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[quote=Anonymous][quote=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 [i]happens at all[/i] 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... [/quote]

I recently enjoyed The Wedding People so here are my audiobook recommendations:

Just For the Summer by Abby Jimenez (rom com, she has lots of them, I just ignore the ones read by Julia Whelan because I can't stand her voice, and make sure you listen to the ones that are related in the right order)
Going Zero by Anthony McCarten (a group of people try to disappear off the grid to win money - definitely not the same genre as The Wedding People but an easy and entertaining listen)
The Unhoneymooners (this one was a bit more formulaic than normal but still good)
Who Do You Love by Jennifer Weiner (I like everything by her)
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict (different genre, historical fiction, but very good - same with The Paris Wife, which I read decades ago and still remember)
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld (again, or anything by her)
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (not a rom com but I thought it was really good and the narration was great)
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn (more historical fiction, my other favorite by her is The Alice Network) 
Cassandra in Reverse by Holly Smale
The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell (I don't think this was heavy but I wouldn't call it super light either, just an amazing novel with great storytelling)
The Five-Star Weekend (or really anything by Elin Hilderbrand, they're all kind of the same)
Project Hail Mary (I am not a sci fi person but both my husband and I loved this one!)

I love audiobooks (I also read, but since you mentioned audiobooks I figured I'd send those) so let me know which ones you like and I can come up with more![/quote]

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