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A new study revealing the top book genres enchanting each of the 50 states has revealed fantasy books are the No. 1 pick for avid readers in Texas.

The book trends report by security experts Cloudwards examined Google Trends data to discover the top literary genres for each state. Romance was the leading genre infatuating most states (22 in total), with literary fiction, poetry, and fantasy ensnaring 24 other states combined.

Besides being the No. 1 genre in Texas, fantasy books also dominate for readers in Washington, Michigan, Ohio, New Jersey, and North Carolina.

The report says these innovative states that boast high quality universities and bustling tech sectors are the driving force behind growing demand for fantasy books and other works of imaginative literature.

"The enduring popularity of fantasy may be attributed to its unparalleled world-building capabilities and capacity to address complex social issues through allegorical frameworks," the report said. "Undoubtedly, for many, fantasy offers a temporary escape from day-to-day stresses and worries."

The rise of BookTok – a popular TikTok category centered around reading, book clubs, and popular books – may be another major factor in the younger generation's shift towards reading. The category has more than 52.3 million posts to prove it.

Well-known fantasy books that have remained in the zeitgeist in recent years include George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series (a.k.a. Game of Thrones), Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn and Stormlight Archive series, and Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea series.

Many of these titles can be found on the shelves of Austin's many independent bookstores, just in time for Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday, April 26. After suffering the loss of the iconic South Congress Bookstore's brick-and-mortar storefront in 2024, it's crucial that Austinites support their local bookstores rather than shop from big box stores like Amazon, Target, or Barnes and Noble.

Some local bookstores, like First Light Books, offer memberships that provide discounts on book purchases, VIP access to special events, free coffee, and more.

Here are a few more non-exhaustive options for shopping at independent bookstores in the Austin area: