Five Underrated Genres In Adult Literature

Picking up a book and reading it is a relaxing pastime that allows you to explore new worlds and meet new types of people. However, there are genres that may be less popular than the ones enjoy but can be far more satisfying. They can introduce you to different environments or teach you something new while entertaining you. Here are a few underrated genres that you should consider the next time that you make a trip to the bookstore or library.

Steampunk

This genre combines the Victorian age with modern technology and inventions. The term “steam” comes from the concept that these creations are powered by steam instead of electricity or other modern means. It can encompass other well known fictional genres such as romance, mystery, thriller, and horror. Books that are written to cater to this audience must stay within certain parameters, such as the age it is set in and the use of steam. From there, stories can go in whatever direction the author wishes to travel. Fans of steampunk have gone as far as establishing lifestyles complete with apparel and societies to belong to. Readers of historical fiction, fantasy, or science fiction may appreciate this genre.

Poetry

While readers may have taken in a great deal of poetry while they were in school, there is less likely a chance that they will purchase a poetry book as an adult. The poet who publishes this volume can tell this through their revenue recognition since they most likely see few royalties from their work. However, much of modern poetry has gone away from the rhyming verses that were taught in English class. They can vary from lines that form a picture on the page to lyrics that resemble a pop or rap song. They can depict a moment in history, a time in the poet’s life, or an observation of the world. They can consist of a few words or be pages long. There is such a wide variety of poetry on the market that any reader should be able to find something they enjoy.

Erotica

Romance is the largest grossing genre in the literary market, making billions of dollars a year in revenue. However, erotic literature is beginning to rise in popularity. The difference between the two is the descriptions of sex that are involved. This genre can be found in other mainstream novels when the author who writes those books allows the reader to see what happens behind the bedroom door. It steps away from pornography by providing the reader a storyline to follow as well as deep character development. Those who read erotica can witness those in the story experience heartbreak and joy in their lives while enjoying a little extra heat.

Non-Fiction

Books based on real incidents or the author’s life are ones that are typically passed over unless the subject  is a celebrity or it is a popular subject. Historical non-fiction novels may hit the best seller’s list only in the community where the event happened. Picking up a memoir gives the reader the opportunity to learn interesting details about another person’s life that might apply to their own. It is a great tool to learn more about the experts in the field that they enjoy. This genre also includes how-to books and instructional manuals. You might even consider reading literature about modern research, like the presence of cannabis in DNA, to give you knowledge on publically uniformed topics. 

Westerns

Books based on cowboys and the Wild West were very popular many years ago. However, their fame has waned over the past few years. Like many other genres, Westerns can encompass other themes like romance and mystery, but it has stricter guidelines to follow than other historical genres like Steampunk. It must be set in the nineteenth century in the western section of the United States. The characters can be fictional but the author must steer away from any sort of fantasy. There is a wide variety of books on the market for readers to enjoy beyond the volumes they habitually pick up. The next time you sit down to read, consider choosing a genre out of your comfort zone to indulge in.