According to Trends?
I’m sure you’ve seen this map if you use Facebook. Romance is the most popular genre according to search inquiries based on Google trends from the last twelve months. Yes, romance claims the wildly beating hearts of readers in 22 states across the U.S.
How do we know this? Apparently, a software firm called Cloudwards looked at search inquiries for major genres. Relevant searches were also filtered under Google Trends’ “Books & Literature” category to exclude data related to movies and other mediums.
I read romance. You read romance. We all read romance. I don’t dispute that. However, the results do not account for actual purchases, so don’t put a lot of faith in these unscientific results.
General Fiction is a close second
Whatever “general” encompasses, general fiction is the second most dominant genre, leading in nine states with a wide geographic spread. I’m not sure why fiction is illustrated with a retro rocket ship. That looks appropriate for a science fiction. Which makes me wonder, why is science fiction missing? Maybe it’s lumped in with general. Isaac Asimov is rolling in his grave.
You can read how Google breaks it all down HERE
Books by State® 2024—Fiction survey shows something different
Thriftbooks’ website shows results from a slightly different approach: the most popular book by state.
The fiction list from Books by State® 2024 shows each’s states most unique-to-them best seller for the year.
What did your state read? The majority of Michiganders read The Marsh King’s Daughter by Karen Dionne, a book that was published in 2018. Obviously ThriftBooks results include all books, new and used. Weird.
Personally, I think all of Michigan should read The Waters by Bonnie Jo Campbell. I’m biased.
Most Popular based on Goodreads’ Shelves
Goodreads has a different take on the Most Popular Books of 2024. This list is based on the books most frequently added to Goodreads members’ shelves, which is updated weekly. #1 is Kristin Hannah’s The Women, #2; Emily Henry’s Funny Story; #3. Jimenez’s Just for the Summer; #4. Elston’s First Lie Wins; #5 Espach’s The Wedding People; #6. Moore’s The God of the Woods; #7. is McFadden’s The Teacher; #8. Maas’ House of Flame and Shadow; #9. Hazelwood’s Bride; and #10. McFadden’s The Housemaid is Watching.
The Goodreads list includes over 150 books! I stopped scrolling after 182.
The point is…
Despite the wildly different results across these surveys—some favoring romance, others putting general fiction the lead—one thing is clear: people are still reading books. Whether it’s mysteries, spicy romances, or literary fiction, books continue to find their way into our hands, our hearts, and our conversations. In a world of constant digital distraction, the enduring appeal of a good story reminds us that the written word is far from fading. The formats may shift, the trends may change, but the love of reading still exists.
Thank you for visiting.
Linda K. Sienkiewicz is a writer, poet, and artist
Books: In the Context of Love | Gordy and the Ghost Crab | Sleepwalker
New novel, Love and Other Incurable Ailments, coming fall 2026 from Regal House Publishing
Connect with Linda on social media: LinkTree
