Here Are the Most Popular Book Genres in Every State — And the Top 3 May Shock You!

Arts & Culture, Books

A new study is revealing which book genre is the most popular in each U.S. state — and which states have been feeling a little romantic over the last 12 months!
As announced last week, data analysts at cloud technology website Cloudwards used Google Trends data — related to books and literature, of course — to determine America’s favorite books, state by state, including Washington D.C.

And especially for bookworms who are ride-or-die for one genre or another, the results may come as a surprise.

The most popular book genres in each state.
Cloudwards

On Tuesday, April 1, Cloudwards revealed that it collected the Google data over the span of 12 months using Google Trends’ “Books & Literature” category. And while the company cautions that the study’s limitations include that searches don’t necessarily correlate with purchasing or reading behavior, the data still proves that there’s at least interest in the genres they represent.

As it turns out, different areas of the country have their own reading preferences. According to the study’s findings, romance was found to be the “most popular genre in the U.S. — with 22 total states primarily looking around for the next hot romance novel on Google.

The Southern states take the cake for the most romance readers, with the following states ranking romance as their top genre: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin.

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For readers looking for a little love in their lives — and apparently that’s the majority of us — PEOPLE caught up with a number of authors, including Carley Fortune, Jasmine Guillory, and Elle Kennedy, to chat about their favorite romance releases.

Among their favorites were Marriage & Masti by Nisha Sharma, Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert and Intercepted by Alexa Martin.

Just a few romance books PEOPLE readers love.

Next up in the state-by-state readership study, both fiction and poetry are tied for second place among the top-searched genres. Yes, poetry.

Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, D.C., Hawaii, Montana, South Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming are home to fiction fans, while Alaska, Idaho, Maine, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont are feeling poetic.

Those interested in poetry have plenty of other recent recommendations from PEOPLE to choose from, too. Most notably, this fall will deliver a new Billy Collins collection when his latest, Dog Show, hits shelves.

To absolutely no ACOTAR fan’s surprise, fantasy dominated the latest readership data in six states: Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas, Washington and Ohio. Now if the romance and fantasy readers join forces — we’ve got the full strength of romantasy on our hands.

A few fantasy books our readers love.
courtesy amazon

And it’s no wonder the genre resonates with so many. As author Penn Cole wrote for PEOPLE, “fantasy can offer so much more than escapism. Since the genre’s earliest days, fantasy authors have used their stories to grapple with complex societal issues in thought-provoking ways.”

In other data, Iowa, Mississippi and South Carolina are three states that were found to connect most to family-themed literature, while mystery and history each lead in one state — Massachusetts residents are history fans, while Californians are down for a little mystery.

While the reading preferences across the U.S. certainly vary, those looking to take on a new book can find plenty of recommendations on PEOPLE’s best books of April.

In the ongoing fights to ban books, ‘Sold,’ written by a local college grad, was one the most targeted works in 2024

Arts & Culture, Books

An award-winning book on human trafficking, written by a Rosemont College alum, was one of the most targeted books to be banned in U.S. libraries in 2024.Patricia McCormick’s novel “Sold” landed on the top 10 of the American Library Association’s annual list. It tied for eighth with “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins, a story about a teen girl’s struggles with substance abuse. MORE: Adventure Aquarium to open new Kaleidoscope Cove exhibit with ‘rare marine life'”Sold,” originally published in 2006, centers on a 13-year-old Nepalese girl sold into sexual slavery. It was a National Book Award finalist and Gustav-Heinemann Peace Prize winner following its debut, and was later adapted into a movie. “Sold” was also the 10th-most challenged book in the United States in 2023, the first year it made the ALA ranking.”To ban this book is to erase the young people around the world who are currently enslaved,” McCormick said in an author statement. “To ban this book is a disservice to the women who shared their stories with me so the world could know about their plight. And to ban this book is disrespectful to the young readers who want to know about the world as it is – so they can make a difference. “But, perhaps most important, to ban this book is to take away a lifeline for readers who are experiencing abuse. These kids know what adults often don’t. Books aren’t the problem; they are part of the solution.”McCormick grew up in central Pennsylvania and attended Rosemont College, the Montgomery County school that recently announced a merger with Villanova University, before moving to New York City. There, she studied journalism at Columbia University and later obtained a master’s degree from the New School. McCormick is also the author of “Never Fall Down,” “Cut” and “The Plot to Kill Hitler.” She co-wrote the young readers’ edition of “I Am Malala,” the memoir of Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai.The ALA recorded 821 attempts to censor books at libraries, schools and universities in 2024. That’s a decrease from the previous year, when the nonprofit reported 1,247. The majority of challenges are coming from organized campaigns, the ALA said.The other most challenged books in 2024 were “Flamer” by Mike Curato, “Me, Earl and the Dying Girl” by Jesse Andrews, “Looking for Alaska” by John Green, “Crank” and “Tricks” by Hopkins, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky, “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, “Gender Queer” by Maia Kobabe, and “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M. Johnson.McCormick isn’t the first author with local ties to make the ALA ranking. Susan Kuklin’s “Beyond Magenta,” which features interviews with six transgender teens, was listed in 2015, 2019 and 2021. Kuklin was born and raised in Philly.Follow Kristin & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @kristin_hunt
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Anant Yardi, CEO of Yardi Systems, to deliver keynote address at Stony Brook University College of Business convocation

