Weekly Recommendation Thread: January 27, 2023

Submitted by AutoModerator t3_10mi64j in books

Welcome to our weekly recommendation thread! A few years ago now the mod team decided to condense the many "suggest some books" threads into one big mega-thread, in order to consolidate the subreddit and diversify the front page a little. Since then, we have removed suggestion threads and directed their posters to this thread instead. This tradition continues, so let's jump right in!

The Rules

  • Every comment in reply to this self-post must be a request for suggestions.

  • All suggestions made in this thread must be direct replies to other people's requests. Do not post suggestions in reply to this self-post.

  • All unrelated comments will be deleted in the interest of cleanliness.

How to get the best recommendations

The most successful recommendation requests include a description of the kind of book being sought. This might be a particular kind of protagonist, setting, plot, atmosphere, theme, or subject matter. You may be looking for something similar to another book (or film, TV show, game, etc), and examples are great! Just be sure to explain what you liked about them too. Other helpful things to think about are genre, length and reading level.

All Weekly Recommendation Threads are linked below the header throughout the week to guarantee that this thread remains active day-to-day. For those bursting with books that you are hungry to suggest, we've set the suggested sort to new; you may need to set this manually if your app or settings ignores suggested sort.

If this thread has not slaked your desire for tasty book suggestions, we propose that you head on over to the aptly named subreddit /r/suggestmeabook.

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Comments

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Ninja_Gandalf_Cyborg t1_j63gu9p wrote

Recommend me some good hard sci-fi. Not in the background either, I want it to be full of long rambling explanations about how exactly things work. I'm a fan of Peter Watts, Greg Egan, and Charles Stross. If you're familiar with that last author, think along those lines except with more nuanced (better) characters. I've read The Expanse, so don't bother with that one.

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_buzzlightbeer t1_j63ntu8 wrote

Suggest me a novel in the style of George Saunders. I love his wit and characters, but am looking for a novel opposed to a selection of short stories (I’ve read Lincoln in the Bardo already). If it helps I also enjoy Fredrik Backman, Ray Bradbury, Jonathan Safran Foer and Donna Tartt. Thank you!

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shadefourfi0 t1_j63tohz wrote

Which book should I read for my English assignment? Options are [One hundred years of solitude], [oryx and crake], or [The count of monte cristo]

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gsauce8 t1_j63zmv5 wrote

Is it worth reading Poppy War if I didn't like Babel all that much? My specific issues with Babel was that it was far too heavy handed.

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Strict_Structure2461 t1_j6432zj wrote

Wlw books without trauma? I just want a wlw book where that isn’t the main focus and the characters just happen to be wlw. Does that make sense? I don’t wanna have to read about homophobic people or even parents and queer trauma. It doesn’t have to be pure fluff but just not focused on queer people dealing with homophobia. It can be Turkish or English. I’m also fluent in German but I usually don’t enjoy German books but if it’s a good one I’d still be willing to check it out :)

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Minmin0_0_0 t1_j64jven wrote

I’m looking for monthly book subscription recommendations!

I love fantasy and dark romance and I live in EU. I know about Fairyloot and Illumicrate but I’m open to others. If you say fairyloot which one would you recommend based on the genres mentioned above: YA or adult?

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atcam28 t1_j64zgcu wrote

any thoughts on these titles?

bluets, maggie nelson

diaries, franz kafka (schocken edition)

letters to milena, franz kafka (vintage publishing)

crush, richard siken

fleabag the scriptures, phoebe waller-bridge

ordered them and i wanna know what others think^^

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kwazyem t1_j653ffp wrote

I just recently read Normal People by Sally Rooney. I am interested in finding some books somewhat in this genre(romance I guess), a book I'll be glued to, invested with the characters, and at the edge of my seat.

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Sad-Beyond8833 t1_j65jr4x wrote

Hello! I've been dealing with acne and my diet it really bad so I want to read a book about skincare and food and acne can someome please suggest me good book about that. Thank you!

