Literary Exploration discussion

I thought it might be fun idea to start some conversations about genres that seem similar and discuss (no argue) about the pros and cons of different genres.

First of: I find it hard to put books into genres. Some seem to fit none, some fit into so many that you loose the overview.
And there are so many sub-genres (is this word even correct?) I don't even know.

This is true, the lines blur. While there are plenty of sub-genres I'm not sure about this could be an interesting way to explore them

I can't get over the number of people who read only from one genre. Doesn't everything begin to blur together after a while?

Yep, it does. I read (almost) only Fantasy stuff for a few years. There are great book in there, but sadly also some that just pretend to be great and turn out to be a mix of some books you already read. Famous ones, normally.
So yes, you're right.

I also once got stuck in the fantasy rut, and it did become rather generic eventually.

Marlene wrote: "First of: I find it hard to put books into genres. Some seem to fit none, some fit into so many that you loose the overview.
And there are so many sub-genres (is this word even correct?) I don't ev..."

I think in part it's probably useful to distinguish genre expectations that operate on different levels. For instance fantasy vs science fiction is a genre difference; but picaresque vs thriller is also a genre difference, that operates parallel to the first.

Traveller wrote: "I also once got stuck in the fantasy rut, and it did become rather generic eventually."

Same here - but more recently I've realised how much good and varied stuff there is. I think it's important to bear in mind Sturgeon's Law. You tend to find the shit stuff first. But if you look beyond, a little, you can find higher quality and a lot more variety.

For instance, i'm currently reading a fantasy novel. It's a short book, set in a seemingly-real-world-or-close-to-it fishing village on an island. It's divided into parts narrated by different characters; there's a lot of focus on the psychology of these characters. It's about a witch who turns seals into women - and the psychological and sociological tragic consequences of this. There is no Bad Guy, there are no Heroes, no Quest - nothing like that at all. You couldn't imagine something more different from, say, David Gemmell - except the presence of magic.

late teens i got hooked on fantasy, but i don't think that is uncommmon. early teens i read predominatly horror, the more lurid the better. about mid twenties i asked folk on various forums what their favourite books were and i went and read them all - that served as a great springboard to other areas and now i read pretty much anything.

i don't think i have a favourite genre at all these days, simply depends on what looks good for a read next

I think reading a wide range of books is the way to go, even if you read something outside your usual comfort level. Me, I tend to like many of the classics, and I do have a thing for mystery, Victorian Gothic lit, but I couldn't imagine just reading that. I have favorite classic authors, but I wouldn't want to limit myself to just reading their works. I like to explore other options and avenues. Even if I don't like a book that is a little outside my usual pattern, I feel more of an appreciation for that type of genre. So, I try to read a wide range of genres and types of book. And, I think this group helps me do that.