Staff Picks - Genre Recommendations

According to NoveList's Getting Up to Speed in Horror it is "fiction intended to produce fear and/or revulsion in readers. The genre manipulates our emotions and a deep-rooted fear of the unknown primarily through the use of setting (haunted house, anyone?) and by creating an uncomfortable atmosphere (a menacing presence). The object of fear could be material (clowns, wolves, vampires), intangible (ghosts, demons), or even real-world problems (solitude and failure). Readers never know when "the monster" will jump out and the suspense keeps readers riveted." 

Key authors to try: Stephen King, Joe Hill, Paul Tremblay, Grady Hendrix, Shirley Jackson, and Ferndale's own Josh Malerman. 

According to NoveList's Getting Up to Speed in Romance these "novels have a central plot revolving around a developing romantic relationship and with an "emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending" (Romance Writers of America), which can be a happily-ever-after or a happy-for-now. While the genre includes books with a wide range of subgenres -- from historical to science fiction to suspense and more -- those settings are secondary to the love story. Romance also includes a wide range of sexuality, from inspirational romances where the characters may share one gentle kiss to erotic romances with explicit kink."

Key authors to try: Robyn Carr, Nora Roberts, Meg Cabot, Beverly Jenkins, Sandra Brown, Heather Graham, Josie Silver, and many, many more. 

NoveList's Getting Up to Speed in Adult Graphic Novels describes graphic novels like so: "Graphic novels are stories that are told using sequential art. Authors use words and images to tell their stories, although some graphic novels tell an entire narrative using only art. They contain a complete story, just like a novel. The outdated idea that graphic novels are meant for kids or not serious literature has given way to an appreciation of them as a format for all ages, with rich storytelling comparable to traditional text-only books." 

Non-Fiction graphic novels can be memoir, historical information/stories, or deal with recent current events. Here are some librarian recommended options if you're interested in trying this style out.

Key Authors to Try: Alison Bechdel, Roz Chast, John Lewis, Ali Brosh, Art Spiegleman, Craig Thompson, Lucy Knisley, and many more.