literature
historical fiction
crime
romance
trashy
murder mystery
scary story
What people read
There are many popular genres, or types, of fiction. Here are some examples:
historical fiction
satire
fantasy
crime
graphic novels
The opposite of fiction is nonfiction. This category can include books, newspapers, magazines and blogs. Here are some nonfiction genres:
business journals
trade publications
self-help books
how-to books
Here are some ways to talk about different literary genres:
Some people say crime fiction is trashy. I don't agree. I think it tells us about the society we live in.
Historical fiction, if it's well-written, can be absolutely gripping.
I'm reading this amazing political satire. It's very smart and sophisticated.
Not all graphic novels are for kids. Some of the drawings can be gritty and realistic.
Paired comparatives
You can use a pair of comparatives to express how two related things change. Put the in front of both comparatives.
The sooner I read this how-to book, the easier it'll be for me to fix the sink.
The more dangerous things get, the more courageous the hero gets.
The longer you wait, the less likely it is you'll read that journal.
There are also some idioms that use paired comparatives. Here are two examples:
A: Should I send you a link to that business blog?
B: Absolutely. The sooner, the better!
A: Is it okay if I bring my brother to your party?
B: Sure. The more, the merrier.
I don’t read because…
Show off how much they know.
Reading’s my escape.
I love getting lost in a good story.
getting so pulled in
I'll read anything if it hooks me.
I'll be home alone.
I'll curl up on the sofa.
If it's raining outside, even better.
Talking about your reading preferences
Use expressions like these to explain how you find reading relaxing or engrossing:
For me, reading is an escape.
Personally, I love getting lost in a good historical fiction.
The story has to pull me in, or I'll stop reading.
Sometimes I get hooked on a graphic novel, and I can't put it down till I've finished it.
Use expressions like these to talk about reading for news or information:
I read The Economy to keep on top of business news.
It helps me stay current on developments in the industry.
Computing Today is a rich source of information.
You can use will + verb to explain when and how you habitually do something.
I'll turn on my tablet, turn out the lights and read in bed until I fall asleep.
Whenever I find time, I'll get a blanket, curl up on the couch and just read.
Every morning, my kids will grab a bowl of cereal and read graphic novels at the table.