It’s a cozy evening in 1949 in a small shop in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and something big is about to transpire, but no one knows it yet. Richard Bonnycastle, a Canadian publishing executive with a small-town dream, is about to launch one of the most recognized names in romance literature – Harlequin ( Romance) Enterprises. Starting with his first book, “The Manatee” by Nancy Bruff, who could have guessed this humble beginning would blossom into an empire selling over 130 million romance novels annually in today’s digital age? And, eventually spark a rise in digital publishing houses like Amazon.
Are you old enough to remember when the mail carrier would bring your latest Reader’s Digest book selection or other monthly publication? For countless readers, it was like unwrapping a gift every single time – a small piece of literary joy delivered right to your doorstep.
But why does romance capture our hearts so completely that it has always reigned supreme as the most popular genre of books? It’s simple, really, we’re wired for social connection. As humans, we crave love, acceptance, and that heart-fluttering feeling of possibility that romance brings. Reading about how others find love provides us the hope of doing the same. While romance novels take precedence in publishing, they’re not alone in captivating readers’ imaginations.
Today’s bookshelves are bursting with other addictive genres that are just as popular:
True Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
From cold cases to psychological suspense, these books keep us turning pages well past midnight, satisfying our inner detective and our innate appetite for justice. We become attached to characters whose moral compass appears beyond reproach while despising those who choose evil over goodness. True crime has seen exponential growth in popularity in recent years, partly because of media sensationalism and hit television series like “Mind Hunters,” as well as podcasts such as “Park Predators,” which have brought true crime into the spotlight. Interestingly, Germany’s bestselling author, Adrian Langenscheid, has authored Amazon’s best novel in this category: “True Crime Canada: Real Canadian Criminal Cases.” This book is the ninth volume in his True Crime Series, with each volume containing several short stories related to true crimes.
Religion and Self-Help
In our quest for meaning and personal growth, books in this category serve as trusted guides, offering wisdom and practical tools for navigating life’s complex journey. The increase in remote work and the impact of artificial intelligence has fuelled the rise of mindfulness and mental health awareness, providing people with more time to relax. As a result, many are adopting a more balanced lifestyle, leading to lower stress levels and a movement toward a healthier mindset. Books like Mel Robbins’ “Let Them” are selling at astronomical rates. This category, which used to rank at the bottom of the list, has recently seen a significant boost in popularity as we become more aware of what truly matters.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy
Sci-Fi and Fantasy have always ranked among the top genres for readers because nothing ignites our imagination quite like creative characters and fantastical worlds brought to life through vivid descriptions. These books transport us to places where dragons soar through crystal skies and spaceships navigate among the stars, demonstrating that our imagination knows no bounds. Characters from these stories are revered and take on a life of their own, inhabiting worlds where Hobbits dwell and winged creatures battle to save the last kingdom on Earth.
What do these categories of books have in common? They provide us with a much-needed escape from reality through reading. Books offer a chance to explore our deepest desires and exotic dreams using nothing more than our imagination. Whether it’s the exhilaration of embarking on a romantic adventure or the rush to solve a gripping mystery, these genres keep us entertained and engaged and fuel a love of reading. What is your favorite category?
Pro Tip: Try to Read from different genres to broaden your horizons and push the limits of your imagination.
Image from pixabay
Writing has always been her passion and a voice for those who cannot speak. She considers herself fortunate to write every day and says her mantra is, “I drink coffee, write, and I know about people and technology.” Her writing is diverse and can be found online on websites like LifeHack, You Have a Calling, Medium, TechCrunch and, She Knows.
