Author Spotlight: THE BOOK of Genres by Renee Stewart

What if the Bible could be browsed like a library, shelved by genre? That is the idea behind Renee Stewart’s THE BOOK of Genres, a nonfiction reference guide that maps scripture onto more than thirty modern categories, from Action and Adventure to Mystery to Food and Drink. A retired educator with forty years in the classroom, Stewart set out to build the bridge between ancient text and modern life that she went looking for and could not find, so she wrote it herself.

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Q&A with Renee Stewart

Q: THE BOOK of Genres is an unusual concept. What is it about, and what inspired you to write it?

A: THE BOOK of Genres explores how the Bible remains profoundly relevant to everything happening in our lives today. To be honest, I never planned to write this book. However, through a journey of “hesitant obedience” and divine intervention, I felt compelled to create it. I looked for a resource that bridged the gap between popular literary genres and Holy Scripture, and when I couldn’t find one, I knew I had to write it myself.

Q: You have said the book grew out of a hard season in your life. When did you start writing, and what made you decide to publish?

A: I began writing during a perfect storm of life challenges: suddenly unemployed, a divorce, a new car payment, health issues requiring surgery, working on a Master’s degree, and little savings. I captured that journey in a book titled Wake Me Up! While I didn’t publish it, I shared copies with students who felt like giving up. That experience led me to publish THE BOOK of Genres. I realized there was a desperate need for people to see how the Bible remains relevant today. I couldn’t find a resource that bridged the gap between popular modern genres and ancient scripture, so I decided to write it myself.

Q: Which biblical figure was the most fun, or the most challenging, to write about?

A: Balaam was definitely the most fun! Because of his famous talking donkey, I couldn’t help but think of the movie Shrek while writing about him. It brought a sense of humor to the biblical narrative. The most challenging “characters” weren’t individuals, but rather the figures in a specific parable within my Animals & Pets chapter. It was a deeply personal section where I felt God answering my own difficult questions through the lens of King David’s story.

Q: What do you most hope readers take away from the book?

A: I want readers to realize that God has already addressed everything. Every fundamental question regarding existence, morality, and purpose has an answer within the Word. My book isn’t about discovering new truths. It’s about understanding and accepting the timeless truths that have always been there.

Q: Did your own life experiences shape the book?

A: While the world has changed drastically since the biblical era (2000 BCE to 100 CE), the human condition has not. The emotions experienced by people in Genesis, such as fear, anxiety, social pressure, and grief, are identical to what we face today. I do not influence the stories or characters with my own life because the integrity of Scripture is fixed. I cannot change the text. My personal experiences serve as a bridge to understanding. I don’t write my life into the Bible; I simply recognize my life reflected within it. This personal resonance allows me to categorize and organize biblical themes with empathy while maintaining strict historical and textual accuracy. My work is not about changing the characters to fit my story. It is about recognizing the universal human story that was already written.

Q: Is there a question about the book you wish readers would ask?

A: I wish they’d ask: “Which genre surprised you most during your research?” My answer is the Mystery genre. People often find the Book of Numbers tedious because of census data and statistics. However, when you look at the layout of the Israelite camp from a “bird’s-eye view,” a stunning revelation appears that connects the numbers to a divine design. It’s a literal hidden gem.

Q: Do you have a favorite moment from the book you would like to share?

A: Yes, it is the short poem that came to me when deciding to write this book:

In the realm of boundless thought, A BOOK exists, that must be sought! Its pages, a mosaic enters my mind, Where countless genres are intertwined.

To me, this represents the Bible as a vibrant mosaic. It isn’t just a collection of separate texts; it is an interconnected landscape where different genres weave together to shape the heart, mind, and soul.

Q: What was the biggest challenge in writing or publishing it?

A: The research was intense! I spent countless hours deciphering popular literary genres to see how they mapped onto Scripture. I also faced the “technical” hurdle of navigating copyright permissions. I had to be very disciplined to ensure I honored the fair-use guidelines of various theological sources while still delivering a comprehensive guide to my readers.

Q: What is next for you as a writer?

A: I haven’t committed to a new project yet, but I’ve always been drawn to the number seven. I love the “mysteries” found in biblical numbers, symbols, and signs, so I may find myself digging deeper into those hidden gems!

Top Reviews

Melody Giles – 5.0 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Amazing
“The Book Of Genres by Renee Stewart, Ed.D breaks down the Bible into Genres to provide a more interesting read. The author does not deviate from the Bible but tries to present it in form that people will find more interesting with the purpose of drawing more people to read it. I personally find the Bible interesting in of itself but I am sll for providing a more interesting concept as long as it doesn’t change the content.”

Avon – 5.0 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A fresh and creative way to look at the Bible!
“The Book of Genres offers a unique and engaging way to experience Scripture beyond the traditional categories of law or history. By connecting the Bible to modern genres like Mystery, Action & Adventure, Technology, Food & Drink, and more, it reminds readers just how diverse and relevant God’s Word truly is.

This isn’t a heavy commentary — it’s a thought-provoking spark that touches on over 30 contemporary topics and invites deeper exploration. Whether you’re a lifelong believer or simply curious, this book is an inspiring reminder that the Bible is the most compelling library of stories ever written.

Highly recommended!”

Author Bio

Renee Stewart’s journey began on the Southside of Chicago. With ten years of service in Chicago and thirty years in Memphis, she has dedicated a total of 40 years to the field of education. A lifelong learner, Renee holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Chicago State University, a Master’s in Education, and a Doctorate in Computer Education from Nova Southeastern University.

Today, Renee is a retired educator embracing a vibrant “second act.” She operates as a freelance Web Designer, teaches English online via Cambly, and contributes to educational excellence as a seasonal scorer for Pearson. Deeply involved in her community, she serves in the Media Ministry at her church and is an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Renee lives by the motto: “Vision without action is a daydream.” This drive defines her professional life, while her heart remains rooted in her deep faith and her love for family and friends.

Buy the book here: Books2Read · Author website: bookofgenres.com