I've gotten back into reading recently, but I'm struggling to enjoy fiction again. I feel like I can't really connect with the characters or put myself in their shoes. I have no problem with interesting nonfiction books. I want to really feel something when reading so maybe a book with the following elements would help me. An ugly male character (doesn't have to be the main one) with some past tragedy or trauma he's unable to overcome. He's preferably a social outcast, or mildly tolerated at best — kind of living on the periphery of otherwise normal people. There should be intense jealousy on his end but in a resigned way, like he knows his place in society and he plays along even though he doesn't like it. He should be weak both in a physical and mental sense. The sadder the ending, the better.
by hsjnskoshiieb