Business News

Stony Brook University’s College of Business is proud to announce that Anant Yardi, Founder and CEO of Yardi Systems, will deliver the keynote address at the College’s convocation ceremony on May 21, 2025. Yardi, a pioneer in real estate technology and a champion of educational opportunities, will share insights from his career journey and discuss the importance of innovation, leadership, and giving back to communities.
“We are honored to have Anant Yardi as our Convocation speaker. His visionary leadership in real estate technology and entrepreneurship serves as an inspiring example for our graduating students, said Dean Haresh Gurnani. Anant’s journey from innovator to industry leader embodies the power of perseverance, strategic thinking, and technological innovation—qualities that will empower our students as they embark on their own professional paths. We look forward to his insights and the invaluable lessons he will share with the Class of 2025.”
Yardi Systems is a global leader in investment, asset, and property management software for the real estate industry. The company’s software solutions support both residential and commercial property management, integrating accounting, operations, and ancillary services. Yardi has offices throughout the US and the world, including in Melville on Long Island.
Beyond its business success, Yardi Systems is deeply committed to education and community development. During the 2024-2025 academic year, the company partnered with 28 colleges and universities across North America, including Stony Brook, to provide scholarships for first-generation students. This initiative reflects Yardi’s core values: “Take care of our clients, take care of our employees, take care of our communities, stay focused and grow.”
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to address the class of 2025 at Stony Brook College of Business. I look forward to sharing my experiences in innovation, entrepreneurship and risk management during a 40 year period that saw immense technological change and gave rise to incredible business opportunities.”
Anant Yardi founded Yardi Systems in 1984 after recognizing the need for integrated accounting and property management software in the residential marketplace. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a global powerhouse in real estate technology. With an M.S. in Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and a B.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Yardi has been widely recognized as a visionary in the industry, earning accolades such as the Realcomm “Digie” Award and induction into the Multi-Housing News Hall of Fame.
The Stony Brook College of Business convocation ceremony will celebrate the achievements of graduating students and honor their hard work as they transition into the next phase of their professional lives.
For more information on the event, please visit https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/business/

Boston-area brewery to close due to ‘unfortunate business circumstances’

Business News

A Boston-area brewery is closing after nearly six years.BearMoose Brewing Company said in a Facebook post Friday that the business is closing on April 19 “due to a mix of unfortunate business circumstances.”“When we opened BearMoose, our dream was simple: create great beer and build a welcoming space where people can gather, laugh, and connect. You — our loyal customers, neighbors, staff, and supporters — made that dream a reality,” the post reads.“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making BearMoose so much more than a brewery,” the post continued. “While we’re closing for now, who knows what the future holds? We’re keeping the door ajar — just in case there are a few pints to fill in the future.” BearMoose first opened in the summer of 2019, Boston Restaurant Talk reported. The brewery includes a taproom that sells to-go beers including cans and crowlers. The address for BearMoose 1934 Revere Beach Parkway, Everett.

