I’m in an anxious headspace at the moment and I want to focus my attention on something other than doom scrolling. So I want to try to get immersed in a book. However, I haven’t read a fiction book since high school and probably haven’t read a fiction book willingly since middle school. However, i typically read Non Fiction political and self help books but i don’t want something serious and real at the moment. Something more “whimsy” maybe but not too fairytale like
I think I want something engaging maybe lighthearted but I don’t want anything sad. I don’t want something that’s super long.
Sorry this is super vague I’ve never been into Fiction and want to try now.
by Flaky-Ocelot-1265
9 Comments
If you like crime genre, Murder at Mardi Gras by Doug Lamplugh
Have you read A Christmas Carol? I dunno that it fits with “whimsy,” but it is a short, easy-to-read, feel-good book that is well-written and thought-provoking without too much sadness. Also, perfect time of year for it…
Maybe some Asian comfort fiction like [The Cat Who Saved Books](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56755560) or [Days at the Morisaki Bookshop](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62047992)
You might enjoy the Cradle series by Will Wight, starting with Unsouled. The books are all pretty short and it’s a fun, fast-paced, ‘progression fantasy’, series. The audiobooks are great too, narrated by Travis Baldree, if you have a chance to check those out. Either way, it’s a series filled with adventure, a great cast of characters, creative world building/powers, and an epic story over the course of 13 books. You can easily just check out the first though and see if you enjoy it, it’s an easy, quick read. If you’ve ever enjoyed any classic shonen anime/manga, anything like One Piece, Naruto, DBZ, , Avatar, etc., you should enjoy this.
You can’t go wrong with a classic like The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien too, if you’re looking for something engaging and lighthearted, with lots of wit and adventure, great characters, and rich world building. It’s a lot of fun and way better than the movies if you’ve seen those, still worth reading imo!
For something more modern, check out The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells, starting with All Systems Red. A fun, fairly lighthearted series about a murderbot who just wants to chill and watch tv.
Or check out The Devils by Joe Abercrombie for something really fun and a bit more out there. Fast-paced with great characters and lots of dark humor. In an alternate history, middle ages fantasy Europe, the ‘child Pope’ assembles a specialized team of supernatural villains for a top secret mission to the legendary city of Troy.
If you enjoy it, check out his main series The First Law. Badass, dark , gritty, funny, character-driven fantasy, starting with The Blade Itself.
Once again the audiobooks are top tier, narrated by the GOAT Steven Pacey.
What about any of the Jeeves books by PG Wodehouse?
Chet and Bernie series by Spencer Quinn, told from the dog’s narrative. Dog on It is the first book. They’re delightful 🥰
David Sedaris! Short stories that are super funny and full of humanity. I talk pretty one day is my fave of his.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
The Ladies Rewrite The Rules by Suzanne Allain
Several People Are Typing by Calvin Kasulke