If you are here, you definitely are interested in knowing one or all of these: more about books, the different categories of books, their numerous genres, and much more. In this article, we have put together tons of information on books.
Feel free to jump right into this getting-to-know-books tour 😇, using the table below to navigate faster to your desired section, depending on which part interests you the most at this particular time. Let’s go!
WHAT ABOUT BOOKS…? 🤷🏽♀️
What Is A Book?
“A Book is a written or a printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers” according to the Dictionary.
In basic understanding, I would say that it is either a bunch of pieces of bonded clear papers with no written or typed content in it, or a bunch of pieces of bonded papers filled with written or typed content, telling a story or communicating some strong belief or motivation, thus impacting its reader.
Curious to know the different book binding methods we have?
Here you go!
What Are The Book Binding Methods You Should Know?
- Perfect (Softcover) Binding
- Case (Hardcover) Binding
- Saddle Stitch (Stapled) Binding
- Wiro, comb, or spiral binding
- Singer sewn binding
- Section sewn binding
- Coptic stitch binding
- Interscrew binding
- Solander boxes and slipcases
- Japanese binding
What Really Are The Impacts Of Reading Books?
Books are unarguably incredible resources for growth. Over time, they have proven to be:
- One of the best resources that effectively improve growth in various aspects of life for diverse categories of people.
- Capable of eliminating stress and increasing happiness while also boosting intelligence.
- Great companions when you go on vacations, especially on beach vacations. They complete this sense and feel of relaxation.
- Outstanding help to human’s needs mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Equally important, whether you are just setting some book-study goals or you have already successfully built a good reading habit, understanding the importance of books and how they can be of great or much greater help to your entire being is highly important.
More Impacts
You already know that books could be the imaginations of an individual put together, or a person’s life story, or simply some principles of life to journey with here on earth, etc. A book:
- Reserves the ability to take you beyond the superficial.
- Can transform a man from bad to good, from good to better, and from great to greater in any ramification of life, be it in career, business, and spirituality, leadership, you name it. Moreover, there are lots of knowledge that reading books will open you to that are never included in the lot of educational system, like the Nigeria educational system. Interestingly, there are now books written about almost everything, like skin care, agriculture, fish farming and many more, you just need to pick your choice of all.
However, if interpreted wrongly, some books could make a man worse in his heart so be careful of misinterpreting content. While there are tons of genres of books, you need to know that there are two major categories namely:
- The Fiction Book Category
- The Non-Fiction Book Category
I will be focusing more on them a bit later in this post. Stay with me!
You might ask…why should I read?
Is it that important to read?
Can I be successful without building a good reading habit?
Answers to these are quite relative, and they solely depend on you! Read on as I would be dwelling also on why you should cultivate a good reading habit.
Some Famous And Outstanding Quotes About Reading Books
Check out these well-thought-out quotes about reading and tell me if they make some really good sense to you or not…
- “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.” – George R.R. Martin
- “Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.” – Harper Lee
- “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” – C.S. Lewis
- “I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” – Groucho Marx
- “Classic’ – a book which people praise and don’t read.” – Mark Twain
- “So please, oh please, we beg, we pray, go throw your TV set away, and in its place, you can install a lovely bookshelf on the wall.” – Roald Dahl
- “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
- “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King
- “I kept always two books in my pocket, one to read, one to write in.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
- “The person who deserves most pity is a lonesome one on a rainy day who doesn’t know how to read.” – Benjamin Franklin
- “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” – Walt Disney
- “We are of opinion that instead of letting books grow moldy behind an iron grating, far from the vulgar gaze, it is better to let them wear out by being read.” – Jules Verne
Let’s take a quick dive into some of the reasons you should build a good reading habit, shall we?
What Are The Benefits Of Cultivating A Good Reading Habit?
Without a doubt, building a good reading habit has numerous benefits that can positively impact many areas of your life, more than you can ever imagine.
Guess what! You might not even know that you are inculcating some of the things that you have read in some book at some point in time.
- Great books keep you informed and enlighten you on diverse topics in diverse industries, in diverse scenarios, helping you make more intelligent decisions over time. There are diverse books to help navigate through any industry at all, be it the tech industry or associated technology skills, the fashion industry, or a simply broken down lifestyle book, say for example, something on achieving clearer skin for a great lifestyle, academia, history, agriculture. The list goes on and on.
