Recommendations for a Homesick and Stressed Reader

Hello!

I’m in military flight school right now (super stressful!) and away from family. I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump because of how busy I’ve been, but I’ve recently cut out most forms of social media and want to spend the time getting back into reading!

However, I don’t want the book/s to add stress to my life because I’m already freaking out most days! I’m alright with conflict, of course, but books like The Handmaid’s Tale end up just leaving me in a tizzy. So probably nothing super dystopian. Any other genre is fine by me!!!

I have a lot of homesickness right now and I find myself wanting a book that almost makes me feel nostalgic? Bittersweet? Wishing? Surrounded by friends who I feel deeply for?

I’m looking for books that have characters that are deep, complex, and that I’ll miss when I’m finished. I want to spend some time getting to know them, knowing them, and thinking about them when I’m not reading. I love series and world building, but single books are totally fine as well!

Some examples of themes and stuff I love:
I loved Harry Potter when I was growing up (specifically Remus Lupin’s character and how he developed over the series)

I’m a big Star Wars nerd, specifically the complexity of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan. I find the theme around their relationship to be really thought provoking.

The Remains of the Day. It kills me. The undertones of nostalgia…a life gone but yet hopeful? That’s a hard one to explain, but I love it.

I loved a lot of Wally Lamb’s stuff. All the big “well known” titles… I think they’re great.

I think something about loss, prevailing through it while still maintaining decency and strength, and journeying through hardship really speaks to me.

Help a girl who misses her kids and home and needs some new book friends out! I appreciate it!