We all have our favorite genres. Some people like their historical fiction time travel romances or armchair mysteries. Some people insist that they only read "literary" fiction. As readers, it’s easy to stick with a favorite genre that we enjoy, mainly if we've a favorite author. While there’s nothing wrong with having a favorite author or genre, it can be profitable to break the cycle and attempt something new every once in a while since there are so many books to explore.
HERE ARE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD TRY READING A NEW GENRE
BROADENS YOUR WORLDVIEW
Stepping out of your comfort zone and reading books outside of your favorite genre enables you to discover more about the world around you since the books may be about lifestyles, people, ways of thinking, and cultures that you might not interact within your everyday life.
ENHANCE YOUR WRITING
Are you a writer? Exploring books in different genres will enable you to become a stronger writer. Reading only books in the genre that you write restricts you. Exploring and reading outside of your comfort zone allows you to read as a reader, and not as a writer. Rather than focusing on the author’s style, you can just enjoy the experience of reading.
YOU’LL BE SMARTER
It's no secret that reading makes you more empathetic and smarter. Reading the same story over and over again isn't going to expand your intelligence vastly. Pick up a graphic novel memoir or a political satire or work of historical nonfiction, and give your brain fresh materials to chew on.
HOW TO CHOOSE A NEW GENRE TO READ
Libraries routinely put out lists of librarian picks and recommended readings. Bookstore clerks are generally up on what's popular--the bestseller lists and what other groups in your area may be reading. Furthermore, Booker Prize and the National Book Award can provide you with many quality suggestions.
GO TO BOOK FAIRS
There are plenty of them in your local areas if you take your time and look around, as well as national events. Try and go along to these literary conventions and interact with authors directly about their book(s). You can head straight to the source to see if you’d like to read a new book. For instance, The Publishers Association book fair list is an excellent place to start, but there will be more localized events if you do a community search.
JOIN A BOOK CLUB
You can also check your local community for an existing book club meeting. Availing yourself of such meeting will enable you to meet with fellow literature fans. There, it's about picking a book to read, and then reporting back after a few weeks. Furthermore, this is another opportunity to meet like-minded people who can share their favorite books with you.
IN CONCLUSION
Reading outside of your genre helps you to develop as a reader. You can start slowly if you’re hesitant. Ask a fellow bookworm or librarian for book suggestions that would be a good “starter books” in a different genre. By taking this approach, you might find that there is a different genre that you enjoy. And if you venture into something new only to find that you don’t like it, there’s nothing wrong with that. At least you gave it a shot!
These are great tips for encouraging people to leave their comfort zone and venture into other genres. You never know what else you like if you never try!
Right now I’m finishing up my English degree and my favorite thing is reading new genres and finding something I love that I never thought I would be interested in. I took an entire class on Octavia Butler last semester and I never thought I like science fiction but it was one of my favorite classes. Just goes to show that going outside of your favorite genre is worth it!
I am absolutely horrible at reading anything outside my favorite genre. It just isn’t as exciting to me and I don’t get as engaged. But I can see where you’re coming from about expanding my worldview.