A while ago I’ve got my hands on “Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop” and since I’ve finished reading it I was left with this desire to read more books where nothing is really going on or where things are pretty calm.
I’ve tried “Convenience Store Woman” and it was nice! So I’m looking for more similar recs to satisfy this thirst for nothing of mine.
I’d appreciate anything!
by Charming-District-10
11 Comments
A bit melancholy, but Stoner – John Williams or
Remains of the Day – Kazuo Ishiguro
Kiki’s Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono is perfect for this.
The Restaurant of Lost Recipes by Hisashi Kashiwai is part of a series, but I read it as a standalone. It’s fun and nostalgic. Especially recommended if you love food!
Weather by Jenny Offill
Some I’ve enjoyed that may fit your request:
-“North Woods” by Daniel Mason
-A little on the depressing side but: “Toad” by Katherine Dunn
-“A Psalm for the Wild Built” by Becky Chambers
-Also a little on the depressing side: “Martyr!” by Kaveh Akbar
I think you might like these, I thought they were great:
The Great Passage by Shion Miura
Room for a Stranger by Melanie Cheng
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
Real Life by Brandon Taylor
Come & Get It by Kiley Reid! It has a bit of plot, but is mostly an exploration of women in college and their relationships with each other
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
Mina’s Matchbox by Yōko Ogawa, low on plot high on psychology in the best way
Winesburg, Ohio: A Group of Tales of Ohio Small-Town Life) by Sherwood Anderson. The most beautifully boring book I’ve ever read, if you come from a small town this will resonate so strongly
The Spellshop comes pretty close. The author does throw in a little conflict in the last quarter of the book, but it really is just vibes.
Mrs. Bridge fans rise up!!!