I haven't read a book in 9 years

[SeeYouWhenISeeYou]

Just chapters of non-fiction books here and there. I'm ready to read a book. I used to devour books, then I had my first DC and all changed. In the last few years I have started books and given up because I just couldn't focus on anything and would end up reading the same page over and over again.

I was wondering if you might like to suggest some titles for me. I don't mind if the titles are old of new. Books I have loved in the past are The Grapes of Wrath, A Prayer for Owen Meany and anything by Amy Tam or Simone de Beauvoir.

I do not enjoy mystery, fantasy, police, action, detectives, horror. I guess I enjoy believable drama where women are the main characters and if there's something to be inspired by, even better.

Anyway, like I said, I'd love to hear some of your recommendations so that I can look them up and get started. Thank you all!

The Spare Room by helen Garner, two female protagonists looking at cancer in completely different ways. Enthralling.

That really sounds good. Great start. Thank you!

The Hunger Games triology. Managed all the books in a weekend. Very good.

'Room' by Emma Donoghue- impossible not to be hooked in by from pg one. A (young adult) female is one of the 2 main heroic characters- who are both so 3 dimentional you'll love them can care about them from the outset. I was literally on the edge of the sofa in the middle section turning page after page so quickly - 'cant put it down' is such an understatement. Have I convinced you?

Room does sound interesting actually.
The Hunger Games though... hmmm... sound a bit too sci-fi for me, or have a got it wrong?

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. Loved it.

Hmm, it is set in the future but that isnt really the focus of the story - the main character Katniss Everdeen goes on an amazing journey.

What about Marian Keyes? I would start with Rachel's Holiday. Not only strong, likable female main characters, but also very funny.

Rachel's Holiday is about drug addiction, and NOT a chick lit holiday romance.

The Observations by Jane Harris. My favourite book last year. An intriguing story told in an engaging narrative voice.

State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. Unusual rainforest setting .. she is an excellent writer and each of her novels is quite original.

The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber. The recent tv adaptation was good, but the book is better.

Will second song of Achilles and also recommend The Help.

Would second Crimson Petal, The Help and Gillespie and I by Jane Harris.

Also: anything by Carol Shields, esp Larry's Party or The Stone Diaries (Canadian author)

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin - young Irish girl emigrates to America in the 50s. Stunning writing.

The Hand That First Held Mine - Maggie O'Farrell

Nemesis by Philip Roth (male char but fantastic book)

Easter Parade by Richard Yates (or any of his but EP is more focussed on female characters)

Really enjoyed Sebastian Faulks' latest: A Possible Life

Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver (or any of hers)

Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Have you read Toni Morrison? I think A Song of Solomon or Paradise are her best and not Beloved.

Could go on forever but based on your previous likes (Steinbeck; Irving) I think the above would all fit the bill.

Thank you everyone! I'm still around and still checking ALL of your the suggestions. Thank you thank you.

Try Alice Munro (superb short stories).

Oh, Pip, A M is my absolute favourite author. Am reading the new collection very slowly!

Just had a few more thoughts:

Notes From an Exhibition by Patrick Gale - or any of his.

History of Love by Nicole Krauss

The Colour or Sacred Country by Rose Tremain