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Original poster

Fiction recommendations please

57 replies

Beauregard · 07/02/2009 20:55

I am off to the libary on monday.
I dont like anything too heavy going to read as i read to relax so possibly lighthearted fiction.

OP posts:
janeite · 08/02/2009 21:22

I have just read "Flambards" and really enjoyed it. Am now reading "Anne Of Green Gables".

How about "Rebecca" by Daphne Du Maurier - not light but an easy and interesting read. Or something by Neville Shute?

peachface · 08/02/2009 21:20

You want children's fiction? Can't beat The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge!

slayerette · 08/02/2009 21:19

Who defines it as children's fiction??

peachface · 08/02/2009 21:19

Thanks Janeite - I got a bit defensive there! I find it easier to read that sort of thing than the stories about girl meets boy, girls hates boy, girl meets other boy, finds out he's a no good waste of space and then realise she actually loves the first boy after all......

apollo11 · 08/02/2009 21:16

susan howatch is a fantastic writer. i only recently discovered her (in the library) and so have only read 3 of her books. this is no mean feat however! as her books are ginormous!. the ones i read are big, historical family sagas. they're not dead heavy, but they are dead interesting, and exceptionally well written.

highly recommended!

NancysGarden · 08/02/2009 21:15

But it is children's fiction, so there!

NancysGarden · 08/02/2009 21:15

I was reading alice in wonderland last night (as you can tell I am in one of those "don't challenge me" moods) and it was wonderful. So much original poetry. Love it.

(I think it was me that might ahve suggested Binchy is chick-lit, sorry for all Binchy fans out there, no offense).

slayerette · 08/02/2009 21:14

I think Alexander McCall Smith might be a bit fed up to see his work described as children's fiction

janeite · 08/02/2009 21:14

Jasper Fforde "The Eyre Affair" is quite good fun too. Not the best writing ever but if you know "Jane Eyre" and like feisty female characters it might appeal.

Original poster
Beauregard · 08/02/2009 21:12

Thanks so many suggestions.
I have remembered reading some fiction by Joanne Bell(i think)which i enjoyed so hope i can find some more.

Children's fiction i could read if in the right kind of mood.I wouldn't mind revisisting some childhood favourites.The secret 7 or famous 5 would be fun as would Malory Towers.

OP posts:
janeite · 08/02/2009 21:12

No, I know you didn't. Was just warning the op in case she thought it might be!

peachface · 08/02/2009 21:12

Maeve Binchy isn't chick lit! LKatie Fforde, Cecilia Ahern, now that's chick lit! Maeve Binchy writes proper stories!

NancysGarden · 08/02/2009 21:11

Or what's his name...paulo cueohlo (sorry, bad spelling!) not particularly in vogue any more but fairly non-challenging reads

peachface · 08/02/2009 21:09

Didn't say The Road was light or girly or funny but OP requested something not too heavy to read and whilst it's thought provoking, it's not a difficult read!

slayerette · 08/02/2009 21:09

Or Dorothy Komsoom? My Best Friend's Girl; Marshmallows for Breakfast (although I did not like The Chocolate Run!)

There's a whole swathe of Irish chick-lit - have a look at Patricia Scanlan, for example. I also love Emily Barr - you must try her.

janeite · 08/02/2009 21:08

Oh yes to the "Ladies' Detective" series - they are lovely, feel good, funny and gratifying books but well-written and Precious, the heroine, is far removed from the silly women in chick-lit.

NancysGarden · 08/02/2009 21:07

What about reading children's fiction? If I can't face anything too dense but would not, could not read Maeve Binchy or any chic lit of any description, I turn to children's fiction: No.1 ladies detective agency series, Fly by night, boy in the striped pajamas, curious incident of the dog in the night etc.

janeite · 08/02/2009 21:06

"The Road" is deffo not light, funny or girly!

How about "Pride And Prejudice"? Girly, romantic and funny.

"The Historian is superb" but again it's neither light nor funny.

Sorry, I don't do chick lit, so can't help there.

Evelyn Waugh?

peachface · 08/02/2009 21:05

Just reading Lipstick Jungle at the moment by Candice Bushnell and that's a good light read...

peachface · 08/02/2009 21:04

I was the same and that's when I discovered Maeve Binchy - it's so easy to read and gets you enthralled from the start.

slayerette · 08/02/2009 21:04

How about the Housewife series?

Original poster
Beauregard · 08/02/2009 21:02

I used to read a lot of thriller and horror stuff but since having the dd's i have just taken up reading again and am so knackered at night that i just need something very light to read.

OP posts:
peachface · 08/02/2009 21:01

Maeve Binchy without a doubt - and she's written so much you'll be back to the library for more!
The Road by Cormack McCarthy is also a fantastic read.
Agree with davidbowiescodpiece that PGWodehouse is also great - esp Mating Season

LightShinesInTheDarkness · 08/02/2009 21:00

You might like Tony Parsons, Allison Pearson (I don't Know How She Does It)

MrsPurple · 08/02/2009 21:00

try anything by Jane Green or Mike Gayle

Both really funny