I myself am struggling to understand what I'm looking for, so bare with me here.
I'm basically going through a lethargic phase where I'm bored of life and looking for something to stimulate me. Something to look forward to.
I usually like things that are well-written, philosophical, and not cliche. I especially like when the imagery is done very well. With that said, my stories are usually on the darker, more depressing side. To give you an idea, this year I read 'Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead', 'The Bell Jar', 'Roadside Picnic', and 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'. It's better I try and have some kind of pick-me-up at the moment instead.
I want something short (a novella would be nice), philosophical, yet relatively easy-going and lighthearted. No dark books.
I do want them to be well-written. I read 'The Housemaid's Secret' last year and it just felt easy-going with no redeeming quality. It was generic and soulless. I want something like 'The Alchemist', but a little less abstract. Could be philosophical, though.
I'm aware that I might not be specific enough and I'm sorry. Would be nice if someone tries to help anyway, if they feel like. Thanks.
by Loriol_13
3 Comments
Maybe [The Hands of the Emperor](https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/af2bba9c-8f41-4a3e-b87a-8532a44ccb67) by Victoria Goddard? It’s a (very long) beautifully written slice of life book about the personal secretary to the emperor of the world, with a heavy focus on platonic relationships.
How do you feel about science fiction? Galapagos is one of Kurt Vonnegut’s lesser known works and is considerably bonkers enough to feel lighthearted while also prompting some great points and questions about human kind and the trajectory of evolution. It’s not for everyone’s taste but I enjoyed it
Maybe “beware of chicken” would be what you need. It’s episodic enough for you not to continue the series, and it’s about forgetting and healing from the past, and forging yourself a bright future.