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Original poster

recommend me an easy but addictive read

64 replies

avocadogreen · 17/04/2014 18:18

I need distraction. Going through a messy separation and I have found myself drawn to Closer magazine and Eastenders for light relief, ignoring my poor Kindle. It has to stop!

Can anyone recommend something fast-paced and entertaining, not too heavy, definitely not romance. Usually I love authors like Maggie O'Farrell, Audrey Niffenegger, Ian McEwan, Dave Eggers... I recently read Gone Girl and enjoyed that, also loved the new Bridget Jones.

OP posts:
pootlebug · 17/04/2014 19:54

The Rosie Project
Miss Buncle's Book
Miss Pettigrew lives for a day

BaileysOnRocks · 17/04/2014 19:53

Any Paige toon book, she's fabulous!

Rommell · 17/04/2014 19:51

Sorry to hear about your separation and hope that you are in a better headspace soon.

Books that I enjoy for a bit of light relief:

Wise Children by Angela Carter. Little bit of the magical realism that she is known for but really it's a very engaging romp with good strong likeable characters that moves at a cracking pace.

The Collector Collector by Tibor Fischer - life, the universe and everything as seen through the eyes of a precious pot. Yes, it's the kind of creative writing exercise that bored you to tears at school, but here it's done by a master who whips in a breathtaking amount of scenes and people, all done with a wit that made me if not laugh out loud then at least chuckle, even when I was sitting on my own with it.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt - kind of like being let into the coolest clique that existed at your 6th form/uni group.

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde - genuinely funny with lots of in-jokes about literature which if you have even a passing knowledge of the 'classics' will make you laugh and nod and feel like a genius for getting.

PeteCampbellsRecedingHairline · 17/04/2014 19:49

I've just finished The Innocents. Really enjoyed it.

Waswondering · 17/04/2014 19:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Kleptronic · 17/04/2014 19:47

Terry Pratchett is my chick lit. He just loves humans.

Original poster
avocadogreen · 17/04/2014 19:42

Some good suggestions- I love Tales of the city, actually maybe I will reread them. In fact wasn't there another sequel recently...?

I have read Room, I really enjoyed that. Before I Go To Sleep sounds popular, I will have a look. Thanks!

OP posts:
ilovenetmums · 17/04/2014 19:38

The goldfinch long but amazing

Foosyerdoos · 17/04/2014 19:36

Tales of the City books by Armistead Maupin. The chapters are short and the characters are very engaging.

Wishfulmakeupping · 17/04/2014 19:35

Yy to Room great book.
I liked before I go to sleep but the ending was a but disappointing.
Read 'me and emma' and 'this perfect world' recently and they were both fab

Chopsypie · 17/04/2014 19:35

Try the night circus. Little bit of romance but not much and it's a fascinating story, really unusual.

EyelinerQueen · 17/04/2014 19:32

I really wanted to love both Gone Girl and Before I Go to Sleep but found both frustratingly disappointing.

In a similar vein and much much better is Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes.

yesnoyesnoyesno · 17/04/2014 19:30

Room by Emma donoghue

melrose87 · 17/04/2014 19:26

I find celebrity autobiographies/biographies quite good to read and they aren't too strenuous! I enjoyed Cheryl Cole's autobiography - it was an easy read and was quite addictive. Also recently read the book that Amy Winehouse's father wrote about her career, fame and problems. That is quite a sad read for obvious reasons but kept me hooked. Depends who you're interested in really.

I'm reading a book called Before I Go To Sleep by S.J Watson at the moment. Similar to Gone Girl (which I liked) and seems good so far.

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