What Genres Should I Try First If I Want To Start Reading Books?

Look at what's popular on BookTok or in your local book club. There's a reason certain books blow up—they're accessible and generate discussion. Rebecca Yarros's 'Fourth Wing' is a phenomenon for a reason: it mixes dragon riding academy tropes with a steamy romance and a fast, addictive plot. While it might not be the 'literary' start some would recommend, its popularity means you'll find a huge community to chat with, endless fan art to enjoy, and a reading experience that prioritizes pure, unapologetic entertainment. Sometimes, the social momentum is the push a beginner needs to actually start and finish a book.

One of the hardest things I had to learn was that starting the draft doesn't mean starting with page one. I used to stare at a blank document for hours, convinced I needed the perfect opening line before I could move forward. What actually worked was picking a scene I could visualize clearly, even if it was from the middle of the story, and just describing it in the plainest language possible. 'He walks into the room. It's messy. He's annoyed.' That kind of thing. The goal for me became hitting a daily word count, any words, with the explicit permission for them to be terrible. I turned off the internet, used a basic text editor without formatting options, and just talked the story onto the page as if I was explaining it to a friend who kept nodding along. The real story emerged weeks later during revision, when I could see what those messy, frantic sentences were actually trying to say. It’s less about building a house and more about dumping all the lumber on the lawn so you can see what you have to work with.

I often recommend starting with genres that are engaging yet easy to follow. For beginners, contemporary fiction is a great choice because it deals with relatable themes and straightforward language. Books like 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho or 'Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine' by Gail Honeyman offer simple yet profound narratives. Another fantastic genre is young adult (YA) fiction, which is often fast-paced and emotionally resonant. Titles like 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green or 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' by Rick Riordan are perfect for easing into reading. For those who enjoy a bit of mystery, cozy mysteries like those by Agatha Christie, such as 'Murder on the Orient Express,' provide intriguing plots without being overly complex. Fantasy can also be beginner-friendly if you start with lighter series like 'Harry Potter' by J.K. Rowling, which introduces magical worlds gradually. Lastly, memoirs and autobiographies, such as 'Becoming' by Michelle Obama, are excellent for beginners because they read like stories but are grounded in real-life experiences.

Flip the script. Instead of choosing a genre, choose a specific, compelling story element you crave. 'I want a heist.' 'I want a redemption arc.' 'I want a rivals-to-lovers romance.' 'I want a mystery where the narrator is lying.' Search for books based on those tropes or plot devices across all genres. You'll find heists in fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, and thrillers. This trope-first approach often leads you to the most engaging book for you, and the genre it happens to be in becomes a secondary characteristic.

It’s useful to think in terms of reader questions. Every good opening makes the reader ask a question. The genre shapes what that question should be. For a mystery: 'Who did it?' or 'How will this be solved?' For a romance: 'Will they get together?' For a fantasy: 'What is this world and what’s at stake?' The opening should pose the genre’s central dramatic question, or a compelling sub-question that leads to it. A weak opening poses no question, or a question irrelevant to the genre’s promise (e.g., a fantasy opening that only makes us wonder about the protagonist’s grocery list). The 'best way' is to engineer that first page to trigger the 'right' kind of curiosity.

Starting out in the world of books can be such a thrilling journey, especially when you're exploring different genres that can ignite your imagination or resonate with your experiences. Personally, I think a great way to dive in is with a mix of fantasy, contemporary fiction, and graphic novels. Each of these genres has something unique to offer and can hook new readers quickly. Fantasy is like a doorway to vast, imaginative worlds. A novel like 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' by J.K. Rowling can be a fantastic start! It’s not only accessible but also filled with adventure, a touch of magic, and a coming-of-age story that many relate to. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of a hidden world where wizards live? If you’re into something a bit more epic, 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien is another classic that blends adventure and fantasy in a way that feels both whimsical and profound. Shifting gears, contemporary fiction often focuses on real-life challenges and relationships, making it relatable. A novel like 'Wonder' by R.J. Palacio offers a heartwarming story about kindness and acceptance through the eyes of a boy with facial differences. It’s emotionally resonant and delivers powerful messages that resonate perfectly with modern readers. For something a bit grittier, 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky shows the complexities of adolescence, friendship, and mental health. Then there are graphic novels, which are perfect for those who might be intimidated by traditional text-heavy novels. They combine artwork with storytelling and can be just as compelling. One that stands out is 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman, which tells the harrowing true story of the Holocaust through a unique, artistic lens. Or how about 'Saga' by Brian K. Vaughan? It’s a stunning blend of sci-fi and fantasy that threads together themes of family and love in extraordinary ways. These graphic novels can often open a reader’s eyes to how powerful visuals and narrative can be together. Exploring various genres can help in figuring out what truly resonates with you. There’s a certain joy in discovering stories that you can lose yourself in. It’s like finding a new favorite show or game, where you can connect with characters and their worlds on a deep level. Getting started with these suggestions could lead to countless hours of adventure, reflection, and joy. Happy reading!