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Armchair BEA: Genre Fiction

  Design credit: Emily of Emily's Reading Room

Today's theme at Armchair BEA is Genre Fiction. We've been asked to discuss:
If you’re a reader of genre fiction do you have a favourite author or series? And what keeps bringing you back for more fantasy/sci fi/horror etc?
As I mentioned in my introduction yesterday, I read an eclectic range of books, and genre fiction fits right in there. I definitely have some favorite genres and some that I rarely, if ever, read. For example, while I hopped on the bandwagon and read 50 Shades of Gray, I don't generally read erotica or even romance novels for that matter. I personally feel like they are a waste of my time because they don't engage me and interest me the way more substantial novels do. I feel the same way about chick lit, paranormal and most fantasy novels. I guess I like my novels a bit more serious and deep.

So what genres do I like? My favorites are mysteries and thrillers, and historical fiction. I've provided some of my favorite books in each below. 

Mysteries and Thrillers ~ I love to read books that keep me engaged from beginning to end, stories that feature some sort of mystery that doesn't reveal itself until the end. Thrillers are especially appealing since they usually provide a lot of action that keeps the pages turning. Here are some of my favorites from the past few years.

Historical fiction ~ My other favorite genre is historical fiction. I love to get swept up in other times, reading about the people and places of other worlds. I like to mix it up a bit in terms of locations and time periods. Here are some of my favorites. As an interesting note, all of these were (or are going to be) book club selections, and I highly recommend all of them for discussion.

Do you read genre fiction? If so, what are your favorite genres? And if you read mysteries, thrillers or historical fiction, what books do you recommend?
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Comments

  1. Laura @ The Shabby RabbitMay 29, 2013 at 5:26 PM

    I don't intend to have genres I read, but I do seem to gravitate towards them anyway. Thrillers and mysteries are one of mine too... Jo Nesbo is my newest guilty pleasure :)

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    Replies
    1. JulieMay 30, 2013 at 12:32 PM

      I'll have to check out Jo Nesbo. Thanks for the recommendation!

      Delete
  2. Sue JacksonMay 29, 2013 at 8:05 PM

    No energy for a BEA post today, but I thought I'd check yours out. I used to read thrillers/suspense exclusively but now I rarely do (though I did read Gone Girl recently). Like you, I like to read a wide range of types of books, and my book groups have really helped me to branch out. I also used to think I didn't like historical fiction...until one of my book groups read March by Geraldine Brooks, and I was blown away! She's now one of my favorite authors. I don't read a lot of genre fiction anymore - some historical fiction, a suspense or thriller or mystery here and there, if it's gotten good reviews and is well-written. And I like certain science fiction themes, especially anything to do with time travel.

    Nice post, Julie - I've made a note of your recommendations! Now you're making me wish I did write a post today - just too busy and now too worn out!

    Sue

    Great Books for Kids and Teens

    Book By Book

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    Replies
    1. JulieMay 30, 2013 at 12:32 PM

      I don't think I've read anything by Geraldine Brooks but I really need to!

      Delete
  3. Annette MillsMay 29, 2013 at 8:08 PM

    Two great genres that I love. But I read a bit of everything. Hope you enjoy! NIce to meet you.l

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    1. JulieMay 30, 2013 at 12:33 PM

      I love to read a little bit of everything too! Thanks for stopping by!

      Delete
  4. Sue JacksonMay 29, 2013 at 8:38 PM

    Ha ha - you DID inspire me, Julie! I just can't turn down a good book discussion:

    http://bookbybook.blogspot.com/2013/05/armchair-bea-genre-fiction.html

    Sue

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    Replies
    1. JulieMay 30, 2013 at 12:33 PM

      You are too funny! I'll stop over and check it out.

      Delete
  5. AnonymousMay 29, 2013 at 10:15 PM

    Kate Morton is one of my favorite, I have read all her books so far. I also enjoy when HF mixes with mystery, for instance books by CJ Sansom: http://wordsandpeace.com/2013/03/11/book-review-dissolution/

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    Replies
    1. JulieMay 30, 2013 at 12:33 PM

      Thank you. I enjoy that combination too, so I'll check out CJ Sansom.

      Delete
  6. Stormy @ Book.Blog.Bake.May 29, 2013 at 11:05 PM

    I don't read in the genres you mention a lot, but I've read books 1 and 2 in the Millenial trilogy and really enjoyed them. I own the last one, & now that you've said it's your favorite I might move it up a little in the TBR.

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    Replies
    1. JulieMay 30, 2013 at 12:34 PM

      Yes! I felt that the trilogy got better over time, unlike some that never live up to the first book.

      Delete
  7. fredamansMay 30, 2013 at 12:02 AM

    I loved The Help... the book more than the film.

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    Replies
    1. JulieMay 30, 2013 at 12:34 PM

      I haven't seen the film yet, but it was an excellent book!

      Delete
  8. SueyMay 30, 2013 at 12:13 PM

    I love all the genres! Well, except maybe for mystery, which is just okay. My problem is I tend to not care whodunnit! My favorite is probably fantasy though. I can't seem to get enough.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JulieMay 30, 2013 at 12:34 PM

      Funny! I guess it is important to care whodunnit if you're going to read a mystery!

      Delete

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