Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
What we're reading

Find your new favourite book or recommend one on our Book forum.

Original poster

Light but heavy reads?

112 replies

SheShines · 07/08/2021 23:03

My reading tastes are very mixed. However, I'm after something light, with a plot, possibly thought provoking, without being vacuous.
This is a tougher ask than it sounds!

Side bar -^^ why is it that Marian Keyes writes a novel and it is chick-lit, whereas David Nicholls novels are simply fiction?

The sort of thing I have enjoyed:
This Charming Man - Marian Keyes
Sweet Sorrow - David Nicholls
Can You Keep A Secret - Sophie Kinsella
The Cows - Dawn O Porter
A Long Way Down - Nick Hornby
The Commitments - Roddy Doyle
Big Little Lies - Liane Moriarty
Just My Luck - Adele Parks

There are lots more, but I'm after lighter reads with an edge.

Not what I'm after:
Bridget Jones
Anything Shopaholic

Warning - I have a Masters in Lit, so I have read a lot of the classics. My average is 200 books a year, though I don't usually read light books so maybe not as difficult as it sounds?

OP posts:
AliasGrape · 08/08/2021 10:25

Johnathan Harvey would fit the bill, I really enjoy his books.

beccy11 · 08/08/2021 00:27

Liane Moriarty or Kristen Hannah
Lucy Clarke as a bit of a wild card

Original poster
SheShines · 08/08/2021 00:20

Thank you for your suggestions.

I haven't read The Sight Of You, I'll give it a look.

I have read a few Jodi Picoult in the past, I'll go back through my lists and books to see which ones I haven't read and give them a go.

Ditto Diane Chamberlain again, I'll take a look.

Celeste Ng - I have read the two that I know of, if she has written others I'll read them.

Mhairi McFarlane - I haven't read the most recent one, that will be first on my tbr list.

Cariad I have a personal embargo on Lionel Shriver Smile I've tried, I really have & I have read some of your list, I'll take a look at the others.

I have read all of the adult every Roddy Doyle books, I'm a proper fan.

The Hearts Invisible Furies was so good that I bought the audiobook too.

Yes! I read Beyond Black when it first came out, I remember liking it.

Are there any other novels set in recent times that anyone recommends?

OP posts:
LuluJakey1 · 07/08/2021 23:46

Definitely Hilary Mantel 'Beyond Black'

MissM2912 · 07/08/2021 23:45

The Hearts Invisible Furies- John Boyne. Had me laughing so hard one page and sobbing on the next. Really fantastic

Mrs08 · 07/08/2021 23:43

If you liked the commitments then I think you'd like the van trilogy

Very funny but with pathos too

I'm a massive fan of Wodehouse for light humor

cariadlet · 07/08/2021 23:41

Barbara Kingsolver - the poisonwood bible

Lionel Shriver - so much for that

Hannah Tinti - the good thief

Robert Goolrick - a reliable wife

Geraldine Brooks - year of Wonders

Hillary Jordan - mudbound

Joseph O'Connor - star of the sea

William Boyd - restless

Kate Atkinson - any of her books

Michael Frayn - spies

Nathan Filer - the shock of the fall

Richard Hughes - a high wind in Jamaica

Hilary Mantel - beyond black

NEE1302 · 07/08/2021 23:37

Try Mhairi McFarlane for 'chic lit' with an edge

Indiaplain · 07/08/2021 23:35

Lisa Jewell? I'm reading Invisible Girl atm and it is enjoyably gripping.
Writers and Lovers by Lily King is another recent read I liked.
If you haven't read Grown Ups by MK yet then I would recommend it.

TolpuddleFarter · 07/08/2021 23:21

How about one of Celeste Ng's books?

beccy11 · 07/08/2021 23:16

Have you read much Jodi Picoult? I've enjoyed a few of her books recently.
Diane Chamberlain might also fill your requirements
I'm a massive reader so there's not much I've not tried not a huge sci fi fan though (university reading lists destroyed that)

beccy11 · 07/08/2021 23:10

I have literally just finished Holly Millers The sight of you- amazing read