Genre Fiction: From B-Grade Literature to Bestseller

If we analyze the best-selling authors of recent years - or even decades - we would find names easily and intuitively associated with genre fiction.

We are more or less familiar with terms and classifications like fantasy, horror, science fiction, hard-boiled, to name a few. Literary subgenres that were once considered B-grade reading, often relegated to appendix chapters in literary magazines. But what allowed this view to be overturned, and why is the success of these publications increasingly evident today?

Fundamentally, there are three reasons for the great success of genre fiction:

1. It originated as a product designed for the masses, unlike what we might call "dominant" literature, often seen as something exclusively for high-brow and cultured circles;
2. As a consequence of the first point, the presence of content, atmospheres, and themes that tickled the imagination, suggestions, and curiosity of the common person, allowing them to "escape" from a reality often far from pleasant;
3. The publication of works by highly respected authors who, over time, have become classics of literature;
4. Authors elevated to star status thanks to novels or narrative cycles that garnered immense popularity, creating a vast fandom, sometimes more attached to the author figure than the work itself.

On the other hand, the significant development, especially commercial, of this type of literature has indeed resulted in a huge proliferation of many subgenres, but also some negative consequences or aspects that have made it difficult to follow a specific narrative thread, such as:

1. The creation of often very long cycles of interconnected novels, resulting in a saga that can span a substantial number of volumes and years, greatly extending reading times and often diluting content for commercial purposes (so much so that in some cases, the author no longer knows where to go just to "stretch the broth");
2. As a consequence of the first point, the often very long times between the publication of one novel and the next, with the obvious consequence that the average reader often no longer remembers passages, characters, elements, and plot events;
3. The possibility that the genre, for an author, can transform from exploration into a barrier, preventing them from experimenting or modifying their writing style to avoid "betraying" the reader and creatively confining them, resulting in trivializing or – worse – making the content of their volumes excessively difficult.

Despite the negative aspects, genre texts continue to dominate sales charts, not only due to the loyalty of long-time enthusiasts but especially due to the appeal received by younger readers, who often approach reading precisely through this type of work. Phenomena like #booktok, which we have already discussed, encourage and amplify this trend. But how can we address the negative consequences of genre reading, especially in a fast-paced, frantic society that leaves less and less room for reflective activities and "slow" personal growth moments?

Ultimately, just follow a few simple "method" guidelines to continue enjoying your favorite reads:

1. Read just a few pages a day, a constant appointment, an escape from reality towards something pleasant and comfortable that we can return to whenever we want;
2. Don't start too many books only to leave them unfinished, otherwise it's easier to lose interest and forget or confuse plots. It's better to start one (a couple at most) and continue reading until the end, also for the psychological sense of satisfaction of having finished the book;
3. Make a selection. Perhaps this is the most difficult point for avid readers who would like to acquire the most disparate volumes, but carefully choosing which books to buy and read can be very useful for guiding one's tastes, interests, and cultural development, without dispersion;
4. Using a tool like Fabulè can truly be a valuable aid to reconnect with the pleasure of reading after a forced break, especially if the book is particularly challenging or if it is one of the volumes in a large series. Think about it: if social media also acts as a driving force to encourage reading among younger generations, why not use all other tools at our disposal to make it even more enjoyable and engaging?