Sell me on genres I don’t usually read

This may sound like a weird request but I have a feeling I’ve been unfairly discounting whole genres based on some preconceived notions I have about what the reading experience will be like. I’m wondering if I’m missing out on some books that would be great for me by totally bypassing entire sections of the bookstore. Maybe if I can share about what genres I typically read, as well as some outliers that I surprisingly liked, you all can work your magic and recommend me some titles to help me expand my horizons?

My typical genres:

Historical fiction
Literary fiction
Horror
Thriller
Nonfiction (particularly about dark and disturbing things like murders, cults, wartime, etc.)

Genres I almost never read:

Romance
Sci-fi
Fantasy
Lighthearted/funny books

Some books I’ve read and liked within the latter categories (and why I liked them):

“Katherine” by Anya Seton (romance)

I liked this one because of its vivid depictions of life in medieval England, the stories strong roots in real people and events, and the fact that, though the romance between the two main characters was central to the plot, it really felt like more of a historical fiction with a romantic relationship setting a whole slew of other events in motion. I also appreciated that it was closed-door.

“Never Let Me Go” by Kazuo Ishiguro (sci-fi?)

I’m sure this is not pure sci-fi but The StoryGraph classifies this as “literary dystopian sci-fi” so I’m going with it. This book made me feel intense feelings and really think about my own life in a new way. I think about this book frequently.

“Piranesi” and “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” by Susanna Clarke (fantasy)

These are very different books but I adored them both so much. I loved “Piranesi” for its atmosphere and the titular character’s relationship with his world, and how he eventually begins to realize…things. I loved “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” for its perfect regency-style prose, its depiction of magic and fairies (no sexy horny fairies, thankfully), and how it wasn’t afraid to take its time and really immerse the reader in that world.

“Dandelion Wine” by Ray Bradbury (lighthearted/funny)

This isn’t laugh out loud funny but it had moments where I smiled so that makes this a funnier book than most I read lol. It’s actually not too light, the main character grapples with his own mortality and there is murder lol but the tone is definitely gentler and more hopeful. And the prose is just – perfect.

Thanks for reading this far, I'm curious if anyone can get inside my brain and recommend some genre-stretching books for me!