'Light' reading that's not absolute crap?

[HamblesHandbag]

I have a short attention span at the moment - too much to think about. I could do with some 'easy' reading but I can't do chick lit or even anything with that kind of cover.

Can you recommend me something lighthearted, gripping, interesting or fun?

Things I've read recently that fit the bill were Adrian Mole's diary, a Christopher Brookmyre novel, How to Be a Woman and surprisingly, Nothing To Envy (factual about North Korea, but accessible and fascinating). Currently reading McCarthy's Bar which is on the right lines.

I have ditched a lot of novels recently including, Room (a marmite book that I hated), Eat, Pray, Love (enjoyed the Eat section!) and The Help (which just didn't grab me).

No misery stuff or graphic murders - I'm pregnant and hormonal!

I'd really appreciate recommendations that I would never have thought of.

TIA

When I want an easy read I usually turn to No1 Ladies Detective Agency. Alexander McCall Smith's Corduroy Mansions are a lovely read too.

Have you read Me Before You by JoJo Moyes?

Just finished Jon Ronson's 'The Psychopath Test' and found it really funny and interesting.

Rachel Hore's novels are good light reads. And anything by Barbara Trapido or Anne Tyler.

I like Tracey Chevalier's books a lot. Historical settings, fiction based on real people, things or events. The only one I did not get on with was called The Lion and The Unicorn - never have managed to finish it, which is odd as I have read, loved and re-read (very rare for me!) all the rest. Start with Girl with a Pearl Earring or Remarkable Creatures. MPD

Maybe not The Virgin Blue, though, for the previously-mentioned hormonally-challenged reasons.

Vile Bodies Evelyn Waugh

or anything by EF Benson (Mapp and Lucia etc)

Sorry, yes...steer clear of this one! Not read it for a long time.

As you were...

In the Mink by Anne Scott James. Hilarious fictionalised account of her time in the fashion industry in the 30s and 40s. Not at all chick-lit.

If you've got a kindle or a kindle app this is a good short story and it's based on antenatal classes .

See this thread:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/adult_fiction/1410994-I-would-recommend-this-book-to-anyone

Worth a try.

\link{http://www.amazon.co.uk/Learning-Swim-Clare-Chambers/dp/0099277638/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330543390&sr=1-5\Clare Chambers} is wonderful - intelligent writing, excellent plots, nice characters & often very very funny (& not chick-lit at all)

yes yes to Clare Chambers - I love her writing. She's very good on family dynamics and is properly witty.

I will buy me some Clare Chambers. Thanks .

I need to stop lurking around adult fiction, it's getting expensive.

I'd suggest the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde - very funny, very literary and a very easy but rewarding read.

If you like modern women's fiction, I would recommend anything by JoJo Moyes. Not chick-lit, but stories about modern women and their lives. Very easy to read, but well-written and you really care about the characters.

Mavis Cheek novels are fantastic - intelligent, witty, feminist but not worthy iyswim. V. easy to read and very funny.

India Knight - funny, easy page turners.

Eva Rice - The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets. I loved this book.

My favourite ever feel good easy read is Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day by Winifred Watson. I love it.

oooh yes, I'd forgotten Mavis Cheek - thanks, Celia (I have loads of hers but they are in a box waiting for me to sort out new bookshelves)

Second Pratchett and Jasper Fforde. Also try James Hamilton Paterson "Cooking with Fernet Branca".