I’m so sick and tired of reading books that are just so poorly written. I hate to admit it, but I initially got into reading because of BookTok, and eventually made my way to a few classics. Lately, though, I’ve been so frustrated with the way women are portrayed in fiction. So many books reduce women to objects, and when I turn to literary fiction, it often feels like a woman’s entire character is defined by some deeply traumatic, abusive, or violent experience.

I just want to read books where women get to be happy. Where they’re allowed to be complex, interesting, flawed, and fulfilled without their entire existence revolving around suffering. Of course, women can have difficult pasts, and I’m not asking for stories without conflict. I just don’t want trauma to be the defining feature of every woman’s character.

it can be about any topic it just blew your mind and gave you so many holy s**t moments

Hello all. Big delicate ask. 

My darling friend (F49), who is a non-reader, just lost her youngest daughter (16) and it was extremely traumatic. Four weeks later, at a yoga class, she witnessed the woman right in front of her, snap her ankle and bone puncture through the skin. Four days later, her mum was taken into hospital with a broken shoulder. The next day, her mum died unexpectedly. She’s wrapped up in devastation and overwhelm. She’s coming to stay with me for a whole month and switching off her phone. I’m thinking of everything I can do to create the most healing, healthy environment. I suggested she get a kindle paperwhite for Christmas, and then, when she’s with me, she can read books, as opposed to going on her phone.

Please can you think of books that are EASY to read (imperative - I'm hoping she gets a sense of achievement from finishing a book). Nothing preachy. Nothing… sad? (I think she’s probably got that box ticked). Just something that may help her escape? Warm her? Give her a sense of hope? Help her learn something she might value learning. 

Her emotional EQ is off the charts high. She’s always been a really social, fun person who brings everyone together. She lights up the room without trying. She’s funny and generous, forgiving. 

Please, give me your best suggestions so I can load up her kindle, tuck her up and let her heal…well, as heal much as is possible.

Any thoughts, books, advice, welcomed. And thank you. This could make a real difference.

I’m looking for book that take place in San Diego California. When I worked in Los Angeles I used to love to sit and read the Harry Bosch novels in the place that Michael Connelly was writing about. It was a lot of fun. I’ll be going to San Diego soon and I thought it was be nice if I could do the same thing there. Anything you can think of in any genre. Thank you.

Looking for a political sci-fi book/series in the same ilk as Dune. I tend to like political dramas that focus on the political actors and military decisionmakers. The drier and more convoluted, the better

I'm in my late 30s, I've spent the last 15 years in tech and I quit a few months ago. I'm giving myself a sabbatical period to rest and focus on my family and move countries (from US to Europe) and the question in my head is: "what's next?" I don't know if i want to go back to tech, and I'm open to so many other career possibilities but I don't know how to tackle this. Can you recommend me a book that could guide me in this moment? Thanks!

Please suggest books that are set in the 1910s-1950s with cottage life/vibes. Kind of like tiny mouse in the country drinking tea. Bonus point for a more whimsical read but also ok with other genres that are not horror. Thanks!

Hey guys =)

I've never read romance before and I thought I might give it a try, maybe partly for escapism from my single life lmao.

Problem is I prefer to not have the enemies-to-lovers trope, or the millionaire falling for the poor person, or forbidden romance, you get me?

Plus I don't want weird question marks about consent. Like you know how romance often romanticizes someone being dominant, or kissing you while you're trying to have an argument or something like that?

I also want no topics of abuse or a dark story that's going to sadden me too much.

Like I just want a cool, cute story without that creepiness. Some light reading. Don't need something about the amazing passion of love.

Also no fantasy or sci fi.

Also the characters must be adults, preferably in their mid twenties or thirties.

Would really appreciate this.

Thanks so much.

Might edit this later if I think of more specifics.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a similar but more engaging series?

Be awesome! :)

Trying to learn about the druids, celts, picts, saxons, etc.

Looking for a graphic novel recommendation. Must be:

📚 Adult centered

📚 Romantasy, fantasy, something along those lines. Not into sci fi

📚 Preferably a series I can devour

📚 Pretty artwork a bonus

Hello! I'm looking for book recommendations because I've been struggling to find stories that really captivate me lately, and I'd love to rediscover my love of reading.

