When you read books, watch movies or television, do you have a favourite genre? What does it say about you? How committed are you to that genre?

I read, watch, and listen to a variety of genres. I can’t listen to “classic rock” radio for very long. I know that music too well. I’ve heard it for fifty years–give me something new. With books, sometimes I’m all about historical fiction. The following year I discover steampunk and can’t get enough.

One genre I generally avoid reading is mysteries. Friends and family will give me a mystery, insisting I will love this one, it’s soooo good. They think I don’t like mysteries because of the writing. That’s not it. I get halfway through and I find I just don’t care “Who did it.” It’s not my genre. I would argue that people who enjoy solving puzzles are the ones who love mysteries. I enjoy a good puzzle too, but as a literary genre, the questions surrounding a dead body do not engage me.

The few occasions when I am engaged in a mystery novel, it’s because the detective changes in some way. The character arc is what makes a story sing for me. For those of us who loved Ted Lasso, we tuned in because he took us with him on his path to become a better human. By comparison, Miss Marple doesn’t change. She’s there to solve the mystery; self-actualization not included.

Occasionally I’m in the mood for a really good rip-roaring page-turning thriller. Life can be monotonous; a good thriller lets me live on the edge vicariously. Recently I read Dennis Lehane’s Small Mercies. Oh my. A woman with nothing left to lose takes on her neighbourhood and her past. Her point of view shifts dramatically to where she brings her personal version of justice to stunning fruition.

And isn’t that the purpose of a good read? Being thoroughly absorbed in a story allows us to experience all kinds of circumstances from the safety of our reading chair. We get to feel like it is ourselves who experience a “meet-cute,” or discover the key clue, or are the woman who starts a brawl in a bar. And wins.

The genres we love hint at who we are as people. Crime genres appeal to those who like to see justice served. Thrillers and horror let us experience an adrenaline rush without threat to our personal safety. Romances are for those seeking love that turns out exactly right–every time.

I’m the first to admit, I’m still on my own character arc. I wouldn’t want it any other way. My lack of commitment to a specific genre matches the way I have explored the arts and the world in general. It’s not a bad thing. Taking this all one step further, I can understand what I’m aiming to achieve in my own fiction writing.

Keep your joy.

Posted every Sunday, unless it’s a holiday or summertime.

Contentment is for Cows: Short and sweet reflections on life’s complications.