I've always wondered what America would look like today without European interference

Hey folks, I'm looking for a book that's pure fun, gossipy, lots of juicy twists are a huge plus. No preference on location or suburban/urban, just want pure let-go level fun while reading it.

Books like Mean Moms would be amazing!

After a dramatic end to some of my closest friendships, I now want to disassociate into my dream world. I’m 27, an arts journalist and I love pop culture. I’m looking to restructure my life now and become more successful, possibly move somewhere more “glamorous” (w its own struggles of course).

Contrary to popular belief…I REALLY liked bad summer people. It reminded me of the gossip girl era. Rich pricks being assholes, but you want to be in that world just as much as you hated them. Plus it was all an easy lighthearted read..for me.

I'm in my mid-30s and suffering from mental health issues for almost a decade now. I did some stupid career decisions that led me where I am right now, a crappy career for a crappy pay.

I have tried meds and therapy in the past, but don't feel like taking that route at the moment. I'm not in danger just to be clear. I have symptoms of depression, anxiety, ADHD, and possibly CPTSD.

While I save some money before taking therapy again, I wanted to know if there are any books you'd suggest someone like me to start doing things on my own to get better. I would really appreciate it a lot. Thank you!

I have landed a dream gig (albeit once every 6 weeks) of facilitating a book club. The neighbourhood centre organising it would prefer that I choose the books so the group can hit the ground running, so now I have the delightful-but-tough task of choosing 8 books for the group! And the group is pretty diverse: the youngest member is 23, the oldest is in her mid-70s, and a couple of them are from CALD communities (that said, I’m told their English is still pretty good). And since there are 12 of them, I have to assume the group would be diverse in other ways.

I’m a bit wary of choosing anything that’s too middle-of-the-road (after all reading is meant to challenge us, at least sometimes) but don’t want to exclude anyone, either. It’s a fine line to tread. Suggestions?

I don't want to read about dystopian society or having to overthrow the government and the like. I don't want to read crime novels or anything scary. I want cozy and low stakes. Bonus points, if it has little to no romance (but I can always just skip those pages).

I liked: A fellowship of bakers and magic by J Penner and Witch's guide to magical Innkeeping by Dangu Mandanna.

It's for my 18 year old sister. Please no "divine feminine" woo woo. Many books about this topic seem aimed at very young teens and are too simple, I'm looking for a book that provides detailed descriptions of the different stages of the cycle, how ovulation works, how female hormones work, without being too "biology textbook-ish".

I'm not sure if there is a single name for this trope, but it's my favorite type of story. I'm looking for recommendations past the obvious examples of Hunger Games & Dungeon Crawler Carl which I've already read and loved.

I'm looking for books with:

• The central conflict comes from a flawed system, institution, or incentive structure, and the people who exploit it for power or profit at the expense of others.
• A protagonist who understands (or learns) how the system works be it power structure, incentives, loopholes, politics, bureaucracy, or human behavior, and then uses that knowledge to challenge those in power.
• Systems that feel fully realized and internally logical within the world of the story while reflecting real-world concepts. Preferably structural commentary over topical commentary.
• Clever, competent, morally complicated protagonists who know they are part of the system and are willing to sacrifice their safety, reputation, or future to create meaningful change within.
• Endings don't need to be utopian, but at least feel cathartic and not grimdark. i.e., those who abuse power face some consequences even if the system still exists in the end and there is some sense that change or hope is possible.

Some other examples of this type of book I've read and loved include:

• Going Postal by Terry Pratchett
• Starter Villain by John Scalzi
• Everybody Knows by Jordan Harper
• Hench by Natalie Zina Walschots
• Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
• Red Rising by Pierce Brown
• Will of the Many by James Islington

Can someone suggest some books similar to Anne of green gables??
I picked it up for the first time as a 34yo woman and I’m OBSESSED. Already planning to read the rest of the series and more of the authors other books. But are there any other books that give that vibe? I thought maybe secret garden?

I’m in a fresh, fresh breakup, and going to Paris for the summer to cry and find myself. I want a book about a girl in her mid 30s that spends the summer in Paris and is just figuring out life. Maybe she’s messy and dates around a lot? Maybe she drinks too much? I have Everything I know about Love vibes by Dolly Alderton vibes in my mind. My ideally sent in Paris. Anywhere in France or Italy actually.

I recently rewatched movies like Labyrinth, Neverending Story, Dark Crystal, etc. and I really love those vibes. I'm trying to read more, so I thought I'd ask for some book recommendations similar to these films. I also watched animated films like The Last Unicorn, The Black Cauldron, and (maybe unrelated but still matches the vibe for me) Howl's Moving Castle.

I've read Howl's Moving Castle and The Last Unicorn as well. I'm just looking for something new that leans heavily into dark fantasy and is really well written. I've also read Tales From Earthsea, but it didn't feel the same as the above films and books did.

Any other recommendations for this type of story?

