Have you ever had an experience where you picked up a trending book only to feel like you couldn’t relate at all? Well, that’s bound to happen when most readers are unaware of which book genre fits right for their personality and taste, often making them follow the herd and get disappointed. The stories that we feel closely connected with would reflect the way we think and feel about our life and interests, which is why you can like a book that other readers might not like. That being said, it’s important to explore new genres to find the one you connect with the most but that seems to be a lengthy process, so how can we cut it bit short? Even though no two personalities are completely the same, they tend to fit some molds, such as the MBTI from Isabel Myers and Katharine Briggs, which is a fun way to decide your personality. That can lead to the same book genres being loved by different personalities, but there’s no harm in that.
Let's make selecting your next book more interesting, but a bit of fun in the mix with your personality match. Playing on the idea that all books are equal, but some feel more equal than others (Animal Farm Reference), especially when they reflect your personality. Let’s dive in and explore which genre speaks to you and your reading corner.
1. Mystery and Psychological Thrillers
Perfect for: INTJ, ISTP (The Mastermind / Architect, The Virtuoso)
This genre is definitely the one for those readers who liek a challenge and want to put their detective hats on to find the real culprit. If you are someone who likes the thrill of putting clues together and stimulating yoru brain to see if you can outsmart the culprit and get it right before the big reveal, mystery and detective novels are perfect for you. These are mentally engaging and full of surprise where you are left asking if the author is reliable or not.
Some Books You Might Like: The Silent Patient, The Murder of Roger Acroyd, Sherlock Holmes, Gone Girl, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
2. Literary Fiction
Perfect for: INFJ, INFP (The Advocate, The Mediator)
It is a book genre that is completely created if you are into introspection and thinking deeply about life, and you feel every emotion from the book. These books are a reflection of what’s going on inside the characters, and even though it’s fiction, many times you can relate to the main character. The emotions in these books run high most times, which makes them so humane and leave you feeling a bit vulnerable at the end and reeling from the thinking for a long time.
Books You Might Like: The Midnight Library, Normal People, A Little Life, Shuggie Bain, The Goldfinch, The Picture of Dorian Gray
3. Science Fiction & Dystopian
Perfect for: ENTP, INTP (The Debater, The Logician)
We can’t forget about our curious geeks with an imagination that is completely out of this world. If you like the idea of new inventions with a bit of social commentary, these genres would fit right into your bookshelves. One of the most interesting topics that many want to explore right now is AI and how it can be used in a way you have never seen before. Other than that, for those who like the theme of resistance and freedom, can explore their options among the dystopian books which are set in a world that is completely different from ours, but not at the same time. Social commentary lovers who also like metaphors and allegories are ideal readers for this genre.
Books You Might Like: Project Hail Mary, 1984, The Power, Never Let Me Go, The One Who Walk Away From Omelas, The Song of Fire And Ice, Frankenstein
4. Mythical Fiction
Perfect for: ENFP, ISFP (The Campaigner, The Adventurer)
Interested in the idea of supreme beings that live above us, having a life of their own that’s written down with our own little human twist. You can relive the glory days of legends with main characters such as gods, goddesses, mythical beasts, and more with this genre. If you like the idea of being so epic that history writes about you, this book theme could be your destiny. Perfect for readers who want to escape reality, connect with something bigger, feel the pull of fate, and wonder with names that they have always heard about.
Books You Might Like: Circe, The Song of Achilles, Daughter of the Moon Goddess, Norse Mythology, The Iliad
5. Satirical and Quirky Fiction
Perfect for: ENTP, ESFP (The Debater, The Entertainer)
In case you are someone who feels the absurdity of the world and wants to read a book that relays that feeling with a healthy dose of humour, this book genre would not disappoint. Wrapping real-world problems with satire and absurd situations, this would be a great addition to your TBR if you like off-beat characters who don’t seem to fit the mold and break the norm with their slightly offputting yet appealing idea about life.
Books You Might Like: Where’d You Go, Bernadette, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It, Anxious People, Convenience Store Woman
6. Romance
Perfect for: ENFJ, ISFP (The Protagonist, The Adventurer)
Most of us are nothing but hopeless romantics trying to find our soulmate and gushing over the little crushes and eye contact. Romance books are the perfect way to indulge in the feeling of love without experiencing it yourself, and this book genre has multiple sub-genres which ensures that there is something for most type of personalities. If you are bolder in your relationships, dark romance books could be worth or if you like the idea of yearning, a slow burn romance might be your cup of tea. Bonus points if there's witty banter and a little drama, just like your real-life crush.
Books You’ll Fall For: The Summer I Turned Pretty, Pride and Prejudice, Twisted Series, The Love Hypothesis
7. Non-Fiction (Self-Help, Science, History)
Perfect for: ENTJ, ISTJ (The Commander, The Logistician)
You want to read with a purpose, not escape the reality of the world. It covers books for self-improvement for leveling up your life, understanding human behavior, and historically accurate novels so that you can learn more about previous scenarios and tragedies. These non-fiction books help you learn, grow, and see the world a little differently. Perfect for curious minds and people who love turning insight into action.
Books You Might Like: Atomic Habits, Sapiens, Thinking, Fast and Slow, Rich Dad Poor Dad, Man’s Search for Meaning, The Alchemist