The most popular genres of books in Russia are named

Fantasy, detective, science fiction, psychology, and romance novels are the most popular genres of books. This is stated in the results of a study by experts from UCassa (a service for accepting online and offline payments from the fintech company Humopeu) and the Litres electronic and audiobook service, which were reviewed by Izvestia on May 19.

Among the Russians surveyed, more than a third (34%) of the respondents read any books. Another 18% prefer fiction, 8% prefer professional literature for work and study, and 6% prefer documentary or historical literature.

More than half (53%) choose paper books, another 30% choose electronic books, and 12% mostly listen to audiobooks.

"According to YUKASSA, in the period from April 1 to April 15, 2025, the turnover of the book segment increased by 20% compared to the same period last year. There were 28% more purchases. At the same time, the average receipt decreased by 6% and amounted to 199 rubles, which is due, among other things, to an increase in demand for electronic and audio formats that allow you to purchase more interesting goods at more attractive prices," said Nikita Tsoi, head of the YUKASSA sales department.

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Almost half (49%) of Russians prefer to set aside a separate time for reading. The rest integrate it into their daily lives in one way or another: they read on the road (23%), during household chores (14%), during breaks at work and school (11%), during sports (3%).

Russians became more interested in esotericism (demand increased by 50%), classical literature (+24%) and romance novels (+18%). Detective stories (+15%), fantasy and prose (+10% each) continue to be in constant demand. Children's literature and psychology showed moderate growth (6% and 3%, respectively), while fiction and business literature remained unchanged.

"Genre literature is most popular among readers for several reasons. Science fiction, fantasy, and detective stories are in the lead because books written in these genres are dynamic and fascinating, and you definitely want to finish reading them and find out how it all ends. In addition, they help people escape from everyday life and routine, travel to fantasy and adventure worlds and find themselves in the place of heroes," said Ekaterina Pisareva, Editor—in-chief of the Litres Group of companies.

Earlier, on April 7, it was reported that, according to the results of a survey by the book network Bukvoed, book lovers in Russia do not have enough detective books on store shelves. Thus, 21.8% of Russians expressed a desire to see a wider range of detective novels in bookstores. Another 9.2% chose classical works, while 7.9% chose romantic prose.