Showing Their Potential – Quebec Indigenous Science Fair fosters scientific innovation

Science and Health

The Quebec Indigenous Science Fair (QISF) brought 80 students from 21 Indigenous communities to the Cree and Inuit communities of Whapmagoostui and Kuujjuaraapik March 18-20, an event co-hosted by the Cree School Board and Kativik Ilisarniliriniq.

This year marked the event’s 25th anniversary, which has been organized by the Quebec Aboriginal Science and Engineering Association (QASEA) since 1998. The science competition aims to foster innovation and scientific interest among Indigenous youth while promoting public speaking.

“I am really impressed by the quality of the projects,” said QASEA president Marc Lalande. “We see more and more projects related to culture and history. Students are proud to talk about their Elders’ knowledge. We need visibility for the good things happening in communities.”

Each school in Quebec’s First Nations or Inuit communities can register one team to advance from their local science fairs in five age categories ranging from Grade 5 to Secondary 5. Up to four grand winners from the QISF are chosen to move on to the Canada-Wide Science Fair, which will bring about 500 students from across the country to Fredericton at the end of May.

One of this year’s QISF winners, 13-year-old Ashton André Gauthier from the Naskapi community of Kawawachikamach, won second prize at last year’s national event. His current project was inspired by a report that poorly managed landfills have been traced to cancer in Indigenous community members. 

“We took soil samples from the Schefferville landfill and by the local lake,” explained Gauthier. “Doing preliminary pH tests with water strips, we found more traces of heavy metals in the landfill’s soil and snow samples. When they burn tires in the summertime, you can smell the smoke on the wind.”

Errol Mianscum and Mark Petawabano, Secondary 3 students from Voyageur Memorial High School in Mistissini, were also selected to advance to the Canada-Wide Science Fair for their project called “Niibii: The Source of Life”. They found water sourced from Mianscum’s family trapline compared favourably to commercial water bottles. 

“Out of all six samples, the cleanest was the water from Errol’s camp,” Petawabano told the Nation. “We had testing strips for various metals, minerals and gases. Kirkland water had above the limit of alkalinity – it showed how contaminated it is compared to our sources.”

The Cree students were proud to validate the assertion by Elders that water from some local lakes can be safely consumed without filtering. Before taking their project to New Brunswick, they plan to practice their presentation skills and may conduct more tests of bottled and lake water.

Petawabano said that “lots of places have clean water; you just have to know where to find it.” Through their project, the pair hopes more people will be encouraged to seek fresh water from local sources. 

“Errol and Mark’s project was really evidence that traditional knowledge complements western scientific concepts,” said Cree School Board chairperson Sarah Pash. “They brought traditional knowledge about water that has been important to their families for generations into their project and produced really great results.”

Master of Ceremony Matt Iserhoff congratulated participants on their ability to take a fresh look at the science behind Indigenous knowledge. The other grand prize winner was Kawawachikamach’s Aiden-James Einish for his project analyzing Labrador tea’s anti-inflammatory power in arthritis management.

Ouje-Bougoumou’s Raylene and Kaylene Martinhunter won the Université du Québec Scientific Development Special Award, a community prize that supports scientific knowledge benefiting the entire student population of Waapihtiiwewan School.

Chisasibi student Henry Grimstead won first prize in the Grade 6 category for his project called “Exoplanets: The Search for New Worlds”. He searched for planets outside our solar system using NASA transit photometry software. Exoplanet detection has intensified interest in the search for extraterrestrial life. 

“I found two possible exoplanets, the closest one is four light years away,” said Grimstead. “When there’s a light curve there could be a planet present. The curves weren’t that big, so they could be medium-sized or small.”

Among the other Cree entries were volcano projects from Nathania Brown and Piper Kawapit, Gilbert Swallow and Junayshia Voyageur’s chess project, Rory Henry-Felstead and Andrew Kitchen’s analysis of fires, and Nathaneal Brown’s study of the impacts of climate change on Arctic fox migration patterns. 

“Hands-on science projects offer a powerful learning experience, allowing students to engage with Indigenous knowledge and recognize it as science,” stated CSB director general Caroline Mark. “I hope this process inspires our youth to explore their passion for science and pursue it further.” 