There is a saying that “no better companion than a good book”
A good book is able to:
- Give you practical steps on its subject matter
- Highlight the steps that have brought about failure in certain things while also providing you with proven steps.
- Just like a human mentor, hold your hands and help you become a better version of yourself, if you let its content sink well into you.
In addition, there are books that have proven to be highly transformative, such that a read has changed the life of many. Have you wondered why most successful men are good readers? This is because…
- Books expose them to secrets of success. They then groom themselves to leverage such knowledge and recreate theirs in a way that brings them returns beyond an average individual’s thinking, and it also expands their thinking depths.
Furthermore, reading is important because:
- It is good for your overall well-being. The moment you start reading you begin to experience a whole new world as it improves your focus, memory, empathy, communication skills, and much more. It can reduce stress, improve your mental health, thus helping you live much longer, and experience better. When you start loving the habit of reading, you might surprisingly, eventually get addicted to it which could be good and bad at the same time, especially when you’re on it when they are higher priority things to do at that time. “Be moderate in all things!” is what they say…
- Reading develops language skills and vocabulary. Reading books is also a way to relax and reduce stress. It is important to read a good book at least for a few minutes each day to stretch the brain muscles for healthy functioning.
More Benefits Of Cultivating A Good Reading Habit
Here are some other major key reasons you should consider making reading a regular part of your routine:
- Knowledge and Learning: Reading can help you gain new knowledge and learn about a wide range of subjects from mystery to poetry, to adventure, to fantasy, and the list goes on and on. It can broaden your perspectives, increase your understanding of the world, and provide you with insights that you can apply in your personal, professional, educational, and even spiritual life.
- Mental Stimulation: Reading books is a great way to keep your mind active and engaged. The amazing thing is that you are able to improve your cognitive function, boost your creativity, and enhance your problem-solving abilities, making you a much better employee, employer, sibling, entrepreneur, spiritual leader, friend, daughter/son, father/mother, you name it!
- Vocabulary and Language Skills: Book reading can help improve your vocabulary and language skills, which can benefit you in many areas of your life, including your academic and professional pursuits.
Take for instance, you are leading a presentation to a new client of the company or marketing your small business to a potential client, talking through your business proposal, giving a sermon in a religious setting, or just having a normal conversation with another person and you’re just not able to articulate your thoughts. What a disaster that would be, right? So start reading books!
Other key reasons are
- Relaxation and Stress Reduction: One of the great ways to unwind and relax after a long day is reading. Reduce stress, lower your heart rate, and improve your overall mood.
- Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Taking time to embed yourself in reading can help improve your empathy and emotional intelligence by allowing you to see the world through the eyes of different characters and perspectives. This can help you better understand and relate to others in your personal and professional life.
WHAT ARE THE TWO MAJOR CATEGORIES OF BOOKS?
There are numerous book genres, including self-help and adventure fiction, and much more. There are some well-known genre crossovers, such as fantasy and science fiction or crime and mystery novels, and many books fall into numerous categories.
In the table below, you see two major categories of books with a number of genres under them:
| S/N | FICTION BOOKS | NON-FICTION BOOKS |
| 1. | Science fiction | Self-help |
| 2. | Romance | Biography |
| 3. | Mystery | Autobiography and memoirs |
| 4. | Fantasy | Essays |
| 5. | Historical fiction | Non-fiction novels |
| 6. | Classics | |
| 7. | Adventure stories | |
| 8. | Crime | |
| 9. | Horror | |
| 10. | Humor and satire | |
| 11. | Poetry | |
| 12. | Plays | |
| 13. | War | |
| 14. | Thrillers | |
| 15. | Literacy Fiction |
FICTION BOOKS AS A CATEGORY OF BOOKS
What Are Fiction Books?
Fiction books are works of imaginative storytelling which can include:
- Ovels
- Short stories
- Novellas, and
- Plays
Furthermore, they are written to entertain, inspire, or engage readers through the use of literary techniques such as:
- Plot,
- Character development, and
- Descriptive language.
Fiction books are works of literature that are not based on real events or people. They are stories that are created by the author’s imagination and can be set in any time or place, featuring characters that may or may not exist in reality.
They are intended to entertain, engage, and transport the reader to another world. They can be written for any age group, from children’s picture books to adult novels. In brief, many readers enjoy fiction books because they allow them to escape from the real world and immerse themselves in a different world of the author’s creation.
What Are The Different Types Of Fiction Books’ Genres?
Fiction books can be further divided into various genres as listed in the table above. Let’s dive further into them, one after the other, shall we?
1. Science Fiction
Science fiction books are a genre of literature that imagines and explores the possibilities and consequences of scientific and other types of advances in technology society, and the natural world. These books often speculate about what could happen in the future or in alternative universes, and they often involve elements of adventure, suspense, and drama. They can cover a wide range of topics, including space exploration, artificial intelligence, technical skills and many more.
Some of the most famous science fiction books include
- “1984” by George Orwell
- “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley
- “Dune” by Frank Herbert”.
2. Romance
Romance books are a genre of fiction that primarily focuses on the romantic relationships between characters. These books typically feature a central love story, where two individuals fall in love and overcome various obstacles in order to be together. Romance novels can be set in a variety of settings and time periods, from contemporary love stories set in the present day, to historical romance novels set in the past. They can also incorporate other sub-genres, such as paranormal romance or suspense romance. Romance novels are popular across all age groups and are enjoyed by both men and women. They can be found in a variety of formats, including mass-market paperbacks, e-books, and audiobooks.
Some popular authors in the romance genre include:
- Nora Roberts,
- Nicholas Sparks, and
- Danielle Steel.
3. Mystery
If you are a lover of solving puzzles, then you will love this genre. Mystery books are books that typically involve a puzzle or a crime that needs to be solved. These books often have a detective or amateur sleuth as the main character, who attempts to piece together clues and evidence to identify the perpetrator and solve the crime. These books can take many forms, from classics, to thrillers.
Some well-known authors of mystery books include:
- Agatha Christie
- Arthur Conan Doyle
- Dashiell Hammett
- Raymond Chandler, and
- Sue Grafton.
4. Fantasy
If you are a big fan of big dreams and imagination, then fantasy books are just your kind of books because they create immersive and imaginative worlds. Fantasy books are a genre of literature that often includes elements of magic, mythical creatures, and alternate worlds. These books typically involve a hero or group of heroes embarking on a quest or journey to defeat a powerful evil force or achieve some other great goal.
In the modern era, fantasy literature has exploded in popularity, with some of the most popular works include:
- J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy,
- J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series, and
- George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series (also known as “Game of Thrones”).
5. Historical Fiction
Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional elements with historical events, figures, and settings. Historical fiction is often set in the past and typically attempts to recreate the social, political, cultural, and economic conditions of the time period being depicted. Historical fiction is a powerful tool for engaging readers and bringing history to life in a new and exciting way.
Historical fiction can cover a wide range of time periods and topics, from ancient civilizations to more recent events. Some examples of popular historical fiction include the novels of:
- Philippa Gregory, which often focus on the Tudor era of English history, and
- Bernard Cornwell
6. Adventure Stories
Are you a fan of action and excitement?
If yes, then here you have it!
Adventure stories will give you loads of action and excitement. Adventure stories are a genre of fiction that typically involve a protagonist embarking on a journey or quest that involves danger, risk, and excitement. The plot of an adventure story often revolves around the protagonist’s efforts to overcome obstacles, solve problems, and confront various adversaries in pursuit of their goal.
Some examples of popular adventure stories include:
- Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth,”
- Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island,”
- Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist.
7. Classics
Classical books are those works of literature that are considered to be of the highest artistic and cultural value and have endured for generations. They are typically written by authors who are recognized as masters of their craft and have had a significant impact on literature and society as a whole. Classics often explore complex human emotions and the human condition in a way that is both profound and enduring.
Some examples of classical books include works such as:
- Homer’s “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey,”
- William Shakespeare’s plays, such as “Hamlet” and “Macbeth,”
- Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” and
- Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace.”
8. Crime
Crime books are books that typically focus on a crime or a series of crimes and the investigation that follows. These books are designed to keep the reader engaged and guessing throughout the story, often by providing clues and red herrings that lead to unexpected plot twists and surprises. They can vary in terms of tone, subject matter and style. Crime books are sometimes set in different time periods and locations, and feature a wide range of protagonists, from detectives and private investigators to lawyers and journalists.
