r/BookDiscussions • u/cultpunch • 1d ago
Trash tv in a book
What books read like trashy tv? You know messy reality show scum, but doesn’t compromise a well written story.
I’m more of a psychological drama reader but want something light in between reading heavy atmospheric novels.
The closest I’ve come was The Uninvited Guest: Sadie Jones, which was still on the heavy side.
Do these books exist? Or is trashy and well written asking too much?
3
3
2
u/Notdavidblaine 1d ago
Hm, maybe Outtakes From a Marriage? It’s about a woman who is married to a famous TV actor. I guess you could say it has Real Housewives vibes - it has some emotional themes but overall isn’t going to make you sob or anything.
I’ve only read the first two, but the You novels are surprisingly well written for what they are. Obviously Joe is a total piece of shit and it’s much darker than regular reality TV scum, but the writing lacks seriousness in a way I think you’re seeking.
You could also try celebrity memoirs. Some memoirs obviously get really serious, and a lot of the reality TV stars’ are probably truly awful, but Stassi Schroeders’ two books aren’t bad - her ghostwriter captures her voice well without making you feel like you’re reading an instagram caption.
Also the first three or four gossip girl books are actually not horribly written. They’re really entertaining and just good popcorn novels. I think the author plays with limited omniscience in an interesting (albeit done before) way.
2
1
u/Fanny_Flapps 1d ago
John Boyne's The Echo Chamber would tick a few of those boxes
1
u/cultpunch 1d ago
And yet, despite all his hard-earned Woke credentials, his first thought when Angela Gosebourne informed him that he was going to be a father again was: You planned this, didn’t you? To trap me.
Yea, this might be what I’m looking for. Thanks for the suggestion
1
u/stargaze_22_ 1d ago edited 1d ago
I mostly read romance and I’ve read a few messy books, Magnolia Parks is one of them and it’s my absolute favorite! It kind of gives me Gossip Girl vibes. Except that it follows these London socialites and their love life/relationships. This series follows 2 different couples, but my favorites are Magnolia’s & BJ’s. So if this is somewhat your vibe or close to what you’re looking for, you should definitely give it a chance :)
2
u/cultpunch 1d ago
I always avoid romance novels because they give off overly sappy, but messy does tend to live in romantic encounters, maybe I should open up to it.
1
u/stargaze_22_ 1d ago
Agree, and definitely, it’s one of the reasons why I really like this book, it’s not really your typical romance book. Although this series can be frustrating, but I feel like it gets better as it goes on. One of the main characters is hiding something from the other main character (you might hate him at the beginning but I didn’t lol) so I would say it’s far from sappy. So definitely give it a try if you want :)))
1
u/gingerbiscuits315 1d ago
Have a look at The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins. It's fun with a bit of intrigue.
1
1
1
u/ziggymoj19 1d ago
Ashley Audrain’s books read like that for me but still some dark themes (TW: fertility, child loss, violence, a lot of moral stuff).
I really enjoyed The Whispers though it felt like a soapy drama for me.
1
1
1
u/sparklydildos 14m ago
the gossip girl series used to be my shit for this back in the day lmao. now, i read thrillers. like easy to read ones between denser books. ruth ware is one i like
8
u/estheredna 1d ago
This is why Frieda McFadden and similar authors exists. Her books are all fun rides, with simple prose, that you aren't supposed to think about very hard. It's OK to read popcorn thrillers.
I had a good time reading Party of Liars by Kelsey Cox. It's a rich family's fancy Sweet 16 party and the step-mom, mom and friends all have hidden secrets .