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iburneddinner t1_j65np9v wrote

I'm looking for a non-fiction book to review for a European history class and I'm at a loss. The time period is 1789-1870. I am hoping for something perhaps in a more narrative style. I'm interested in women's history, childbirth practices during that time, and medical scientific advances (a book on Burke and Hare would not go amiss), dog breeding during that time maybe?

The book should be trying to make some sort of argument or present some sort of idea so I can explain whether the author made their point well.

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kodran t1_j66j06h wrote

Replying to Strict_Structure2461 (#1,530,010)

This won't be the usual recommendation, but I think you might enjoy it a lot.

The long way to a small angry planet by Becky Chambers. Beautiful, poignant, funny, two main characters fulfill your no drama wlw request without it being THE focus of the novel, and you'll have a good time like hanging with new friends.

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TammieBrowne t1_j66kqw3 wrote

Replying to iburneddinner (#1,538,196)

Maybe The Butchering Art by Lindsey Fitzharris? It's set in the Victorian era, so towards the end of the period you asked for, and it's about surgery, Joseph Lister in particular.

Try asking in one of r/AskHistorian's weekly thread about book recommendations. Someone over there must know about the time period.

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lysogenic t1_j66rvna wrote

I love memoirs but I am craving something relatable. I want to know what it’s like to have lived through someone else’s life. I’m looking for a true story (or even based on a true story) of someone’s life. BUT I want this person to be an everyday person. Meaning, not a celebrity. Not someone who escaped war and . Not a rags to riches story etc. I want to read about someone middle class or lower, and their life. Stories about what it was like growing up, and how they changed. Shit they went through that I may be able to relate with. Realizations they’ve had as they became wiser. Bonus points if the author is BIPOC and/or female and/or has a disability. Does this exist??

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purplecrocs t1_j66z2tw wrote

Replying to lysogenic (#1,543,779)

Year of the Tiger: An Activist’s Life by Alice Wong checks your boxes of a female disabled person of color!

Edit: Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body by Rebekah Taussig is also a highly rated book on my to read list!

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OwlFeather21 t1_j67dezl wrote

I used to be one of those kids who would read a big ol' chapter book every couple of days and would just get LOST (in the best way) in the story, the characters, the world building, etc. Now, I still enjoy reading but I can't remember the last book that I just couldn't put down because I was so immersed in it. Even as an English teacher, I struggle to read because I struggle to find books I love.

What book suggestions do you guys have for adults who want to get lost in reading again? What are some good can't-put-it-down reads? As for genre, I'm looking for books in the fantasy or maybe even mystery realm. I read several books in the Mistborn series and enjoyed it, but not enough to continue past the third book or so. Wheel of Time also hasn't really gripped me.

I'm pretty open to suggestions across many subgenres of fantasy as well as teen/YA books. Honestly, I'll take anything good at this point 😅

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lgdub_ t1_j67h6j0 wrote

Books about US presidents similar to A Promised Land?

I just read (listened to audiobook read by author) A Promised Land by Barak Obama. I loved the candidness of the book and the way he lets the reader in on some of the intimate details of his political career from a more personal perspective than I’m used to experiencing from a politician. It is long but very engaging and makes the complex job of being the worlds most powerful person seem like something simple and understandable. It made me feel a lot of empathy for him as just a regular guy with a big responsibility. I highly recommend it to anyone regardless of where you live or what your political views are.

Anyway… after reading this book I thought it might be a fun challenge for myself to read a book about all (or at least some) other US presidents. Does anyone have any favorites or good recommendations?

If they are similar to the autobiographical A Promised Land that I just read, that would be great but they don’t have to be. Just an interesting and engaging book that entertains while informing about the life and times of a US president. (Also open to recommendations of books similar to A Promised Land that are about other figures who weren’t US presidents).

Thanks!

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Evening_Educator_236 t1_j68k5r0 wrote

Hello there, this might be ULTRA specific but are there any books covering sexualized wounds? Like I‘m thinking of a memoir or a psychology book.

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canehdianchick t1_j68lrhg wrote

Replying to OwlFeather21 (#1,546,857)

I recently took up reading again after years of feeling too busy to escape. Clock Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr was the perfect choice. Not only did I get lost in the 3 different worlds it explores— the book itself is an ode to the importance of books, reading, and the ways that they can alter the paths of many— or tangle them together.

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canehdianchick t1_j68m35o wrote

What books have you read that were absolute stand alone stand outs?! You can’t really compare them to anything but they changed you the moment you read them? Looking for lands not yet wandered. Seeking a story I haven’t yet experienced through other characters or worlds in other pages.

Thanks!

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beards-are-beautiful t1_j699tm6 wrote

I'm looking for some interesting novellas to read - I just finished All Systems Red by Martha Wells and really enjoyed it.

I generally enjoy fantasy books but don't mind some sci-fi too. Horror is okay too. I like snarky protagonists and nothing too bleak.

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Realistic-Aardvark-9 t1_j69gbee wrote

I really enjoyed Stardust by Neil Gaimen. I haven't read anything else by him so I don't know if his other works have the same feel. But I loved the characters, the magic, and the adventure. So something with a similar feeling maybe?

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CheapHelicopter t1_j69unsn wrote

I'm looking for some tragic coming of age novels, family drama, and bittersweet/sad romance novels. Basically just want to ~feel something~, ya know? I've read and enjoyed the occasional Nicholas Sparks book, I loved "This is Where I Leave You." I just don't know who or what to turn to for some feels again.

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Zikoris t1_j69wsnk wrote

Replying to lysogenic (#1,543,779)

I picked up I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokboki by Baek Se-Hee while in Korea a few months ago and found it fascinating. The author is a normal Korean woman suffering from depression, so maybe that counts for your bonuses? (I don't know if Korean is considered BIPOC or depression is considered a disability)

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Aranthar t1_j6a1ugl wrote

I'm in a book club of sorts and am picking this month's book. I would like to read and share a (auto)biography of Fredrick Douglas. Any recommendations are appreciated.

The book group is a bunch of college friends who read everything from Scifi to biographies to research works.

My initial list is:

  1. Frederick Douglass Prophet of Freedom By David W. Blight
  2. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave By Frederick Douglass
  3. Life and Times of Frederick Douglass By Frederick Douglass
  4. Frederick Douglass in Ireland By Laurence Fenton
  5. Frederick Douglass By Benjamin Quarles

Input on these or other options are appreciated, thanks!

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Springwater95 t1_j6a6f5b wrote

Any books about first contact with aliens? Most of the stories I find about first contact just devolve into fighting. I want to read a story where it focuses more on how our world would react and change. What different groups would form for and against the aliens. Maybe there is something about the aliens that causes a major change in normal society.

I like romance books but honestly it doesnt need to be one. If there is romance please nothing spicy.

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womanof1004holds t1_j6ab6y6 wrote

Replying to CoderIHardlyKnowHer (#1,530,804)

You might enjoy the Crave series by Tracy Wolff. I actually picked up the first book because it gave me huge Twilight vibes & Im a sucker for silly Twilight knockoffs. It borrows from a lot of different YA series.

I consider it a "so bad its good series". The books are way too long though so youd have to set aside a good chunk of time for them.

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plaidtattoos t1_j6al7k8 wrote

I always hear high praise for Lonesome Dove, but I’ve never cared about westerns. Is it a book that goes beyond its genre as something that most people would love?

Interesting fact: I’m a teacher, and there were three kids who went through my school who were all named after characters from the book (the kids were all in the same family.)

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Genn12345 t1_j6av3yp wrote

Aby recommendations for novels/short stories containing perspective shifts?

I really love it when a story contains shifts in perspective.

