What is contepmorary fiction?  What kind of books fall in this catagory?

I always think of contemporary fiction as those books that can't really be put in a genre. They are usually thought provoking, written in a classical style and usually but not always are books that are in the now. Authors such as John Irving, Lisa See, Billie Letts,  Jan Karon, Barbara Kingsolver, Wally Lamb are some authors that come to mind.

The Bean Trees

She's Come Undone

Cider House Rules

Peony In Love

Where the Heart Is

are some titles that I can think of by these authors.

This genre is usually marketed in hardcover or trade paperback. Sometimes in mass market.

This is only my idea and not what others may think. These books are the "classics" of the futrure

I'd compare it to the category of children's literature known as 'realistic fiction'.  Real life dramas that make us all realize that, "But for the grace of God, there I go too."  My analogy would also be that it makes the reader grateful for the good things in life...usually containing conflict between humans, family members, etc.

I agree w/ Kathi's impression of possibly future classics, but probably wouldn't agree that all fit that category.