Years ago, if you went into any bookstore, the room was divided into a few categories: nonfiction, fiction, classics. It was easy to find your genre and not complicated for the bookstore owner to shelve a book!

Now...after the explosion of chick lit, YA, suspense, urban fantasy and a million other subgenres, a store owner could spend weeks deciphering which book goes where. Subgenres can be extremely confusing and it's important to know so you don't pick up an erotic suspense if you prefer inspirational romance! Here are some of the more popular fiction genres outlined below:

Adventure vs. Suspense

These two styles are often grouped together, but there is a significant difference in them - the soundtrack. Adventure novels have the Indiana Jones theme running through them - they have action, adventure, strong heroes and heroines. You can't turn the page fast enough as you get caught up in the fast moving plot and energy.  

Suspense's tune is the eerie, spine tingling music that makes you grip your teeth in anticipation. You turn the page to get to the next level of mystery or danger which is the key facet of the story.  

World Building 

The key to this subgenre is fantasy. To read this kind of story, you must have the ability to delve into a suspension of disbelief and imagine an entire new entity whether it's a new planet, time or character. Here are the current styles of fantasy:

Paranormal involves imaginative characters or extra-human characteristics that can range from vampires, shapeshifters and werewolves to faith healers, psychics and ghosts. Good writing in this genre is not only about creating such characters, but about developing them so the reader believes they exist.  

Time travel involves one or more characters starting in one time and traveling to another. It could involve a dream, hypnosis, concussion or a magical transport into the future or past.  

Science fiction often blends with dystopian and futuristic so we can lump these together. Both are slightly different from true fantasy as they deal with the plausible, and what could really happen when you base your ideas on scientific and logical consequences. Usually the worlds are other planets or space settings; dystopian fiction involves this world, but after a future upheaval of power and destruction.  

Urban fantasy has fantasy elements incorporated into a modern-day, urban setting like Boston or New York. Often characters navigate a fantasy world that coexists with the 'real world', and includes magical/paranormal creatures. Dark urban fantasy contains the same elements, but usually has serious leanings towards horror. Dark and bloody events can and do happen in these novels, and a happy ending is not a necessity.

Age Defining Genres

Chick-lit follows the trials and tribulations of women in their 20s and 30s as they navigate the dating scene, friends and family, work settings and shoe shopping. While a romance structure requires a happy ending, the more flexible chick-lit structure allows for ambiguity. 

Young adult novels (YA) tend to portray adolescents coping with tough life and developmental issues. The target population is generally ages 12 through 18 and can involve any of the above subgenres as long as they are written under the caveat that youth will read them. Middle Grade follows the same guidelines as YA, but the target audience is younger, usually 9-12.

Time Involved Fiction 

Historical fiction is not set in contemporary times. You don't necessarily need a degree in history to understand what you're reading, but an understanding of the time periods may be helpful. Here's a quick breakdown of popular eras:

Range of "Relations"  

With the popularity of 50 Shades of Gray, erotic fiction has become more mainstream. Below are two important subcategories to know:

Erotic Romance has a high level of sexual activity, but there are boundaries. The sex is within the context of the romance and the story can stand alone without the explicit scenes.

Erotica focuses heavily on the sexual relationships between the characters and often pushes boundaries with multiple partners and kinky situations. Language can be graphic and sexual fantasies - often not considered politically correct in today's romance novels - are enacted.

So the next time you are searching for a book to read, check out others in the subgenres you prefer!