Great *plot-driven* comfort reads/ listens

[Anonymous]

Okay, here's the dilemma: The world is burning, I am holding on with my (pinky) fingernails, and I can't handle anything beyond "comfort" or escapist books. But. So often nothing really happens at all in the stories in this genre. They're, uh, boring, which is exactly what is unhelpful in these times.

Do folks have any good recs for "comfort" reads that at the same time are well-written and diverting? I guess I would define this as plot-driven stories, with good character development, but with a (relatively) happy ending (e.g. no horrific abuse or children in peril, etc.) In fantasy/sci-fi, I'd include T. Kingfisher books and the City of Brass series (S. A Chakraborty) in this category. In contemporary fiction, my recent recs would include Wedding People and Where'd You Go, Bernadette. I am happy with any genre, and am eyeing the "cozy mystery" genre--but am not especially intrigued by basic procedurals, so do not know where to start? (Something witty, well-written, and character-driven?)

Help, DCUM! Bonus points for good audiobooks (I still need to fold laundry as our civil rights are stripped!) I am more than happy to add my recs as I find them...

[Anonymous]

I don’t generally listen to audiobooks, so I can’t comment on that, but I think you might enjoy these stories:

I think you’d like the Mrs. Pollifax series by Dorothy Gilman. Written during the Cold War, they’re about a grandmother who decides she wants more excitement in her life, so she goes to the CIA and volunteers as a spy.

For humor, I love these romcoms:

I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella

First Lady by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

[Anonymous]

I have a good one-The Murder at Gulls’ Nest by Jess Kidd. Her first mystery, I believe. It’s well written and a solid mystery. And if you like audiobooks the narrator is Sister Michael from Derry Girls and she’s excellent.

[Anonymous]

Conviction by Denise Mina-great mystery-super engrossing and well written. The audiobook is terrific-I did all kinds of extra chores so I could keep listening.

[Anonymous]

Thursday Murder Club
Remarkably Bright Creatures

[Anonymous]

If you like cozy mysteries, what about Louise Penny?

[Anonymous]

Also what about young adult lit? Like, Anne of Green Gables type books.

[Anonymous]

Yes, Thursday Murder Club definitely fits the bill. He also has a new series and the first one is We Solve Murders-good mystery and sort of wryly funny.

[Anonymous]

I’m listening to Margot’s got money troubles. It’s quirky and fun.

I also like memoirs. Tina Fey’s was fun.

[Anonymous]

Five Star Weekend was a good audiobook and comfort read. Good plot.

[Anonymous]

If you are ok with sci fi then Becky Chambers— start with a long way to a strange angry planet

[Anonymous]

If you don’t mind a wordy and charmingly nerdy protagonist Thus Was Adonis Murdered (and the other three books in the series) was so, so good and also hilarious.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thursday Murder Club
Remarkably Bright Creatures

I was going to suggest these. Plus Tom Lake -- it's a warm hug of a novel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thursday Murder Club
Remarkably Bright Creatures

+1 to both of these

[Anonymous]

Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley