Era's Tour: Book Edition

It’s the Eras tour, but books this time. Okay, not exactly, but this article will cover the trajectory of modern literature and the characteristics of each period. Literature, like any other form of media, often follows trends of popularity, with certain genres gaining mass appeal for some time. These "eras" are shaped by shifts in public taste, cultural trends, or even specific breakout successes.

1. Fantasy YA

After the success of Harry Potter, fantasy became a dominant force in YA literature. The Harry Potter series' blend of magic, coming-of-age themes, and adventure led to a surge in similar stories, with new authors exploring similar concepts with moderate to extreme variations.

Notable works: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, Percy Jackson & The Olympians by Rick Riordan

2. Teen Dystopian 

Following the explosive success of The Hunger Games, dystopian fiction aimed at teens took off in a big way. These books often depict grim futures where society's divided and young heroes rise to challenge the system.

Notable works: Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Maze Runner by James Dashner, Legend by Marie Lu

3. BookTok Phenomenon (2020s)

In the age of TikTok, BookTok has rapidly reshaped the book market, making certain genres explode in popularity—especially romance and fantasy.

Notable works: Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us, ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses) by Sarah J. Maas, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

4. True Crime (Early 2010s)

True crime saw a significant uptick in sales and cultural fascination, largely due to the success of podcasts, documentaries, and high-profile cases gaining media attention.

Notable works: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, I'll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara, The Stranger Beside Me by Ann Rule

5. Domestic Thrillers (Late 2000s-Present)

The rise of psychological suspense and domestic thrillers catered to a growing appetite for dark, twisty narratives centered on everyday life.

Notable works: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Whether it's fantasy, dystopian futures, or thrilling real-life stories, these periods showcase how the market responds to the tastes of the moment, making books both a reflection of and a response to societal interests.