Some crime books include:
- “And Then There Were None,” by Agatha Christie, and
- “The Godfather,” by Mario Puzo.
9. Horror
The goal of the literary genre of horror novels is to terrify and frighten readers. These books frequently have supernatural, suspenseful, and violent components and themes like madness, death, and suspense. Modern horror literature includes everything from psychological thrillers to traditional ghost stories to tales of monsters and the paranormal.
Many people find reading horror books an exciting and thrilling way to explore their fears and emotions, although they can be unsettling and even scary to read. If you like horror films or TV shows, horror books offer an equally thrilling and immersive experience. Some best-selling horror books include:
- “Flowers in the Attic’ by VC Andrews,
- “Rebecca” by Daphne Du Maurier, and
- “Jaws” by Peter Benchley.
10. Humor and satire
Books with humor and satire strive to amuse readers by making them laugh, frequently by making fun of human foibles, oddities, and flaws. Satire is a type of humor that criticizes or mocks people, organizations, or society by using irony, exaggeration, and sarcasm. They can take many forms, including novels, short stories, essays, and plays. Humor and satire books can be a great way to explore complex issues lightheartedly and entertainingly. They can also help you laugh at yourself and your shortcomings, reminding you not to take life too seriously. Some horror and satire books include:
- “Animal Farm” by George Orwell, and
- “The Good Soldier Švejk by Jaroslav Hašek.
11. Poetry
Poetry books are collections of poems that are often published in book form. They may contain poems written by a single author or a variety of poets and can cover a wide range of topics and themes. Poetry books could be organized around a central theme, including love, nature, family, or education. Poetry books most times require in-depth understanding and rapt attention. Some well-known examples of poetry books include;
- “Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman
- “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot.
- “Howl” by Allen Ginsberg.
12. Plays
Play Books is an e-book digital distribution service. However, they are written to be performed rather than read. They usually offer a wide selection of books that users purchase and read on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers. Play Books allows readers to access formats like PDF and EPUB.
Although Playbooks are performed rather than read, they’re still seen as a key literary genre. Some bestselling playwrights are written by:
- William Shakespeare
- Alexander Pushkin
13. War
Are you fascinated by the subject of War?
If you are, here you have it!
War books are a genre of literature that focuses on the subject of war and its impact on individuals, societies, and nations. These books cover various wars, from ancient times to contemporary conflicts. They may take different forms, including memoirs, biographies, historical fiction, and non-fiction! and they often explore themes such as trauma, sacrifice, bravery, heroism and others. War books may appeal to you if you are a military historian and a veteran to general readers interested in learning about the human experience of war. Some of the most popular war books include;
- All Quiet on the Western Front” by Erich Maria Remarque
- The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien.
- The Art of War” by Sun Tzu.
14. Thrillers
Thriller books are a popular fiction genre designed to keep readers on the edge of their seats with suspenseful and exciting plots. They are characterized by their fast-paced action, plot twists, and tension-filled storylines that often involve a protagonist facing danger or solving a mystery. In a typical thriller, the plot revolves around a character who is often a hero, facing a dangerous situation or threat. The plot may involve suspenseful elements such as kidnappings, murders, and chases. The hero often has to use his or her intelligence, skills, and resources to overcome the threat and bring the antagonist to justice. They can be found in various formats, including novels and short stories. Some thriller bestsellers include;
- The Eagle Has Landed by Jack Higgins
- The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
15. Literacy Fiction
Literary fiction primarily focuses on the quality of the writing and the exploration of complex themes and characters rather than simply telling an entertaining story. It is often characterized by its artistic and intellectual merit, emphasis on character development, and use of language to create a unique and engaging narrative.
Literary fiction can cover various topics, including social issues, philosophical musings, and personal relationships. It often features characters grappling with difficult situations and facing complex moral and ethical choices. The emphasis on character development means that literary fiction often focuses on characters’ inner lives, thoughts and feelings, and the psychological factors that motivate their actions. Some literary fiction books include;
- The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger
- War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
NON-FICTION BOOKS AS A CATEGORY OF BOOKS
What Are Non-Fiction Books?
