Dad of a 3.5 year old. I used to read a couple of books a week, all genres but skewed literary fiction, sci fi, alternate history, and usually had a thriller in the go. very rarely non-fiction (fortunately get heaps of time to learn on the job).
Ever since becoming a dad I’ve been unable/unwilling to read anything too ‘heavy’. at first I thought it just new parent fatigue, then a late ADHD diagnosis. But recently have accepted that it‘s actually more a mix of emotional exertion, gratification and fear. it’s like there’s nothing left in the tank at night and even if there is, the idea of harm coming to a character I’m invested in is just way too intense.
But I MISS it. I miss the nuance, the emotional depth, even transformative nature of my favourite books. I’m a bit sick of my pile of ‘safe pulp’.
So I’m looking for recommendations for books that are generally excellent, emotionally engaging but that I can go into knowing I’m not going to be an emotional wreck by the end lol probably still needs be a bit more plot driven, and I’m definitely open to re-reading if a recommendation reminds me to!
by ExcitedCoconut