What Genre Are You Reading? (Book Reviews)

I never used to give a thought to what genre I was reading. A genre is a category of book, and noticing what genre you are reading helps you find other books you might enjoy. A writer can list her book on Amazon in categories that relate to the genre of her book, have similar themes and have a similar appearance. Authors find readers by placing their books on the same bookshelf or in the same section of the bookstore as the other books in that category. Readers benefit by easily finding the type of books they enjoy all in one place.

Placing your Writing in a Suitable Genre or Category

It has been easy to place my non-fiction books in categories where they are a perfect fit. Readers I don't even know are looking up books on what the Bible says about a woman's role and they find my book, The Sword: a Fun Way to Engage in Healthy Debate on What the Bible Says About a Woman's Role. It is in the genre (Amazon category) of Gender, sexuality and religion, Biblical Criticism and Interpretation, and Women's Christian living.

Similarly, Walk with Mara on Her Healing Journey: 21 Steps to Emotional Resilience is a perfect fit with other books in the Amazon categories of self-help, self-esteem, Psychology & Christianity, and Devotionals.

However, I have had trouble placing my fiction in categories where people like-minded to me can find my books. It seems my historical fiction set in Bible times is a bit too secular for typical religious readers and a bit too religious for typical secular readers.

My Recent Reading

Elaine Kelly achieves her goal on Goodreads

Last week, my Goodreads Profile said I had achieved my 2024 goal of reading 24 books. It may be a record for me. Of course, I cannot count the two that I released this year or the commentary, which I only use for reference. Adding the book I finished this week, I have read 22 books. I am in the process of reading The Exvangelicals by Sarah McCammon. For my book reviews and to share your book recommendations with me, follow me on Goodreads!

In recent years, my reading has focused on non-fiction books and articles about women in the Bible and church history and biblical interpretations about how God sees women. In addition, I would spend my listening time listening to podcasts or interviews by egalitarian Christians, academics, theologians, or evangelicals.

This year, to really know which books are similar to my books, I began to read far more fiction, carefully analyzing aspects of their genre. Listening to audio-books has allowed me to boost my reading. I sought out novels that had similarities to my own: being set in the time of the Gospels (like Forgotten Followers) or the book of Acts (like Because She Was Called), retelling a familiar story from a female point of view, having themes of feminism or equal rights for all. I enjoy reading about people like me, so all but one have a Female Main Character.

The chart below shows what I have discovered about the books and genres I have read so far in 2024. I list why I chose the book, its genre, its trope (plot pattern, topic), and how it portrays religion.

