Books. Only a few hundred years ago they were rare, with few people, like clergymen or nobles, being able to read. Then the printing press was invented, and books became more common. Today, many people enjoy reading.
Look here for more about the books
Genres of fiction:
Realistic: Involves ordinary people and conflicts. Often set in present day or a decade or two ago, depending on when it was written. Set in the real world.
Example: Beverly Cleary's Ramona books.
Mystery: Involves some kind of mystery to be solved. Usually involves crime of some kind, like theft, kidnapping, or murder.
Example: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories and novels.
Science fiction: Involves scientific elements, such as robots, aliens, space travel, time travel, etc. Can be set in any time period, usually the future. However,some sub-genres of sci-fi are set in the past, like Steampunk, which is set in the Victorian era. It can be set in the "real" universe, or a totally fictional one.
Example: Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park.
Fantasy: Involves elements like magic and mythical creatures. Often set in a medival-like setting, it can also involve castles, knights, etc. Can be set in the "real" world, but it is usually set in an entirely fictional one.
Examples: C.S.Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, and Kathryn Lasky's Guardian's of Ga'hoole.