The science fair was also an opportunity to explore the Cree and Inuit cultures of the host communities. Along with sports, crafting and movie activities, participants stood on the frozen Hudson Bay, tasted Arctic char and caribou, and watched the northern lights.

The closing ceremony featured Cree and Inuit traditional music, including throat singers, Inuit drumming and local fiddlers, while highlighting cultural innovations like the qulliq oil lamp. Pash noted that Indigenous people have always been scientists and researchers.

“We have our own technologies, medicines and knowledge that have been developed over generations of observation, innovation and experimentation,” said Pash. “It is wonderful to see our young scientists knowing they can empower themselves with their identity. Looking into culture for inspiration and strength is so important.”

With growing regional needs in health care, water planning and other science-based industries, the school board has expanded programming in coding, robotics and experimentation. Additional exam preparation support and higher-level math and science courses are encouraging more students to pursue specialized postsecondary programs.

“The provincial science fair allows our children a safe, nurturing and supportive opportunity to express themselves and get out of their comfort zones to share something that’s important to them,” Pash said. “It gives our children the opportunity to show their potential.”

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Tariffs could stall tourism in Orlando, Central Florida

Travel

Even before the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe, state and local tourism numbers are already setting records. They’re driving construction all along the tourist corridor from the outlet malls and Bass Pro Shops on the north end of International Drive to SeaWorld near the Beachline Expressway. For example, Bainbridge Companies, a Wellington Florida-based developer, owner and operator of large multi-family projects, is building a new apartment complex near Epic Universe, that could house many of the people who work at the new theme park. Epic Universe opens on May 22. The milestones include 143 million visitors in 2024, and a domestic market share of 15.5% which means more people are choosing Florida than any other destination state for leisure travel. And in February, Orange County tourist development tax revenues topped $ 35 million, also a record, and reserves are a healthy $ 427 million. But will that last under President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which are sending the world’s exporters into a tailspin, and leaving international visitors wondering if they want Florida vacations? Orlando’s mayor was blunt, saying, “I know that the attack against Canada by the (Trump) administration has definitely impacted our tourism from Canada.” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings told WESH 2 News it’s too soon to predict whether mass numbers of foreign visitors will boycott the U.S. or if Americans will cut vacations from the family budget.”We don’t know how long the tariffs will have any impact on our visitation from our friends around the world but I hope we come to a position where we all can figure it out and continue to have the strong relationships,” he added. Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond reminds us vacations are disposable income, and the first in the family budget to be cut, adding, “If the economy doesn’t do well, if it goes into a recession then you would be in a situation where people just wouldn’t be able to take trips.” In Economic downturns, the first of course to feel it are local attractions – maybe fewer people riding the wheel, or the slingshot or the Star Flyer. And then after that? Fewer people stay in hotel rooms. Edward Gonzalez and Octavia Smith were getting some light leisure time in at Pirate’s Cove on International Drive. They said higher prices will definitely stall future vacation plans, with Gonzalez adding, “Gas is going to be affected by that so it probably puts a bit more strain on my budgeting, for sure.” But Dave Spencer and his family visiting from Wisconsin support the president, regardless of the resulting impacts on prices of food, cars, fuel, clothing and more. “I think the tariffs are going to help us in the long run, if you look at the business plan the man (President Trump) has got,” Spencer said. In the short run, the local tourism workforce could feel the fallout.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Even before the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe, state and local tourism numbers are already setting records. They’re driving construction all along the tourist corridor from the outlet malls and Bass Pro Shops on the north end of International Drive to SeaWorld near the Beachline Expressway. For example, Bainbridge Companies, a Wellington Florida-based developer, owner and operator of large multi-family projects, is building a new apartment complex near Epic Universe, that could house many of the people who work at the new theme park. Epic Universe opens on May 22.

JD Vance shares new intimate insight into his relationship with his mother as she marks 10 years sober at the White House

2024 Election

By CHARLIE SPIERING, SENIOR POLITICAL REPORTER, WASHINGTON, DC Published: 15:45 EDT, 7 April 2025 | Updated: 15:54 EDT, 7 April 2025 Vice President JD Vance on Monday celebrated his mother’s ten year anniversary of sobriety sharing photos of their celebration at the White House. ‘This year marks my mom’s 10th year of sobriety, and I’m…