An example of one that I loved was Attachments by Rainbow Rowell: barely a spoiler but >!At the beginning of the book, the main character is around 30, lives with his mom with no plans of moving out, hasn’t had a relationship in a decade, and isn’t sure what he wants to do for a career.!<
Extra points if this is dealt with with kindness. 🙂
by Commercial-Soft3915
8 Comments
I think {{Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata}} might hit some of these notes, but I wouldn’t really consider it a “comfort read” if that’s the tone you’re seeking.
getting it right by Elizabeth Jane Howard.
*Really Good, Actually* by Monica Heisey might qualify.
Funny: The Rosie Project is a funny look at someone who learns to grow up and navigate the world (somewhat problematic depiction of autism, but my friends who have autism or are parenting kids with autism love it, so that may be an “internet anger” problem)
Rom-com: Something Blue is the sequel to Something Borrowed – the original is a woman who dates the partner of her spoiled entitled immature friend. The sequel is the same story from the friend’s perspective and shows her learning and growing as the result of the experience and really leveling up as a person.
High Fidelity by Nick Hornby
{{Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine}}
A criminally underrated book that fits what you’re looking for is Treasure Island!!! by Sara Levine (yes, the exclamation points are part of the actual title). It’s about a slightly stagnant young woman who decides to turn her life around by following the values outlined in the classic Robert Louis Stevenson adventure tale. It’s quite a funny read imo, plus it sticks the landing with a gentle but firm nudge forward
Britt-Marie Was Here
A Confederacy of Dunces might also work. Full
Disclosure, I haven’t read the whole thing. I listened to part on audio but couldn’t take the voice for the main character. Planning to try again in print. It is a classic though, with great reviews.