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Need addictive, funny speculative fiction (SF, fantasy, supernatural, horror, etc)for 2 weeks of doing nothing
I'll be having surgery the week before Thanksgiving and will need to basically lay about and rest for two weeks, so naturally I want to line up some truly excellent SF to read. Strong preference for humor and interesting settings. What I don't want is enemies to lovers romantasy (unless it is hilarious sapphic romance in an interesting setting like "How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying" which I loved), books that make you stare at the wall in despair when you've finished or anything that is basically a downer. I can and do read books that would fit into all of those excluded categories - I just don't want them for this specific time frame.
Books that I have read and really enjoy (and find hilarious or at least funny enough and SF enough) include Veal, Gideon the 9th, the Dark Lord duology, most everything by T. Kingfisher, the Zoey Ashe series (reading right now, loving all day long), The Wayfarer series and the Monk and Robot series, and Murderbot (all of them). I'm sure there are other funny SF books that I've read but cannot remember right now.
I've also read a lot of Adrian Tchaikovsky, John Scalzi, and most Hugo award winners from the 80's and 90's. I truly, seriously dislike Grady Hendrix (so much promise, so much disappointment). I'm not averse to gore but please no gratuitous SA or unnecessary animal violence.
A quick summary or even an interesting line from the book helps so much my friends, and is truly appreciated. For example, for Gideon the 9th, I read someone describe it as "Teenage lesbian necromancers in space."
Heck. Yeah. (trying to be mindful of language)
\-And in exchange for your time and thoughtfulness, if you would like me to blurb any of the books I've listed, I will happily do so.
https://redd.it/1xgawi6
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Help a tired mom get to 25 books this year.
Hello! I am a lit fic/classics fan (but will read most anything recommended to me) who became a mom at the end of last year and dropped WAY down in my reading totals for 2026 (usually at 50-60 books/year, this year, sadly, sitting at 18. Boo.) I’m trying to use naptime to read as much as possible and really just need some books to finish out the year and feel like I’ve accomplished something NOT motherhood related.
Here’s what I’m thinking I’m looking for:
1. Something with genuinely good writing. I’m not a fan of “easy readers” (Kristin Hannah, Colleen Hoover etc are NOT my vibe). I appreciate beautiful literature.
2. Something classic- or classic-adjacent. I just finished The Count of Monte Cristo, and very much enjoyed it. It doesn’t have to be old, though- I want a great plot.
3. Something that’s NOT 5829285 pages long. Love me some Dumas, trying to get through Stephen King, but man, I just need some books that won’t require a month of naps to get through.
Some books I’ve read recently and enjoyed:
The Count of Monte Cristo
Shutter Island
A Woman is No Man
Holler Rat
Far from the Madding Crowd
The Lincoln Highway
I Know This Much is True
A Suitable Boy
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Lonesome Dove
As you can see, I’ve really enjoyed some LONG novels. But I need to get some new ideas that aren’t as much of a time investment and are just easier, enjoyable reads.
Thank you for any thoughts or suggestions!
https://redd.it/1xg5kd9
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Looking for something like John Wick
I've seen plenty of people recommend excellent action novels, like The Gray Man, or Bourne, or Reacher, but nothing seems to have that sort of glamorized, fantastical, criminal underworld. With the traditions and rituals, and fancy clothes, and gold coins in the modern world, and all that stuff. Does such a novel exist? I'm just looking for something to scratch that same itch. Action novels are all well and good, but I'm wondering if I shouldn't search for something more in a criminal noir sort of genre?
https://redd.it/1xg35n7
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books where nothing really happens but you're still completely invested?
I just finished reading something super slow and quiet and honestly it was the most engaging thing I've read in months. There's no big plot twist or action sequences, just like... people existing and thinking about stuff. Does anyone have recommendations that hit that same vibe? I'm tired of forcing myself through books with constant drama.
https://redd.it/1xfykav
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Women in nature
The crispy fall air has finally come and me and my family are outside more. We’ve hiked this week, visited local parks, picked up trash along the beach.