I've always been an avid reader, ever since I was a child, but over the years, I've found it increasingly difficult to find books that scratch a very particular itch. I'm also a writer, so perhaps I'm a little particular about the kinds of stories I want to read, but I find myself craving something with a certain depth, atmosphere, and complexity that I haven't quite found in the books I've been picking up lately.

I think the best way to explain what I'm looking for is through my favourite video game of all time: Honkai: Star Rail.

I'm absolutely obsessed with the way HSR blends science fiction and fantasy. I love the Aeons and their godlike influence over the universe, the lore surrounding the Paths and Pathstriders, and the intricacy of the different worlds the Astral Express crew visit. Each planet has its own history, culture, conflicts, mysteries, and philosophical questions to explore.

I especially love how much there is to unpack in the game's lore. I enjoy studying character backstories, piecing together the histories of different worlds, exploring the mythology, and thinking about the deeper moral and philosophical messages woven into the story. There's always something new to discover, and I love stories that reward that kind of curiosity.

I'm particularly interested in cosmic fantasy or science fantasy that incorporates fantasy and mythology into an expansive universe. I'm not necessarily looking for something heavily focused on science or technology. Rather, I want gods or godlike beings, celestial mythology, supernatural forces, ancient lore, and a sense that there's something much bigger happening beneath the surface. I want to discover a fictional universe that feels vast, mysterious, and alive, with layers of history and meaning to explore.

I'd also love complex characters, intricate worldbuilding, and perhaps some found family! I fell in love with that trope through Six of Crows, which remains one of my favourite books. I want characters I can become attached to, worlds I can get lost in, and a story that gives me something to think about long after I've finished reading.

For reference, I've tried reading Daughter of the Moon Goddess, although I'm finding it a little difficult to get into, and I'm currently reading Water Moon, which I'm loving. Both have given me a taste of what I'm looking for, but I feel like there's so much more out there to discover!

I'm aware that books and video games are different storytelling mediums, and I'm not expecting a novel to replicate HSR exactly. I just want something that gives me that same sense of wonder, discovery, and excitement about uncovering the lore of an intricate fictional universe.

I'm also hoping to find something that will help me fall in love with reading again. I still adore stories, and I read fanfiction on AO3 quite regularly, but I've been struggling to find published books that genuinely hook me. I miss getting so invested in a story that I can't put it down!

So, what would you recommend? I'm open to standalone novels and series, popular books and lesser-known gems. Romance is fine, but I'd prefer it not to be the main focus at the expense of the worldbuilding, characters, and overarching plot.

Thank you so much in advance! I'm looking forward to seeing your recommendations.

As a kid I was all about those survival books: Hatchet (really anything Gary Paulsen,) My Side of the Mountain, Julie of the Wolves, Island of the Blue Dolphins... you get the idea. It felt like this magical, robust genre.

I recently got a hankering to read something like that again, and while I have nothing against rereading kids books, I was hoping to find something more adult. I haven't been able to find anything that's really recapturing that feeling.

So, give me your best survival stories. I'm talking woods, islands, deserts, whatever you've got. I want the protagonist struggling to build a fire and trying to figure out which berries are edible.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

EDIT: You all are incredible!!!!! I can't wait to start reading all of these suggestions. New favorite subreddit.

Hello lol. I would absolutely love any recommendations for a book id like to include in a gift for my ex’s birthday coming up. He is currently suffering through a burnout phase in his life, with so much weight collapsing upon him, that he ended up giving up on a lot of things in his life. I mention this because I would greatly appreciate any appropriate recommendations I can gift him. I think finding inner peace and strength would be the main themes most helpful, but something with a magical story to it perhaps? He currently dives deep into a lot of comic/MCU stuff :p, so I feel like a fictional story would be a fun option. But honestly anything that focuses on self growth for a young adult man in his early 20’s who would like to heal his inner child, and ground himself back to this world. Thank you so much :)

just finished reading the shining and doctor sleep, and i really liked the latter. i wanna read more horror novels with that vibe, but i really don't want to read any more stephen king bc of the way he describes young girls lol. thanks!!

I’m looking for contemporary American fiction that focuses on the lives of working-class or impoverished people.
I’m particularly interested in ordinary, everyday life rather than dramatic plots or stories about overcoming adversity. I’d like to read about people’s struggles, relationships, work, families, and communities, preferably from the perspective of people living in poverty.
I’m also open to quiet, understated novels that don’t have much of a conventional plot.
I’d love to hear your recommendations, especially books that aren’t necessarily well known outside the US.
Thanks!

