I'm kind of just over wanting to deal with people. It's not a superiority thing, and I do have a small core group of friends, but just from general experience in day to day life and the overall negativity of the news and social media I've grown cold and apathetic towards anyone outside my core group. I dislike being around people, having to deal with small talk, and if I could I'd become a hermit/recluse and live alone with my library, movie collection, and maybe a fish.
I'm not looking for books to rekindle empathy or warm feelings towards people and I'm not looking for books about psychopaths since I don't wish pain on anybody. Just books for people who want to be left alone and don't care about the world. Think Scrooge or the Grinch without the "happy" ending.
by Jabberjaw22
10 Comments
Im very much interested in what suggestions you get. For what it’s worth, if you’re into poetry, bukowski makes exactly what you’re looking for.
Are you looking for books that sort of share your bleak outlook, or are you more just looking for escapism?
Where’d You Go Bernadette
A Man Called Ove comes to mind
If nobody speaks of remarkable things- Jon MacGregor
Mmm not sure exactly what you’re looking for but maybe The Metamorphosis by Kafka or One Hundred Years of Solitude.
TW and spoiler:
Veronica Decides to Die – deals with serious topics on a complex emotional level but is more about personal healing and self agency outside the restrictions of societal norms.
You should read the Murderbot series by Martha Wells. I know it sounds extreme, it’s not. Basically an android security unit gains its freedom and has to deal with humans. It’s funny, relatable and poignant. The sec unit likes its small group and its shows too.
{{The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel}} which is about a man who detached himself from society and lived in the woods for 27 years. The man’s story and motivations resonated with me, but I have to say that I did not especially care for the author’s approach in obtaining said story.
“I Have No Mouth But I Must Scream”
A Confederacy of Dunces – John Kennedy Toole