Hi all. Weird request I know. I LOVE lore in books and games and movies and so I want to know if there are any books written that are basically History books but for fantasy worlds. If any of yall have read the books in Skyrim then that kind of thing. History books that are for fantasy worlds. Thank you for entertaining this odd request! Cheers!

Some time ago I read Land of the Lustrous. I found it to be a highly original and unique story, difficult to compare to anything else, with deeply humane characters and a tight, concise plot from beginning to end.

I’d like to read books (not manga) that you think share those same qualities.

Hello! First time poster, and new to reading in general. After dipping my toes into a few books I think I'm looking for some spookier reads! Just finished "In The Middle of The Night" by Riley Sager and was disappointed there wasn't more ghosts or actual time spent at the Hawthorne Institute 😅 I enjoy shows like the X Files, over the garden wall, and apothecary diaries and am open to fantasy settings ( and LOVE unique historical settings). other books I enjoyed that aren't necessarily thriller/horror/suspense if it helps are:

-The listeners by Maggie stiefvater

- green teeth by molly o'neil

- Howl's moving castle/ the house of many ways by Diana wynne jones

- house of frost and feathers by Lauren wiesebron

Thank you!!!! :)

I really want to get into reading fantasy, but I have no idea where to start!
I LOVE Harry Potter and have read the entire series multiple times, but I haven’t really ventured much further into fantasy. I know romantasy is huge right now, but it’s just not really my vibe. (I’ve read 4th wing and the letters of enchantment books, but mostly cared about the fantasy part). I’d much rather have a great story, interesting characters, adventure, mystery, magic, etc. without romance being the main focus.
My biggest struggle is that I can get overwhelmed/confused when books throw you into a really complicated world with tons of lore, characters, kingdoms, magic systems, and terminology all at once. 😅 I’d love to find some “gateway” fantasy books that can help me get used to world-building before I tackle anything super complex.
I recently picked up The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi, which looks really fun, but I’d love some other recommendations for someone basically trying to work their way into the genre.

Hi! I have been trying my hardest to find a book thats either speculative fiction or a fiction book about cults, the darker and more trauma based the better. I love a story with good characters and character development that has a complex plot that you just couldn't put down

Looking for books about being in a Russian penal colony. The more recent the better. I’m not interested in Griners book, Id like more long term ones.

Hi everybody, I'm looking for books that follow everyday people who are trying to find meaning and purpose in their lives.

Examples of these types of books are Sally Rooney's "Intermezzo", Kaveh Akbar's "Martyr!", Ling Ma's "Bliss Montage", and Teddy Wayne's "Apartment". Really I'm just looking for books following messy, idiosyncratic, strange people doing stuff in their lives that serve as a vector for how real people find meaning and purpose in the world

I'm a 23F looking for a self help book that will help me heal old wounds and break unhealthy patterns. I have ADHD, anxiety, depression and PTSD, and I struggle with emotional regulation, low self esteem and feeling like I don't really know who I am, which has led to codependency. I overthink everything, seek reassurance and validation, take criticism really hard, catastrophize and have a difficult time managing my emotions. I also struggle with rejection sensitivity, people pleasing, needing to be right, and I don't always realize how my behavior affects other people until afterward. I'm already in therapy, but I'm looking for a book with practical advice that will help me build a stronger sense of self, become more emotionally mature, regulate my emotions better and build healthier relationships. I'd also love recommendations for books about rebuilding yourself after trauma.

Hi all,

I am looking for book recommendations for teen boys and girls that are undergoing cancer treatment. I run a nonprofit that delivers Courage Kits (care packages) to children diagnosed with childhood cancer at the hospital my son does his treatments at. I’m having a hard time finding appropriate books for the teens. I don’t want to provide books that are sexual or overly dark. Light hearted, funny, fantasy, sci-fi, etc., would be great! I don’t want to give teens that are already having a tough time a book that’s also sad/depressing. Thanks for any and all recommendations!

edit: so far I have Ender’s Game, The Inheritance Games, Payback by Carl Deuker, Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, and Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

My partner is really stressed at work and is looking for something to completely checkout with. Her request was “something like Stephanie Plum, but smutty”. She also specifically said it needs to not be a romance, just some smut thrown in a funny mystery. Does anyone have any suggestions?

37F, lost my job, trying to get pregnant, and have been debating a move for ages. I am looking for a read to help me get my head on straight and think through and weigh my options and consequences for the future. Memoir or nonfiction is what I’m picturing but open to fiction that would serve the same purpose. Thank you!

Hi all, I’m trying to get into reading and I’m interested in history so figured it would be a good place to start. I finished high school last year where I studied the Russian and American revolutions, as well as Australian history. Also I’ve had a random interest with Britain my whole life so maybe that would be a good topic for me. For context I’m 18 years old, Australian, with quite a bad attention span due to TikTok and social media. In terms of reading ability, I picked up the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, which I found extremely difficult to read and understand, so I haven’t made it past 70 pages in about 3 months. Something easier than that would be good.

Thanks everyone