Six Biblical Fiction Reads

6 Historical Fiction Reads

Title & Author	Why I chose it	Genre	Trope/ Plot / Topic	Portrayal of Religion
And Then Their Numbers Grew by Naomi Craig and Donna Lane	These authors are part of the Biblical Fiction Aficionados group and Naomi interviewed me on BehindtheStory	Biblical Fiction	This is 4 novellas about Stephen, Barnabas Paul, Ananias, and Tabitha.	The Spirit actively leads the people; enables them to forgive Saul, portrays male only leaders and both women and men as martyrs.
Redemption's Promise by Sandi Rebert	Author is a member of Biblical Fiction Aficionadosand novel set just after Jesus rose, like my 2nd novel	Biblical Fiction	A teenage boy tries to imitate his father and fight the Romans; he is attracted to a girl by her appearance	Main characters learn that God loves both Romans and Jews. Author's stated goal is bringing readers to redemption in Christ.
Leaving Bethany by Susan Sutherland	British Author Susan Sutherland blogs about women in the Bible. Novel is set in the Gospels like my 1st novel.	Biblical FIction	Martha is a widow and landowner raising her younger siblings Mary and Lazarus.	Martha has a deep faith and risk dangers to save those she loves and leave Bethany.
Petra: An Unbroken Legacy by Lisa Dorsey	Dr. Lisa L. Dorsey is in the Biblical Fiction Aficionados Group. Novel is set between the Gospels and Acts and the present day.	Biblical Fiction	Dual time-line shows Paul's time in Arabia, and people today investigating evidence of it.	The characters follow the Spirit's leading. The male lead is powerful and by withholding information he gains influence over the female main character and puts her at risk in order to achieve his goal of proving that Christianity came to the nation first and should be the nation's religion.
Daughter of Rome by Tessa Afshar	Tessa Afshar is well-known and respected and this novel is set in Acts, similar to my 2nd novel.	Biblical Fiction	Priscilla and Aquilla when they first meet in Rome and when they move to Corinth.	Priscilla is shown as an equal co-worker, teaching in the church they host in their home. She seeks forgiveness for her great sin, which is being seduced prior to marriage. It seems to endorse Purity Culture.
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant	This 1990s classic is very different from today's biblical fiction. The Red Tent retells a biblical story from the view of women, presenting a feminist view, similar to my fiction.	Best seller in Biblical fiction, Jewish Historical Fiction, Religious Historical Fiction	This is a story of Dinah, the only named daughter of Jacob, among his 12 sons from his two wives and two concubines.	It portrays Jacob and his sons as a mix of bad and good, at times controlling, selfish, and ungodly. Dinah aims to escape from them and find herself.
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd	This 2021 novel is set in the timeline of the Gospels, similar to my 1st novel. The Book of Longings starts when Jesus is in his 20s. Our novels are similar in being feminist and female main character, but different in the portrayal of Jesus.	Listed in the genres of Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Women's fiction. I think it's not listed as Christian fiction because it presents Jesus as a man, not as the risen Lord.	Jesus marries in his 20s, discusses his revolutionary ideas with his wife and leaves her with his family when he pursues his call to teach. She longs to write and to pursue her own goals. For safety during his ministry, she is in Alexandria.	Jesus is portrayed as a man with a vision, not a deity. Religion appears to be man-made, with women and men seeing visions and creating religious doctrines and policies.
The Rebel Nun by Marj Charlier	A winner of Historical Fiction at the CIPA EVVY awards where my 1st novel won silver for spiritual fiction. Similarly, it is feminist and female main characters.	Religious Historical Fiction, Biographical Fiction, Medieval Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction	Based on a true 6th century story of Clotild who led nuns to rebel against the church's new, increasing restraints against women	The bishop and friends are men who ignore the complaints of the nuns and enforce a new male hierarchy in the church, based on the Councils of Nicea, of Macon.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller	Selected to read a historical fiction retelling a classic story and including LGBTQ+ characters and affirming their right to love, like my 2nd novel.	Ancient World Historical Romance (m/m), Greek & Roman Mythology, Lesbian Romance	This retelling of the Trojan War has a focus on Achilles and his committed partner, Patrocles, as described in the Iliad.	Set in Greece about 1190 BC, it is before Jesus. The Greek gods and goddesses interact with humans. Men are encouraged to marry but Achilles chooses a male companion, Patrocles. (After reading, I realized the Apostle Paul was likely aware of same-sex relationships as in this story. I believe Paul condemns pederasty, abuse, and exploitation, not orientation.)
A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes	A female retelling of familiar stories, similar to my fiction.	Feminist Criticism (a typically nonfiction category) Ancient World Historical Romance, Action and Adventure Classics	Retelling the Trojan War from the view of the women.	Prior to the time of Jesus, religion in this novel pertains to Greek gods and goddesses and how their petty arguments affect humans.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus	A female chemist rebels against unjust sexual discrimination in the 1950s/60s. Similar with female point of view, feminist ideas, encouraging women to become bold.	Feminist Criticism, Gender Studies (though these categories are often nonfiction) and Contemporary Women's Fiction, Historical Fiction	Story reveals abuse, discrimination at the workplace and home life. She comes to realize that changes in society are made by changing one heart at a time.	Religion is portrayed as a contributor to sexism and abuse in a Christian orphanage. Main Character's father is a religious charlatan whose hate contributes to his gay son's suicide. This brand of religion has caused the main character to reject religion.
The Yellow Bird Sings by Jennifer Rosner	Strong female main character, a Jewish mother running for safety from Nazi's in WW2 Poland. Chosen since I was visiting Poland and wanted to understand its history.	Historical Fiction (1940s), Jewish Literature, Mothers & Children Fiction	Set in WW2 Poland, a heartwrenching story of survival and separation. Thin threads of hope were found in music.	Religion was controlled by the state, showing the dangers of Christian Nationalism. Preachers told children it was their godly duty to inform if they saw any Jew but some brave Catholic nuns hid the Jewish mother's daughter safely.

