Think pottery, woodworking, sewing, jewelers, knitting, painting, cobblers, anything! I couldn’t care less about these random inheritances or characters with endless wealth. Please give me more makers, old shops, and time spent creating.
It doesn’t need to be the main point either. As examples, I’m currently listening to Stolen by Ann-Helén Laestadius and am loving how the mention of indigenous handcrafted goods is so seamlessly weaved throughout the story. I loved Legends & Lattes because of the coffee shop being built as the book progressed. A Gentleman in Moscow was a favorite as well because even though wealth was mentioned, he simply appreciated finer things like music, food, poetry.
As for genre, I tend to gravitate towards literary fiction, contemporary if it’s witty, anything a little witchy or magical, & of course historical fiction. Also usually read newer books (last 10 years or so). Though I could be swayed to read a classic or nonfiction if it’s worthwhile.
by ONIREMATIR