I’d love some reccomendations for real stories of women hikers/climbers, women in conservation, anything environmental as the main focus of the woman’s life or book.
I hope this makes sense. I can try to clarify more if it doesn’t.
https://redd.it/1xfxzje
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Ensemble Cast
I want something where a group of people are trapped and/or lost. And Something like people all invited to dinner, a party or escape room.
Something long and clever. Maybe told from the POV of different characters.
https://redd.it/1xfvhw2
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Horror books set for all 12 months of the year
I'm trying to find horror books for all twelve months for next year that take place in every month of the year. So far I have November but can't think of any other ones. I'd like them to be at the start of the month and mostly take place within that month. Any suggestions would be great.
For November I have Daphne du Maurier's Jamaica Inn that I will be reading.
https://redd.it/1xfrt5b
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are there any british indian mlm books out there?
i just want to see myself in a book lol but i cant seem to find anything out there.
https://redd.it/1xfqllu
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Looking for books about werewolves?
Pretty much what it says in the title I've been looking for books with a focus on werewolf characters, prefferably with some interesting pack dynamics like the werewolves are explicitly Not human like they have a different culture/different morality that humans because they aren't human. I would prefer without romance but it wouldn't be a deal breaker. Thank you for any recs in advance.
https://redd.it/1xfndgk
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Bird Novel
Hi friends! I am looking for suggestions for my book club. We are a birding group on the Oregon Coast. Aged 45-80, all genders and very active chapter. I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions for novels specifically on PNW birds? Anything is appreciated!
https://redd.it/1xfmuts
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I want an older MC POV
Hello friends! I’m looking for new book recs. Preferably a finished or close to finished series or really good one off. I really love when a MC is older(can really be anything over 21, I just don’t want a teen POV). I mostly listen to audio books on Libby and Audible. I like fiction mostly, I’m not too locked in to one genre, but I do read a lot of fantasy/romantasy. I like magic, deep lore, magical creatures, vampires, mermaids, elves/fae, dystopian/utopian etc. I have read a few books outside of those genres and really enjoyed them. Most of the books I enjoyed as a teen/young adult were Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Across the Universe, Divergent, Shiver/Linger/Forever, Raven Boys, Scorpio Races, Twilight, Shadowhunters, Uglies, things like that.
Books I’ve read over the last year or so:
ACOTAR
TOG
CC
Dark Places
Jurassic Park series
Handmaids Tale
Fourth Wing series
Red Queen series
Midnight Library
Project Hail Mary
Bridgerton Series
How to Stop Time
LOTR (many rereads ❤️)
The Hobbit
The Witcher Series (one of my favs)
The Serpent and Wings of Night (planning to reread/finish the series)
Rogue Ethereal series
Discovery of Witches series
The Art of Racing in the Rain
And some more that I didn’t enjoy so much. Hopefully this is enough to get an idea of what I like to read 😅😅 also, I’m on mobile so apologies for any formatting issues
https://redd.it/1xfkk9v
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Is it possible to romanticize Nebraska in a book
Hi! I've lived in Nebraska for several years, originally from Vermont. It looks like I'll be in Nebraska for a while and I'm having trouble connecting emotionally with the place where I live. So, I'm searching for books set in Nebraska (or maybe just this general region) that convey a sense of love for the land or the area, or which are really good books.
Favorite genres, though I'm willing to go outside these:
Fantasy
Horror
Memoir
Historical fiction
Thanks in advance!
https://redd.it/1xfha00
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Russian oligarchs
Hello, I’d like to learn more about Russian oligarchs. Specifically, I’m interested in learning more about how individuals made tons of money off of the collapse of the USSR. Seems like of one those subjects that everyone knows the basics of (aka buy up state-owned assets for pennies on the dollar), but I don’t truly understand how exactly these guys did it. Were these business opportunities purely relationship-driven? I’m especially interested in learning about the careers of people who weren’t high up in the USSR government but became oligarchs anyways (if there are such people). I’d be interested in learning about specific individuals, or more broadly strategies/themes that dominated this era of business in the Soviet Union. For background, I’m an American and we never really learned about the USSR in school. Now you just see these dudes on billionaire lists and yacht magazines but I don’t really feel like I have a good grasp on exactly how they did it, and simple answers like “crime” or “corruption” don’t fully satisfy me as a complete answer. Thanks in advance!