I was gifted a Libro FM subscription and have 2 credits to use. I've been hoping to maximize value by using them on recent/popular releases that have a long wait time on Libby. I am usually a print book reader, but I like to have an audiobook for my commute. So, I'm looking specifically for an audiobook with really immersive narration.

I am genre-agnostic, but for audiobooks specifically, I don't like anything with a lot of unfamiliar terms and places (i.e. probably no high fantasy). I just finished American Hagwon and loved it. My top read of the year has been Chain Gang All-Stars. I enjoy a book that makes me think.

My coworker has been hyping up The Calamity Club, so that will probably be credit #1.

Other books I've been wanting to read are The Disappearers, The God of the Woods, John of John, and 11/22/63. (I'll probably get around to reading most of these either way - it's just a question of print vs. audio.) I could also get down with some classics - is the East of Eden audiobook good? - or interesting memoirs narrated by the author.

Anyway, this is getting long. I am open to any recs that you think are a must-listen (as opposed to a must-read).

EDITING TO ADD: Please do not recommend Dungeon Crawler Carl. I promise I am not a hater, but I am specifically trying to use Libro FM credits and it is not available on that platform.

I am not that attracted to the time travel theme or romance theme of the movie but the warm and cosy feeling that you get while watching it and also the fact that in a way it changes you and gives you a new perspective, makes you look forward to the other day.

title pretty much says it all, but the two year anniversary of my friend's suicide is coming up and I'd like to gift her mom a book that can help her grow with her loss in a healthy way. But, she's so insistent that she doesn't deserve to heal/recover from the loss that she rejects therapy and any form of help.

So I need to find a book that may open her mind subliminally without immediately turning her off to the content. I've read the books 3 Dads Walking, Grief Works, and Grief is The Thing With Feathers. I think the closest one would be 3 Dads Walking but I'm gifting that to her husband.

As the title says. I'm, competing with last year's Filthy Rich Santas which was hilarious to read and discuss.

Give me your worst. Best. Most fun.

Hello, my shifts at the bar I’ve been working at recently have been relatively slow with almost no busy work to be completed.

I’ve been wanting to get into reading but am completely unsure which direction to look into as I have not really read since my early teens (I’m in my mid 30s now)

Books I enjoyed back then were weird druggie books, but I’ve moved past that.

I think I would enjoy sci-fi, horror, mystery and maybe some drama, also interested in poetry.

If there’s some classics I should read I wouldn’t mind that or even rereading them if it was something we covered in grade school.

Most recent books I’ve read and enjoyed were “Ringu”, and Stephen King’s “The Shining”

I’ve tried reading House of Leaves but it’s far too complex for me. I have a short attention span and need something grasping.

Thank you!!

I’m slowly getting back into reading after watching Heated Rivalry. I loved the show, so I picked up several of Rachel Reid’s books and I enjoyed them. Then, I fell completely in love with the show Young Royals, and Normal People (watched the show and read the book), and discovered AO3 through Young Royals fanfiction. Surprisingly, some of my best reads so far have actually been fanfics, especially Obviously, a Normal People-inspired Young Royals AU that literally altered my brain chemistry.

What I’m looking for is beautiful, almost poetic prose, complex characters, and a deeply intimate love story. I love slow burns, mutual pining and yearning. I love angst too, when the longing hurts but the moments of tenderness and intimacy make it all worth it (spice is very welcome!). What really gets me is the little things: unspoken feelings, tiny details characters notice about each other, ordinary moments that carry so much emotional weight. Above all, I love that invisible string connecting two people, the way they become so intertwined that they shape each other’s lives, even when they’re apart. I want to get inside their heads and feel EVERYTHING they’re feeling.

I’m open to any pairing, though I particularly enjoy queer stories that explore identity and self-discovery. Social, class or political themes are a big plus. I’m not into fantasy or anything too far removed from reality.

Any recommendations?

Can anyone recommend books for a progressive 15-year-old who's very interested in politics and political systems? He usually reads fiction, but I think if it's well-written and interesting, he could get into non-fiction on this topic. Open to any suggestions, but I'd love some books that are not written by straight/cis white men, too.