Of the two major categories of books we have, the non-Fiction books are facts and report on true events. They include:
- Motivational books
- Novellas, and
- Plays
They are written to inform, educate, and enlighten readers about:
- Places
- Events
- Ideas, and
- Concepts
Nonfiction books cover a wide range of subjects, including history, science, biographies, memoirs, self-help, business, technology, politics, and more. They can be just as entertaining and engaging as fiction books, and they provide readers with an opportunity to learn and expand their knowledge about the world around them.
What Are The Different Types Of Book Genres Under The Non-fiction Category Of Books?
Nonfiction books can be further divided into various genres as listed in the table above. Let’s take a look at the individual genres, shall we?
1. Autobiography and memoir
Autobiographies and memoirs are two types of books that deal with personal narratives, but they are different in their scope and purpose.
Autobiographies are books that are written by a person about their own life to provide a comprehensive and accurate account of the author’s life. They are typically chronological in structure and cover the major events and experiences in the author’s life. They are often written by public figures such as politicians, celebrities, or business leaders, but they can also be written by ordinary people.
Memoirs, on the other hand, focus on a specific theme or period in the author’s life. They are often more personal and introspective than autobiographies, and they may not follow a strict chronological structure. Memoirs may focus on a particular event, relationship, or experience that had a significant impact on the author’s life. The purpose of a memoir is to provide insight into the author’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to a particular theme or period. Some of autobiography and memoir bestsellers include
- “The Diary of Anne Frank” by Anne Frank
- “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda
2. Essays
When looking through different categories of books or book genres, and you would love to explore a range of topics, then essay books are the best valuable resources for you.
Essay books are collections of essays written by one or multiple authors on a range of topics. They can be written by well-known…
- authors
- journalists
- scholars, or
- experts in a particular field.
On the whole, essay books offer different perspectives and ideas on a particular topic. They can provide readers with a deep understanding of complex issues, as well as insights into different cultures, experiences, and ways of thinking. Essay books can also be used as a teaching tool in classrooms or as a source of inspiration for aspiring writers.
Some well-known examples of essay books include:
- “The Essays of Montaigne”
- “The Federalist Papers”
- “The Hite Report” by Shere Hite
- “A Message to Garcia” by Elbert Hubbard
3. Biography
Biography books are a form of literature that presents an account of a person’s life, usually written by someone else. These books can focus on a wide range of individuals, from famous historical figures to everyday people.
A biography typically includes information about the person’s
- early life
- education
- career
- achievements
- challenges, and
- personal life.
What’s more, some of the key benefits of reading biography books is that they;
- Offer a way to learn from the experiences of others,
- Help in gaining insight into the ways in which individuals navigate the complexities of life
- Shed light on the historical and social contexts that shape our world.
- Can also be a source of inspiration and motivation, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of individuals who have overcome adversity, achieved great success, or made a significant impact on the world.
Following these, some biography books include:
- “Lust For Life” by Irving Stone, a biographical novel about Vincent Van Gogh
- “Wild Swans” by Jung Chang
4. Self-help books
Self-help books are non-fiction books that are designed to help readers improve their personal or professional lives. They typically cover topics such as self-improvement, motivation, productivity, success, happiness, relationships, business, leadership, personal growth, and many more.
They can take various forms, such as
- Instructional guides
- Memoirs
- Workbooks
- Inspirational stories.
In addition, self-help books may provide practical advice, strategies, and exercises that readers can use to enhance their skills, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals. They may also offer insights, wisdom, and inspiration that can help readers cultivate a more positive mindset, increase their self-awareness, and live a more fulfilling life.
Some Self-help book bestsellers include:
- “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay
- “The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care” by Benjamin Spock
- “Your Erroneous Zones” by Wayne Dyer
You can choose to purchase these above listed self-help books and more of them, from an online book store or you could simply walk into a physical one close to you. The New Life book store is one of the numerous online book stores with outstanding customer service, that you should definitely check out for great self-help books.
5. Non-Fiction Novels
Non-fiction novels tell a true story or series of stories but are written in a style that is similar to that of a novel. Often times, they include elements like character development, dialogue, and descriptive language.
In addition, non-fiction novels is one genre of the non-fiction category of books that can cover a wide range of topics, from historical events and biographies to science and investigative reporting. This category of books often focuses on people or events that are particularly interesting or dramatic and use storytelling techniques to make these stories more engaging and accessible to readers.
With this in mind, some examples of well-known non-fiction novels include
- “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote
- “Into Thin Air” by Jon Krakauer