https://redd.it/1xfegmc
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Looking for a book with “divorced or middle aged woman enters her unhinged reinvention era” energy
Next months book club’s theme is “read like a divorcee” with the description: Messy? Yes. Empowering? Absolutely. November is for midlife reinvention, post-breakup chaos, female rage, self-discovery, and the glorious glow-up that happens when someone finally walks away.
You all always have the best suggestions!
https://redd.it/1xfaci4
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Books about abortion either fictional or non-fiction
I’m putting a trigger warning as I guess abortion might be a trigger for some people.
I’m looking for a book that deals with abortions. Either fiction or non-fiction. But I’m looking for pro-choice stories, I’m not interested in the other side of the debate. I want to learn more about people’s experiences of having an abortion so whether that’s a fictional story where the main character has an abortion or non-fiction, I don’t mind. I don’t want it to frame abortion in a negative light it’s okay if it’s showing the harsh realities - abortion is a difficult thing - but I don’t want the tone to be anti-abortion. I hope that makes sense.
https://redd.it/1xf88vu
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Something wrong in a small American town, possibly supernatural
Can anyone recommend me a book set in a small american town, where something is off, slightly supernatural, slightly spooky vibes?
https://redd.it/1xg5whb
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Books that give you the catharsis of MAGA realizing they're wrong
I know it's self-serving and indulgent, idc. Since most of MAGA will likely never realize it, I'd love to read something that would at least give me the feeling I would get if they did. Like if the full Epstein files were released, for example.
I tried Disgrace by JM Coetzee and it didn't work for me at all because David never admitted that he was wrong. I've ordered Crisis by Karin Boye and hoping that scratches the itch, but would love more recs in case it doesn't deliver.
Thanks in advance 🙏🏻
https://redd.it/1xg5cfy
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book recs for someone who hasn’t finished a book since early high school & doesn’t know what she likes anymore.
I used to read a lot of series in middle/high school. I remember reading one about fairies, that vampire one with the smiley faces, just random fantasy novels. The books I own now are all spiritual or references. Cook books, herbalism books, general witchy diy fun stuff, astrology and dream books. But those aren’t really “reading” books.
This is super random, but I started the first book in the Welcome To Tyler series (first one is by Nancy Martin, it was published in 1992) because it was in a surprise book box I bought. It’s technically a romance, and I wouldn’t say I’m terribly into romance but this one has been interesting because it’s not too sappy. If I like it I might buy the rest of the series because I doubt it’s in libraries anymore, but I did not intend on starting a series.
I’m also VERY interested in reading The Mad Wife by Meagan Church but it’s got like 10 people in front of me on hold from the local library, so I guess it’s super popular right now.
My TV watching preferences are specific, I don’t watch a lot of TV. Brooklyn 99 and Scream Queens are 2 shows I’m watching currently. When it comes to anime I much prefer demon/creature animes but nothing that takes itself too serious. I liked Ouran High School Host Club too, because of how silly and dramatic it was, but I’m not that interested in reading mangas quite yet.
I’m 26F, a new mom with not a lot of time, but trying to reduce my screen time. I like the short books because it feels like I’m making a big dent even if I only get 30 minutes a day, but I don’t mind a longer read.
I just got my library card for the first time since middle school, so I do intend on just going to the library and looking around, but given the context of this post & the small summary of my likes/dislikes I provided, are there any recs that anyone would give to me to look at specifically before rummaging around the library?
