once it gets going it's fantastic. It's mostly fantasy with a decent bit of dystopic sci-fi punkishness to it.

For more pure fantasy, read Sanderson he loves hard magic which is kind of the fantasy version of superpowers which will tie in nicely with the comics you enjoy. I would recommend starting with Mistborn, it's one of his earlier works but it isn't as rough as say Elantris.

[Bernardo]

Kyra wrote: "I almost exclusively read fantasy, though I also enjoy historical romance and the occasional mystery/thriller. My mother sometimes gives me literary women's fiction that her book club reads and whe..."

I am brazilian, but never really thought about Jorge Amado. In fact, I've never read any brazilian classic literature I liked. Haven't read nothing from Amado, but I'll sure take a look at these two recomendations. Thanks.

[Bernardo]

Aaron wrote: "There are enough fantasy books for a lifetime, I would recommend trying to branch out. But looking at your profile you are just really starting to dive in so there is really no need to branch out y..."

Mistborne is on my TBR list. I'm finishing Assassin's Apprentice, then I'll participate on march's challange (Uprooted), then I'm deciding between Prince of Thorns and The Final Empire. Guess I'll get out of my confort zone with Prince of Thorns...

[Micah]

Opposite issue here: aside from Tolkien, I can't read fantasy, though I've tried reading a bunch. I think he spoiled the genre for me by doing it so well that no one else measures up. I've seen all the "well, how about trying [insert "better than Tolkien" author or book]. Never works for me. I mean I've read some really well written fantasy...but it didn't make me want to read any more.

I'm almost exclusively SF. I take breaks every now and then to read historical fiction, classic hardboiled detective fiction, and mysteries/legal fiction like Georges Simenon and John Mortimer...or even physics/cosmology for the layperson. But fantasy (as I define it) doesn't tickle my fancy.

[Bernardo]

Micah wrote: "Opposite issue here: aside from Tolkien, I can't read fantasy, though I've tried reading a bunch. I think he spoiled the genre for me by doing it so well that no one else measures up. I've seen all..."

I guess books are much like wines. There is no "world's best". One is good for me, but is not for many ppl out there. And one is the greatest book ever for you, but I find it "meh".

My point here is that reading almost only fantasy bugs me. I want to read other stuff, cause I know there are GREAT non-fantasy stuff out there. Maybe at the end of my research, I'll end up still liking only fantasy. Maybe not.

I think the main point here is to experience new stuff.

[Heather]

My assumption is that fantasy fan base has expanded by those that wouldn't have read books previously. Think about the prose quality decline of fantasy and the relative up-swing in popularity. Think about the decline in dystopia prose and characters (with the YA infusion) and the wildly popular nature of the YA dystopia. Basically the decline in prose has attracted those that were turned off by the stuffy nature of the older stuff. I'm absolutely fine with the decline in prose and flat characters if it means more people will read. So many young people are reading that would, instead, be playing video games or watching tv. We need books for all types of people so, as long as they still make quality books as well, I'm fine with it.

This was my long explanation as to why it appears sci-fi is declining (by fan base but not quality).

[Valerie]

I wouldn't say that I have a problem reading genres outside of fantasy. I will say that scifi and fantasy are my go-to genres and lately I find myself with so many that I want to read that I give less time and attention to other genres.

After SF/F, I'd rank my genre preferences as:
1. Thriller/Suspense
2. Historical Fiction
3. Humor
4. Nonfiction (usually somewhat business related)

I will read just about anything fiction except Christian Fiction. However, I am not a fan of writing that relies too much on angst and/or sentimentality, so, while I don't rule them out it is a tough sell for me to enjoy YA, romance, and chick lit.

[Steve]

I've always had an interest in SF/F since a child. But I have had stages where I've hammered other genres for a few years then got bored. I remember reading a lot of crime 25/30 years ago although I struggle to remember all the titles to update my 'read' status. Also had a horror, thrillers (Spys), non fiction (Science, space, ancient history) phases as well.

[Angela]

Good luck Bernando. There is some really great advice here.

I find reading challenges are good for reading books and genres you might not normally consider. I do one every year and it's kind of fun to select a book to fit into a category.

I tend to read fantasy and urban fantasy as my go to genres. But read a bit of historical romance and historical novels. I do like my fantasy novels where there are swords and a medieval setting as well. So I agree with others that if you like the medieval setting in fantasy, maybe historical novels in the same time period might be good place to start if you want to read other genres.

[Bernardo]

I'll join a non-fantasy challange at somepoint this year. Just have to find the right one. =)

[Gav451]

Everyone is like this so don't stress about it and don't force it. I lent a Fantasy book to a friend who only tends to read biographies and historical fiction and I came straight back. As long as you do not dismiss other genres just wait till you really fancy reading one then give it a go. If right now you are really enjoying reading then that's enough.

I agree with the advice of looking at shorter books to start with. Try a crime novel as they are fun or something with a strong narrative.

When I first started reading for myself I was all about the sci-fi. It will expand and change as you do.

[Mary]

Read what you like to read.

That's practice.

Greater skill in reading may lead to more interests.

[Margaret]

Also, give yourself permission to read totally trashy, fun books and revel in them. :)

[Sarah]

I need one of those right now. That's a good idea.

[Bernardo]

Sarah wrote: "I need one of those right now. That's a good idea."

If you have a good one to suggest, I'd appreciate. =P

[Johan]

Maybe you could try reading some books that have fantasy elements as well as elements from other genres. Then the fantasy elements will be there to entertain you while the other elements have time to grow on you. Once you have read a few books like that, you might feel an urge to go deeper into the other genres.

I'd suggest picking up The Book of the New Sun which starts out feeling very much like a dark fantasy novel but then goes elsewhere. (Don't want to spoil too much)

[Bernardo]

Johan wrote: "Maybe you could try reading some books that have fantasy elements as well as elements from other genres. Then the fantasy elements will be there to entertain you while the other elements have time ..."

The book seems to be very cool. Added to reading list. Thanks a lot.