6 Mystery Reads

3 Non-fiction, 1 children's book, 1 women's friendship fiction

Title & Author	Why I Chose It	Genre	Plot/ Topic	Portrayal of Religion
Death at Dawn by Sue Jaskula	I know this author, and the book is set in my home town. Female main character.	Romantic suspense, Mystery	A dead body is found. Emma must solve it or be accused.	Religion is not portrayed in this novel. The women have equal rights, work outside the home, live common-law, and cope with addicted family members.
SavannahMartin Mysteries 16-18 by Jenna Bennett	I started this series several years ago and I enjoy the escape to the Southern US and the tension of romance, suspense, and mystery. Female main character	Romantic suspense, Women Sleuth Mysteries, Southern Fiction	This is 3 novels in one, following the escapades of Savannah, a girl against the world. Savannah defies society and pursues a mixed-race romance and marriage.	Religion is not portrayed in this novel. Women have equal rights, work outside the home, live common-law, and oppose societal restraints on race and gender.
Daughter of Mine by Megan Miranda	I read this book for our book club. Female main character.	Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Family Life	Hazel faces danger while unravelling family secrets, deaths, disappearances, and small town coverups.	Religion is not portrayed in this novel.
The Christie Affair by Nina deGramont	I was interested in fiction based on a true historical event when Agatha Christie disappeared for 11 days in the 1920s.	Historical Mystery, Family LIfe Fiction	Reads like a dual timeline as the author explains the Main Character's youth in Ireland and why she wants to be a mistress and why she thinks she has to choose between only two options.	Religion is portrayed negatively, with an abusive home for unwed pregnant women who take the babies away from their mothers.
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner	I was looking for a female main character historical fiction with suspense and feminist themes of independence.	Historical Fiction, Mystery, Mothers & Children fiction, Literary Fiction.	Dual time-line novel where present-day Caroline unravels a mystery and 18th c. Nella heals from bitterness.	Religion in society has meant Caroline gives up career dreams to dream of being a mother. A man takes advantage of Nella and abuses her and other women. Themes of female independence, dependence, friendship and protection each other. Caroline learns not to deny her personal needs or wants; Nella heals emotionally through a new friendship with Eliza.
The Alewives by Elizabeth Andersen	This book was in the same September Historical Fiction promo as my 1st novel	Historical Fiction, Mystery, Women Sleuths, Women's Friendship Fiction	Warm friendships enable these women to survive after the 14th c Black Plague and being ignored by police and policy-makers	Religion is a dominant part of 14th c France and the novel takes a comic look at the church's policy against women making money or labouring outside their natural place and being too successful. One religious man agrees to be the required overseer while allowing them freedom.
The Book Club by Mary Alice Monroe	This book was chosen by my book club.	Women's Fiction, Friendship Fiction, Contemporary Romance	Five women ages 40-55 are facing life changes and re-discovering their new self identities.	Friendships allow the five women to strengthen each other through hard times as they face mid-life crises, illness and mortality. Throughout their lives, they followed Christian morals and were only slightly involved in Christianity. At the conclusion, they seek to know more and decide to read the Bible for their book club. (I hope they get help from a good commentary or from each other because by itself the Bible can easily be misunderstood.)
Cobra in the Kitchen by Laurie VandenHurk	The author is my sister and I love her series of children's picture books set in Tanzania, Africa.	Children's Picturebooks, Beginner Readers for Children	What will the children do when a snake goes missing in their home?	Religion is not portrayed in this novel. It is about cross-cultural understanding and respect.
Out of Darkness by April Tribe Giauque	The author runs the Beacon of LIght Podcast on which I was a guest.	Non-Fiction Self-help, eating disorders, child abuse, healing	Author shares personal stories about making choices to go away from negativity and towards the light.	A mix of psychological and theological advice for healing from trauma and choosing to live in the light.
We Should All Be Feminists	Saw posts online about this classic 2012 essay based on a Ted Talk.	Non-Fiction, Feminist Theory, Gender Studies	Author shares personal stories to illustrate the need for equality for men and women.	The focus is on society as impacted by religion; this short essay does not address religion specifically.
The Exvangelicals: loving, living, and leaving the White Evangelical Church	This was on my wish list and Amazon notified me when it went on sale. I chose it to better understand exvangelicals because they are likely to enjoy my books.	Non-Fiction, Religion & Sociology, Church & State, Gender & Religion, LGBTQ+ Issues	Author shares personal stories and documents movements within evangelicalism in the 90s-00's and why many Americans in their 30s are leaving evangelicalsim.	All about religion, biblical interpretation and church structures. Reading still in process.

What's the Takeaway?

Now that we've seen the themes covered in a variety of novels and genres, what genre best suits my novels?

Forgotten Followers from Broken to Bold has two female main characters and retells the Gospels from their point of view. It shows women healing from trauma through their friendships and learning to affirm a child who is same-sex oriented. They follow Jesus as he overturns the orthodox religious teachings and empowers the women to learn and to act.

I am starting to understand why my novels don't perfectly fit in the biblical fiction or Christian fiction genres, though they are set in Bible times. More evangelical views dominate readers of these genres. What's more, I'm starting to see religious themes in books that are not categorized as religious fiction.

Possible genre/categories:

Christian Biblical fiction, Ancient historical fiction, religious fiction, Inspirational Fiction, Christian Church and Bible History. Family Life, Women's fiction, friendship fiction, sexuality & gender studies.

Because She Was Called from Broken to Bold Book 2 has two female main characters and retells stories from church tradition and from Acts 2-11 from their point of view. Joanna and joins Marie of Magdala to testify to the Emperor and teach about Jesus. Susannah must decide if her romantic interest will limit her freedoms with patriarchal beliefs; she advocates for equality in marriage and to be able to follow her call to evangelize and baptize. The apostles follow the Spirit's leading to baptize a eunuch and a gay pair of soldiers into the church.

Possible genre/categories:

ancient world historical romance, women’s literary fiction,

women’s friendship fiction, LGBTQ+ fiction, gender and sexuality in religion.

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Elaine Ricker Kelly Author is empowering women with historical fiction about women in the Bible and early church and Christian blogs about women in leadership, church history and doctrine. Her books include:

• Forgotten Followers from Broken to Bold, Book 1

• The Sword A Fun Way to Engage in Healthy Debate on What the Bible Says About a Woman's Role

• Because She Was Called: from Broken to Bold, Book 2, A Novel of the Early Church, imagines Mary Magdalene's trip to testify before the emperor

• Walk with Mara on Her Healing Journey: 21 Steps to Emotional Resilience