Thank you!! 🩷
https://redd.it/1xg1kvb
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Books to inspire courage
I’ve been reading Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard, and find myself admiring so much the man, James Garfield. In times like these how I wish we had someone of this man’s ilk leading the country. What other books would you recommend (from any genre) that feature a historical or fictional character that inspires you to be a better person?
https://redd.it/1xfydls
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suggestions for broken older man
Hi all! TW ‼️
My mentally unwell Dad refuses to talk to anyone or get help but he loves to read so I thought a book might be a nice way to extend my olive branch out to him.
He is 66, very obviously undiagnosed neurodivergence and possible bipolar. He had a traumatic upbringing (possible SA) that he doesn’t reveal anything about. He is separating from my mum as his mental health has destroyed their marriage. He feels like a failure of a man, a dad, a husband, a person. He isolates himself, gets very angry and is skeptical about the whole idea of ‘mental illness’ and doesn’t want to change. I don’t want him to change who he is, I want him to change his mindset. His depressive episodes have become a lot worse in recent years and I am truly worried about what he might do.
Can anyone recommend a non fiction, physical book that focuses on older men’s mental health/neurodivergence/breakdowns/how to understand himself/trauma/validates his masculinity. It needs to be non patronising, straightforward and realistic. Nothing about how neurodivergence is a ‘superpower’, or makes him feel more alienated than he already does. Something more suited to a blue collar, working class older man with lots of anger. He isn’t very academic but still loves to read so the language needs to be easy to comprehend otherwise he won’t read it, no medical jargon or scholarly terms.
Anything that will make him feel like he still has a purpose in society, is valued as a man, and that he isn’t alone. And just how to understand himself and be kinder to himself
Sorry if this is confusing I’m not even really sure what I’m looking for myself but thank you in advance x
https://redd.it/1xfuswg
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Trying reading again at 25 — looking for books based on the stories I adore
I’m a 25-year-old guy who has always struggled with reading but always had an itch to be a reader. I’ve picked it up so many times hoping to stay consistent, so I’d love some books that make me want to keep reading.
Books I’ve already read: all of LOTR (something dear to me and my mum), The Catcher in the Rye, All About Love by bell hooks, Paper Towns, Looking for Alaska (a personal fave as a teen), Normal People and The Bell Jar.
I also love graphic novels/comics: Watchmen, Sandman, The Crow and Scott Pilgrim.
To give you an understanding of what I’m hoping to find:
Good Will Hunting: an absolute fave. The relationship and breakthrough story meant so much to child me and still does. I’m a VERY emotional man, especially with mentor/parental figure stories.
The OC, One Tree Hill and the Before trilogy: a big lover of that romance-infused style. Connecting with people, platonically or romantically, feels like a lot of the heartbeat of life. Seth Cohen probably accounts for a lot of my sarcasm.
Skins, Shameless, The Florida Project and Stand by Me: messy coming-of-age stories, kids from rough starts, that childlike sense of adventure, and worlds that feel deeply human.
The Worst Person in the World and Eternal Sunshine: flawed people struggling and living their lives, with emotional depth.
Mr Robot and Ready Player One: the techy side of things, alternate realities, and stories that make us look at society or mental health. I’m a massive gamer who grew up playing World of Warcraft, and I love a futuristic dystopia with class imbalance.
The Social Network: adore the fast-paced dialogue and iconic lines. Also love the humour and alternative feel of Scott Pilgrim, Empire Records and Almost Famous.
Philosophy and psychology are massive interests too. I’ve been feeling a little lost at 25, like I’ve been left behind by peers, so I’d also appreciate accessible nonfiction around that.
What books would you suggest based on any of these? Fiction, graphic novels, philosophy, psychology and poetry are all welcome. Ideally, things you adore and think would help me keep picking up a book.
https://redd.it/1xfpq75
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Haven't been able to fall in love with reading since Harry Potter, which was over 15 years ago. Any suggestions on a good/easy lovable book for a 30+ year old woman?
