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Original poster

Looking for recommendations that are a step up from chick lit but not too highbrow!

39 replies

VagueButExcitlng · 05/08/2016 15:52

I'm on holiday now. I've read an Anne Tyler book which I loved. I'm now reading Elizabeth is Missing. It's a bit too sobering for my current mood.

Any suggestions? Short and easy but not just a boring predictable rom com!

OP posts:
IloveCheese11 · 05/08/2016 18:08

I like the Maisie Dobbs books by Jaqueline Winspear. Set between the wars with a bit of historical detail but not so much as to get tedious (mostly). The heroine is a female private investigator and it weaves the case she is working on with her personal life. Definitely not chick lit but still light enough for a summer holiday read.

sooperdooper · 05/08/2016 18:04

Anything by Maggie O'Farrell, wonderful characters and great stories but still a pretty easy read :)

EnglishGirlApproximately · 05/08/2016 18:02

Have you read any Douglas Kennedy? I find them a bit more engaging than chick lit but still easy to read. Also, JoJo Moyes is worth a look if you haven't already. I'd class it as chick lit but at the better end.

TaraCarter · 05/08/2016 18:00

I recommend Anne Fine; although she's most famous for her children's books, she has also written extremely good novels for adults. Tight plotting, without being brick-sized reads.

SharingMichelle · 05/08/2016 17:53

Leanne Moriarty really is good. Not sure quite how chic lit is defined, but i find Jodie Picoult asinine, and LM well written and engaging. Perfect beach reading.

For something a bit more thought provoking how about The Past (well constructed but a wee bit dull).

Or The Moon's a balloon? David Niven's autobiography. V funny and interesting.

Or We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves. Really good but i can't say much or I'll spoil it.

fatowl · 05/08/2016 17:47

I recently read The Girl in the Red Coat and How I lost You, neither particularly difficult reads and a decent yarn.
(both about missing children though so I appreciate not for everyone)

LilacInn · 05/08/2016 17:06

The Britt Montero series by Edna Buchanan, if you like mysteries. Set in Miami.

ggirl · 05/08/2016 17:00

jenny eclair , vanilla slices something..is good

Myfanwyprice · 05/08/2016 16:17

I always enjoy Lucinda Riley's books, and liane moriarty is excellent, I have enjoyed all of her books, especially the earlier ones - what Alice forgot and the last anniversary

SirChenjin · 05/08/2016 16:07

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr - absolutely brilliant book.

annandale · 05/08/2016 16:03

Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy Sayers (if you work in an office)

The Lie Tree
I know Maeve Binchy fits in the chicklit arena but if it happens that you haven't read either Light a Penny Candle or Circle of Friends, they are a real treat and proper stories. Not short though.

memyselfandaye · 05/08/2016 16:00

I was in to Lynda La Plant a few years ago

NapQueen · 05/08/2016 15:59

Jodi Picoult books are my recommendation.

MissBattleaxe · 05/08/2016 15:57

line Mortality or Lisa Jewell. Both tell good, meaty stories without being chick lit.