Take for example this one short story I wrote a while ago. it started with a woman and her son being quite emotionally distant from each other before the woman reflects on a memory she had with her father. The story then shifted to being that of a man and his daughter, wherein the man tells his daughter a story about his parents. It is then revealed (though it was always heavily implied) that the man and his daughter are the woman and her father from the start of the story. At the end of the story the woman, having reflected on this memory gains new conviction to attempt to re-establish her connection with her daughter.

I know that's a pretty simple structural synopsis but it's just an example of the kind of story structure i love.

Do you have any thoughts on perspective/temporal shifts in literature or any favourite text that employs them?

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jellyrollo t1_j6b0zbb wrote

Replying to plaidtattoos (#1,565,207)

I don't care for westerns either, as a rule, but Lonesome Dove is the exception. Everything Larry McMurtry wrote was surprisingly engaging and affecting, even if the subject matter didn't initially seem like my cup of tea. He has a way of luring you in with his characters. I sort of consider him the John Irving of the southwest.

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Thesacred_texts t1_j6b5wvm wrote

Replying to OwlFeather21 (#1,568,569)

I didn't see that you mentioned it in the original post lol I'm sorry.

Hmm maybe His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman? Or something like The Witcher saga by Sapkowski? I know I'm recommending stuff that comes from TV shows but don't let the adaptations fool you 😊

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rollerskateginny t1_j6bl1lo wrote

I just finished Of Human Bondage by Somerset Bondage, and it’s my favorite thing I’ve read in a while. I’ve also loved David Copperfield and to an extent Jane Eyre. You can probably see the common theme here; any suggestions for Bildungsroman type books, preferably older but not necessarily, maybe some with more female protagonists as well? (Although I don’t mind either way as long as it’s good). I love narratives that follow one character through their life and choices and some beautiful prose snuck in along the way.

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wifehearst t1_j6btzte wrote

I'm looking for recommendations on books that have lesbian vampires, ideally with some horror/psychological aspect to the story. Does not have to be romance or with a happy ending. Adult is better than YA but I welcome all recs! Books I liked which may be similar are Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir and When I Arrived at the Castle by Emily Carrol.

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Sploosh_Mcgoo t1_j6bunu4 wrote

Replying to CheapHelicopter (#1,560,940)

A boy and his dog at the end of the world. It's a bit of a coming off she story set in a post apocalyptic world and honestly it's brutality surprised me. However I really loved the story and I'm sucker for anything with dogs lol

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foundthelemming t1_j6bzjmv wrote

I’m hoping to listen to Terry Pratchett’s Discworld on audiobook, but a lot of the reviews on audible for the newly recorded versions say they are pretty mediocre due to the narration not being great. I would read paper copies, but I want to listen while I run so that’s not going to work. Does anyone know where I can find good audio versions? Did anyone listen to the 2022 versions and maybe they’re not that bad?

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mell0w_fell0w_ t1_j6c3pqs wrote

hoping i can get some recs before visiting my library tomorrow 🖤 i am honestly not looking for anything too specific! just some books that are hard to put down! i typically read horror, fantasy, sci-fi, etc. but am open to absolutely any genre/suggestions(:

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Reasonable-Cost9381 t1_j6c6bid wrote

In need of a Fiction book about friendship. Ideally a heartwarming book about the power of friendship.

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Ernost t1_j6c7at5 wrote

Are there any books set in an alternate reality where the Roman Empire never fell? YouTube recently recommended this video to me and I thought it was a pretty fascinating idea.

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Weird_Cephalopode t1_j6cn2e8 wrote

Hello people. I'm seeking for a book where the main story takes place underground. Deep caves, karsts, multilevel dungeons and other types of depths. It would be ideal if the characters are constantly going deep and deep along the unfolding of the story. Examples are: journey to the center of the earth (Verne), mountains of madness (Lovecraft), some stories from Magnus Archives (if you are familiar). Thank y'all!

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iburneddinner t1_j6dtvgp wrote

Replying to Raineythereader (#1,584,674)

I ordered that one yesterday!

I've picked three and I'll read them all and see which ones I'll be able to write about best. "The Ghost Map", "The Butchering Art", and "The Doctor Dissected" by Caroline McCracken-Flesher. A bit different than the other two, but I found a copy in my budget and went for it.

