Hi! I have severe MECFS and it comes with significant brain fog and autonomic issues. This rules out anything above a 9th grade reading level, anything that’s too complicated, or anything thriller-ish (my heart rate will spike and I’ll need to put it down). I also can’t read anything too heavy or sad because emotions can cause a significant health crash. A lot of restrictions I know, that’s why I’m here for recs!
I’ve been enjoying rereading teen/childhood favorites and similar newer books. It’s good escapism! For ex:
Hunger Games
Harry Potter
The Testing
Red Rising
Gone Girl (this was a reread so I managed even though it is suspense)
Lightlark
ACOTAR
Many of these happen to be romance but I wasn’t a huge romance reader before I got sick. They’re just a bit easier now? My main priority is a book I can get lost in for a few hours, to make living with such a severe disability easier.
If you’ve read this far, please recommend me a book! (And please do not leave unwelcome health advice)
by Stock-Application-36
2 Comments
You might like the r/cozyfantasy sub 🙂
I think you would LOVE the Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas! The main character is a neurodivergent-coded woman in the Victorian era. The the books are clever but quick reads and, on top of the mysteries, deal with issues like autism, socioeconomic status, racism, LGBTQ relationships, and out of wedlock births in the context of the time. One of the MCs sisters deals with significant anxiety.
There are 9 in the series now.