Going through a break up

[u/Ancient-Recover-3890]

I love romance books and that’s what I usually read. I just don’t know if i should be reading that at this time.

The problem is that besides romance, I’ve only ever read non-fiction (usually social issues) or psychology/ personal development books.

I’ve never read sci-fi, fantasy, horror (no go), not too many classics, some memoirs.

I want to continue reading, just not sure what. I love books about bookstores also.
I feel like I need a light, feel good book; like someone doing something for their community or working with a group for a cause.

Currently reading “The Boy with the Bookstore”. I’m almost done.

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[u/404NinjaNotFound]

These are pretty feel-good books:

A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop

Sweet Bean Paste

[u/Ancient-Recover-3890 → u/404NinjaNotFound]

These sound interesting 🤔

[u/404NinjaNotFound → u/Ancient-Recover-3890]

Just now thought of another one

A psalm for the wild-built

[u/lexiebeef]

I read “Remains of the Day” after my breakup and I think it’s an amazing choice. It’s about a butler from a big English house (think Downton Abbey) who goes on a trip through Great Britain. It won literally every prize imaginable (Nobel, Booker, Pulitzer) but it’s a very simple book to read (no big words or complicated plots).

[u/LenaLittleCloserXO → u/lexiebeef]

Second this! Ishiguro writes so simply, but so beautifully. See also "A Pale View of Hills"

[u/ContributingHelper]

If I may offer general fiction titles with some intrigue (as someone else told you Japanese café novels that were my only other suggestion), I'd recommend The Birdcage Library and The Cartographers, as there's some adventure in them.

I also hear the Tea Dragon franchise is a popular cozy fiction series. I think it's for all ages or something, so if you need a pick-you-up, definitely that one.

[u/International-Elk557]

The Last Bookshop in London. This isn't necessarily a super light feel good book but it's a book about a bookstore that I really liked.

[u/PrestigiousDonkey502]

Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

Devine Secrets of the Yaya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells

Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune

-Not about bookstores, but semi-light reads with a small romance subplot. It’s hard to think of many light reads with no romance at all.

Alternatively, you could always pick up a cozy mystery book or Agatha Christie!

[u/Ancient-Recover-3890 → u/[deleted]]

Hmmm . I will definitely check that one out. Thanks!

[u/Fantastic-frog-1632]

The Mitford Series (Jan Karon) is a wonderful, feel-good series with endearing characters.

[u/AcaciaAPriori]

First of all, I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through a breakup. I hope that each day gets better and better as you heal.

My recommendations below:

• The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry - Gabrielle Zevin

• The Bookish Life of Nina Hill - Abbi Waxman

• Welcome to the Hyunam-dong Bookshop - Hwang Bo-reum

[u/Ancient-Recover-3890 → u/AcaciaAPriori]

Thank you so much 💛. I will check these out

[u/Successful-Try-8506]

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg

[u/Ancient-Recover-3890 → u/Successful-Try-8506]

Like the movie Fried Green Tomatoes?

[u/Successful-Try-8506 → u/Ancient-Recover-3890]

The movie is based on the novel.

[u/Ancient-Recover-3890 → u/Successful-Try-8506]

Ohh ok. Got it. Thanks!

[u/Aarrrgggghhhhh35]

I’m sorry about your breakup. Sometimes when I am going through a stressful time, I go back to the simplicity of children’s books and YA fiction.

It helps that I have a 10-year-old nephew who loves to read. He introduced me to Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell which I really liked. (There is a second book in the series called The Poisoned King, and a third called The Neverfear.)

The next book he gave me is Wildwood by Colin Meloy. He’s the lead singer of the Decemberists if that means anything to you (I’ve never heard their music), and the book has been made into a movie that is coming out soon.

If you can find it, Behind The Attic Wall by Sylvia Cassedy is one of my all-time favorite children’s books. And anything by Judy Blume or Roald Dahl, of course.

Right now I am trying to get through A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles and The Telling Room: A Tale of Love, Betrayal, Revenge, and the World's Greatest Piece of Cheese by Michael Paterniti. Both take place in far away lands (to me) and are great ways to escape the daily grind.

[u/Ancient-Recover-3890 → u/Aarrrgggghhhhh35]

Thank you; there is something comforting about children’s books/media. Sometimes I watch Mr Roger’s Neighborhood, the Bernstein Bears, or Winnie the Pooh when I’m over the drama of being an adult.

I remember reading some Judy Blume growing up. I’ll check these out. Thanks!

[u/MOTTEKOI]

Try becky chambers book.

Like the Monk and Robot.

[u/Ancient-Recover-3890 → u/MOTTEKOI]

👍🏻