Which genre(s) do you avoid reading?
Believe it or not, I think the only genre I don’t read is short stories (and I guess that’s more of a format than a genre). I know it takes an incredible amount of skill to write a short story, but I dislike the short period of time I get to spend on the story and characters, if that makes sense. I like a more immersive experience, I guess.
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I tend to steer clear of romance and memoirs as well.
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I’m not into the old-fashioned bodice-ripper/Harlequin romance, but I do enjoy the occasional dip into the genre if it’s reasonably well-written.
Remember when Shades of Gray came out? Not that that’s romance, but I couldn’t believe how popular the books were. I read about 20 pages and couldn’t take it anymore. The writing was terrible! So I guess for me it’s more about the writing than the genre; I’ll read almost anything as long as it’s well-written!
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I steer clear of horror and romance (except for the occasional rom-com or holiday book). I also don’t tend to enjoy memoirs by entertainers, politicians or people who have only lived a couple decades.
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I thought I was a diverse reader, but after reading the responses thus far, I find I’m more restrictive than I thought. I tend to stay away from romance, science fiction, fantasy, poetry, cozy mysteries, and short stories. I love nonfiction. I’ve been trying to read as much as I can of James Mustich’s 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die which has made me read genres I have avoided and that’s a good thing. Except romance; I just can’t read it.
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And no horror; scares the pop out of me!
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I almost never read horror either, although I did once read Jeff Long’s The Descent and really enjoyed that.
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Romance. Just not my cup of tea.
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I’ve been surprised at how many readers here avoid horror. I love horror when I can find a well-written book (which, I do admit, is rare). Anyone out there like the genre? Can you recommend any books (other than Stephen King & the classics)?
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I don’t judge a book by its genre but I am guilty of avoiding a book because I groan at the cover. Right now I’m steering clear of any book with a cover featuring the rear view of a woman looking off into the distance. I’m also boycotting books that feature puns in their titles; scowling, half-dressed men; and images dripping blood. It’s not the genre that makes me recoil as much as the lack of imagination which makes me dubious of the quality of writing within.
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I don’t care for science fiction, fantasy, or dystopian novels. I’m also not a fan of historical fiction featuring a real historical figure since so many people think it’s history & ignore the fiction part of it. The historian in me chafes at the liberties so many authors take. But I’m fine with historical fiction revolving around everyday people.
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LOL, @MarilynS, I love this! I suspect I do the same thing (mostly subconsciously).
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Hello Folks: I have to say, westerns and science fiction are two genres I’m not a fan of.
I also am not a huge fantasy reader, but if a novel as a fantasy component in it, that is fine.
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Lana! I think you and I must be reading twins.
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I do like a good dystopian novel. I’m pretty picky but if well done they really make me think.
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There are some contemporary westerns that I have absolutely fallen love with. Not a big fan of the old style paperback westerns for sure. And Lonesome Dove is always the exception, right?
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I avoid romance genre.
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Sci-fi, fantasy, romance, and horror.
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I am in 2 book clubs so I read what we have selected and try to squeeze the time to read off our lists. I read non-fiction almost only if I have to and yet many of my favorite books are NF. I find there are good worthwhile books in all genres. I read cereal boxes.
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