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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:
LucyEllensmummy · 07/02/2009 21:00

I loved "the historian" by kristina Kostova - its not really lighthearted, defo not chick lit. Its a bit like the da vinci code, but much better written. It has romance, self discovery, beautiful countries - and of course VAMPIRES!

Will watch this thread with interest for other suggestions - im on a reading block just now, been stuck in victorian novels for a while, need something more cheerful, but i can't do chick lit.

davidbowiescodpiece · 07/02/2009 21:00

I like Jennifer Weiner and Liza Palmer when I want something lighthearted and throwaway. I read Little Earthquakes and Conversations with the Fat Girl when I was stuck in hospital recently.

babyOcho · 07/02/2009 21:01

Watching with interest as well.

davidbowiescodpiece · 07/02/2009 21:01

Or some PG Wodehouse if that floats your boat

Beauregard · 08/02/2009 00:55

Thanks
keep them coming

OP posts:
LightShinesInTheDarkness · 08/02/2009 01:05

Give us a few more clues - do you like funny, thriller, crime, family sagas ...

Beauregard · 08/02/2009 20:52

I like funny,girly,family kind of stuff.Not keen on crime tbh.

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MrsPurple · 08/02/2009 21:00

try anything by Jane Green or Mike Gayle

Both really funny

LightShinesInTheDarkness · 08/02/2009 21:00

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

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

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.

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slayerette · 08/02/2009 21:04

How about the Housewife series?

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.

peachface · 08/02/2009 21:05

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

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?

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 21:08

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.

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.

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!

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 21:12

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

janeite · 08/02/2009 21:12

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

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 21:14

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.

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