Genre Guides |
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Here are some sample reading guides for a selection of various niche genres. Each entry comprises a YouTube video with audio narration, and an accompanying downloadable pdf for you to print or view on your computer. If you're reading from the pdf, you'll notice that books listed are accompanied by links to the item in various formats. The links will open at the book's entry, either on our Library Catalogue (for books) or on eLibraryNJ or Hoopla, to make it easier to place a hold on an item that interests you, or, when available, start reading or listening to an electronic version straight away If you need help with obtaining any of the books listed, or you'd like to explore genres further with a Librarian, please get in touch with the reference and Information service on (908) 757-1111 ext.112, email us at ref@plfdpl.info, or use the online chat link at the bottom of the page. We look forward to helping you find your next read & we hope you find this useful! This is a living resource and we'll keep on adding materials, so if there's a genre you'd like us to make recommendations for, or a title you think is missing from our list, let us know and we'll add it when we update! Jump to a section: |
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African American Historical Fiction |
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Sure to delight animal lovers, the plots here involve animals in many different ways. From spiders to horses to cats, animals are woven into these stories as protagonists, heroes and (occasionally) villains. |
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Contemporary romance is broadly described as the time period for romance set after World War II, and is sometimes referred to as "modern romance". It is the most popular subgenre in the Romance genre. Characters in these contemporary romances juggle real-life problems -- family issues, career demands, sudden changes -- while looking for love. But with this list, there's always time for love. |
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Heroic quests, overwhelming odds and the struggle against evil are all hallmarks of Epic Fantasy. Set in vividly realized fantasy worlds, these fantasies encompass panoramic struggles -- often across several volumes. A classic example is The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien (included within...). |
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During this time of COVID-19, the Plainfield Public Library offers these items for your reading, reflecting fiction and non-fiction works dealing with real and imagined pandemics that have afflicted humankind. These are stories of loss, but also of resilience and resourcefulness in the face of an invisible enemy. |
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Hard-boiled fiction is a tough, unsentimental style of American crime writing that brought a new tone of earthy realism or naturalism to the field of detective fiction. It employs graphic sex and violence motifs, vivid but often sordid urban backgrounds, and fast-paced, slangy dialog. |
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Hard science fiction is a subgenre within the larger science fiction genre. An effort is made to ensure the scientific details - though obviously invented in most cases - are realistic and as far as possible based on available knowledge. |
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Legal thrillers usually involve various extra-legal plots, designed to give political power to someone, while his opponents try to stop him, all set within the world of the law, its power and pitfalls. They can involve national or international political scenarios. Political corruption, terrorism, and warfare are common themes. There is a strong overlap with the conspiracy thriller. |
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Military Thrillers
Military thrillers contain action, plots, and characters that involve the armed forces in some way. Trained military professionals take the lead to save the day in these adrenaline-fueled thrillers. Brace yourself for boots-on-the-ground action -- and suspenseful plots -- with the books on this list. |
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These stories usually include ghosts, apparitions, monsters, aliens, zombies etc. Common themes include a haunting, possession, invasion, curse, or special powers. |
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Paranormal romance focuses on romance that includes elements beyond the range of scientific explanation, using themes from fantasy, science fiction, and horror. Shape-shifting motifs are currently common in this sub-genre. |
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Steampunk is a retro futuristic subgenre of science fiction or science fantasy that incorporates technology and aesthetic designs inspired by 19th-century industrial steam-powered machinery. |
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Urban fantasy is a genre of fiction a subgenre of fantasy in which the narrative uses supernatural elements in modern urban society. Elements such as magic, paranormal beings, other worlds and so on, may exist here. |
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