Can anyone else relate? I want to so badly fall in love with reading but I usually can't even make it past the first couple pages. I've read the Alchemist and didn't like it. I tried reading the Lord of The Rings and it took me forever to get through it. As someone with a short attention span for books, does anyone recommend anything that could get me back into reading? I can't read any slow books; they need to pique my interest in the first page. I wish I could read books the way I can watch TV shows!
https://redd.it/1xfp2ek
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Suggest me some noir novels
Hello all
Can you please suggest some noir novels from the 90s and 2000s, I liked la confidential.
https://redd.it/1xfoaz2
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These are my top books and authors. anything that you're surprised that i haven't included? (I find that works well when looking for recommendations.)
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
The Price of the Ticket: Collected Nonfiction, 1948-1985 by James Baldwin
The Prosperous Few and the Restless Many by Noam Chomsky
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills by Chris Claremont
Women, Race & Class by Angela Y. Davis
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz
Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass
Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America by Barbara Ehrenreich
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Now and Then... by Gil Scott-Heron
A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches by Martin Luther King Jr.
Sister, Outsider by Audre Lorde
Making Movies by Sidney Lumet
Moby-Dick or, The Whale by Herman Melville
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
Watchmen by Alan Moore
Stupid White Men by Michael Moore
1984 by George Orwell
Seize the Time: The Story of the Black Panther Party and Huey P. Newton by Bobby Seale
My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem
Democracy Matters: Winning the Fight Against Imperialism by Cornel West
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X
A People's History of the United States: 1492 - Present by Howard Zinn
https://redd.it/1xfcmya
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Murder mystery in ancient times?
Don't know why but I have a hankering for this. I've enjoyed a lot of modern murder mysteries, but realized it might be fun to see the same scenario play out in ancient Rome or Constantinople or Ur.
https://redd.it/1xfl0sh
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Queer Horror
I am looking for queer horror (and if not queer, leftist politics).
I devoured The Burn Line by Jonathan Simms and while it wasn’t quite as strong as Thirteen Storeys or Family Business, I have an itch for similar stories.
I have also read The Nudge by Joseph Fink (not quite what I was looking for).
Specifically cosmic horror would be great, but I like any horror that isn’t too graphic/gory. Suspense is a great plus as is a full cast of characters.
I would love authors who broadly fit this genre so I can just… read all of them as well as specific titles.
https://redd.it/1xfflpb
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I loved Dragonlance, Lord of the Rings, Legend of Drizzt. What else is out there?
I am looking for some good adventure fantasy series. I like a bit of action and am not into court/political intrigue I liked Game of Thrones okay but enjoy less realism and more elves and dwarves! There doesn’t HAVE to be elves and dwarves as long as it still has that high fantasy vibe.
Any suggestions are appreciated!!
https://redd.it/1xf52sw
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Fantasy book(s) about a group of friends
I love six of crows and the raven cycle. Lately I’ve been wanting another book or series about a group of friends, I just love group dynamic.
Bonus points if it’s multiple POV and if there are queer characters.
I prefer adult, but I’m open to YA recs too. I’m down for stories with or without romance.
I’ve read a lot of Leigh Bardugo and Maggie Steifater so looking for recs from other authors. I’ve also read a lot of TJ Klune already.
Thank you!
https://redd.it/1xf6vks
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I've never read a book by a woman of color
I read women authors all the time but I only recently noticed I've never read a book by a woman of color and would like to change that. I recently read Carrie Brownstein's memoir Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl and I love music in general so memoirs like that would be great. I love Clive Barker and Connie Willis as well. More generally I like history and literary fiction and usually stay away from sci fi or fantasy but I'm open to trying anything
https://redd.it/1xf8twp
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Books about Pathology, Epidemiology, or Microbiology
I remember really liking the Hot Zone in my high-school microbiology class. Honestly, it made me even more interested in microbiology and epidemiology.
I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for these types of books; no matter fiction (such as an apocalypse) or nonfiction.
I am also majoring in Microbiology & Immunology, so I would also appreciate any books to help supplement my education.
https://redd.it/1xf77bx
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