This is going to be a challenge to explain what I’m looking for, so I fully expect to get some suggestions for things I know I probably won’t like. Please don’t be offended if I don’t take up your suggestion, I’ll still appreciate you making the effort to reply!
I’m doing a Masters in English Literature so I’ve been reading a lot of very “thinky” books and classics. All good, and I’m loving having great discussions in class, but over the Christmas holidays I feel like I’ll need a break from anything too intellectual!
I’m looking for recommendations for 20th-21st century books that are very readable, clever, well-written and a bit different, but aren’t primarily grim stories of murder, abuse, mental health problems, social issues, war, bereavement, dystopian futures etc.
I can’t bear cliched romances, anything that could be described as “cosy”, or those books about a quirky character who has a hard time with life but it all resolves in a heartwarming ending.
No YA please – my dissertation focuses on YA fiction so this has been about 70% of what I’ve read over the last few months and I’d like a change!
I’m not in the mood for full-on sci-fi or fantasy, but elements of this is fine. I have nothing against romance (any gender/sexuality) as long as it has more to it than chick-lit type of stuff. Historical fiction is also fine as long as it’s not depressing and full of death, sexist men and casual racism. It’s ok if there’s an element of the things I mentioned above, just as long as it’s not the main plot.
A few authors I can think of who have at least some books that would fit what I’m looking for (assume I’ve read all of their books already):
– Elizabeth Acevedo
– Patrick Gale
– Audrey Niffenegger
– Iain Banks
– Annie Proulx
– Isabel Allende
– Jodi Taylor
– Mira Grant
– Ali Shaw
– Sarah Waters
– Tina Jackson
Thank you if you’ve read this far and have managed to make any sense of my convoluted wishlist and mild book snobbery…if you have any suggestions, I’ll be very appreciative!
by lin_johnson