I’ve loved reading since I was three years old and want to fall in love with reading again. I’m searching for a light, funny, and easy-to-listen-to book—something without drama, anxiety-inducing moments, or dark themes.
I prefer modern fiction or fantasy. Preferably with a female protagonist in her twenties or thirties. If there’s romance, it needs to be straight and completely clean (no sexual content). I love humor, everyday life, and maybe a touch of magic (like superpowers). I also enjoy strong brotherly dynamics and stories that break clichés.
I don’t want dystopian, time travel, government-related fiction, thrillers, or excessive swearing. I also don’t enjoy books with long, slow starts or overly popular fantasy books like The Hobbit. Additionally, I’m not a fan of sci-fi or alien-related books, especially ones like The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
Ideally, I’d love something that’s available as an audiobook that I wouldn’t be embarrassed to be listening to. Any recommendations?
by Journalist-Oracle
6 Comments
I really liked The House in the Cerulean Sea. Its super chill and has a bit of magic without being too fantasy heavy. The main character isnt female but theres lots of humor and wholesome moments. No sex scenes or anything weird.
Another one is Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen. Its about this woman who can do magic with food and has a magical apple tree in her yard. Pretty light and fun to listen to.
Both are on audible and the narrators are good. Not too slow or boring either.
Just recommended this one the other day: Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson. The audiobook was very good and the story is unique and charming.
Beware of Chicken series by Casualfarmer
We use CHIRP books and 90% of the time only buy books when they are on sale. Listen to the samples because the way it is read makes alllll the difference (at least, for me!). The Book Lady of Troublesome Creek is a newer book I believe but takes place during the depression, I think. You won’t be embarrassed to listen to it. There isn’t any magic, per se, but it felt like magic to me! The sequel was heartwarming as well.
My go-to for reader’s block is anything Agatha Christie
Or for a light touch of magical realism, Kawaguchi’s *Before the Coffee Gets Cold*
You may enjoy Circe by Madeline Miller. It’s a female protagonist, fantasy, magical powers.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches was a wonderful gem, there is one sex scene but you could probably skip it very easily and not miss out.
The Ten Thousand Doors of January hit a lot of the marks you’ve mentioned as well. Fantasy, female main character, a touch of whimsy and magic.