top of page
Search

The Book Soulmate Search: How to Find the Genre You’ll Actually Want to Read

Stop staring at empty bookshelves, learn how to find your favourite book genre by matching your TV tastes, using mood-based apps, and ditching the boring book guilt.





Books stacked with yellow and pink covers, a potted pink flower, and a coffee cup on a table. Soft pastel tones create a calm mood.


Hey there!



The reason many people don’t like reading is usually just because they’re reading the wrong stuff. We’ve all been traumatized by that one dry, 600-page classic we were forced to read in school, and it’s time to let that go. Think of book genres like Netflix categories. You wouldn’t force yourself to watch a 4-hour documentary on soil if you’re a die-hard fan of Stranger Things or Bridgerton, right? Your book taste is probably already hidden in your TV watch history. If you love fast-paced thrillers on screen, look for Psychological Thrillers. If you live for cozy baking shows, Contemporary Romance or Cozy Mysteries are going to be your jam.



One of the coolest ways to find your fit is to stop looking for a topic and start looking for a mood. Are you in the mood to be scared? To cry? To feel like an absolute genius? Apps like The StoryGraph are amazing for this because they let you filter books by pacing and mood rather than just Fiction or Non-fiction. You can literally search for fast-paced, adventurous, and emotional, and it will do the heavy lifting for you. It’s like having a friend who has read everything and knows exactly what you’re vibing with today.



Illustrated bookshelf filled with colorful books of varying sizes and colors, organized neatly. Books have diverse spine colors; calm setting.


If you’re still feeling stuck, try the First 50 Pages rule. This is a judgment-free zone: if you aren't hooked by page 50, put the book down. Life is way too short, and there are millions of other books waiting for you. To avoid buyer’s remorse, spend a Saturday morning at your local library or a bookstore with a cafe. Grab five books from five different sections — maybe a Memoir, a Sci-Fi, and a True Crime — and read the first three pages of each. You’ll be surprised how quickly your brain says, "Oh, I actually want to know what happens next here."



Don’t forget about the wildcard genres that are blowing up right now. Romantasy (Romance + Fantasy) is huge if you want magic with a side of drama, and Graphic Memoirs are a fantastic, visual way to get into non-fiction if big blocks of text feel intimidating. There’s no right way to be a reader. Whether you’re into alien invasions, historical scandals, or tips on how to fix your kitchen, the goal is simply to find the thing that makes you forget to check your phone.



Colorful books with varied patterns and designs stand upright on a wooden shelf. Background is beige with curved shapes. Vibrant and playful mood.


Finding your favourite genre is less about finding a label and more about finding a feeling. It’s okay if your taste changes every week, that just means you’re a mood reader, and honestly, that’s where the most fun is. Be curious, be ruthless about quitting books you don’t like, and treat your reading journey like a giant buffet. Eventually, you’ll find that one genre that feels like coming home.





For more information, check out these sources:


  • The StoryGraph: A fantastic, data-driven alternative to Goodreads that focuses on moods and pacing.


  • Book Riot: A massive site with "Start Here" guides for almost every sub-genre imaginable.


  • Five Books: They ask experts to recommend the best five books in very specific categories, which is great for finding high-quality starting points.



What was the last movie or TV show you absolutely obsessed over? Tell me in the comments below!


Comments

bottom of page