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besssjay t1_j6dzrw5 wrote

Replying to rollerskateginny (#1,571,248)

Have you read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn? It follows a girl from a poor immigrant family from her childhood to her coming of age. Set in Brooklyn in the early 20th century. I loved it growing up -- Francie is a wonderful and well-drawn character.

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besssjay t1_j6e0as8 wrote

Replying to Springwater95 (#1,562,748)

Adaptation, by Malinda Lo. Has a sequel called Inheritance. It's a really interesting approach to first contact, and it doesn't just devolve into a war. You don't see or even know about the aliens for a while though, it's more of a mystery at first where it's not clear what's going on. It's YA, with a bit of a love triangle element.

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besssjay t1_j6e1fq1 wrote

Replying to shadefourfi0 (#1,528,709)

I like Oryx and Crake, just re-read it myself -- but I also really enjoyed One Hundred Years of Solitude in high school. I really enjoyed the magical realism, and the fact that it's an epic family saga covering several generations. Be warned though, at least one character marries a child, which I found weird even at the time and looking back as an adult, was super gross. However I would still read the book again. It's a deep world to get lost in.

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CrazyCatLady108 t1_j6e5118 wrote

Replying to [deleted] (#1,580,596)

No plain text spoilers allowed. Please use the format below and reply to this comment once you've made the edit, to have your comment reinstated.

Place >! !< around the text you wish to hide. You will need to do this for each new paragraph. Like this:

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−1

Grand_Run5279 t1_j6f5dls wrote

I’m looking for a book that has a found family trope and a lot of fluff. If the book has a mc that left a bad life, I want there to be no redemption/forgiveness arc between the mc and the people of the bad life. I don’t have much of a preference for anything else. Just a lot of found family and a bit of hurt/comfort.

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aditya_77 t1_j6gtwek wrote

I'm a 18yrs old boy, I haven't read a single book in past other than my academic books, can you recommend me some good reads to get started

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aditya_77 t1_j6i43bn wrote

Replying to [deleted] (#1,611,106)

Thanks for the recommendation bro, i will definitely check Neil Gaiman's books.

And also one more question. I was thinking about reading "The Untethered Soul" what do you think ?

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_ttrixie_ t1_j6iavne wrote

Replying to [deleted] (#1,611,106)

in my opinion, i feel like these are the worst types of books that you can recommend to people who dont read at all. Coraline by Neil Gaiman is short book, but when you read it it's so hard to finish it. The worst and longest two hours of my life. I wouldnt recommend.

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beards-are-beautiful t1_j6icl5a wrote

Replying to Zikoris (#1,561,174)

>Purple and Black by K.J. Parker

Thanks for the rec! Unfortunately I can't find the ebook version of that - or rather, somewhat bizarrely the Amazon page for that book has the ebook being a completely different book with the same title, at least here in the UK.

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_ttrixie_ t1_j6ig1kr wrote

Replying to aditya_77 (#1,615,949)

For beginners, from philosophy genre, I would recommend The Little Book of Stoicism by Jonas Salzgeber, it uses simple language, its not very long. It's a simple guide to stoicism with some practises to try. I'd also recommend Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, its a lil harder to go through, but it's a classic and I think it's worth it. It can really change your mindset and you will think about this book daily. From history I'm not sure what you are interested in, but my recommendations is The Last Leonardo: The Secret Lives of the World's Most Expensive Paintings by Ben Lewis. This discuss both history and renessance, also the life of Leonardo and what happened to make the painting so expensive. I'm not really into those genres, but I read some books and I hope I helped :) Sorry for not touching the subject of psychology books, but I dont think I've ever read any.

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aditya_77 t1_j6ii1gm wrote

Replying to _ttrixie_ (#1,616,453)

Thank you very much, I will definitely check them out once I'm finished reading (man's search for meaning) and i also want to touch on The Untethered Soul, reviews on this book are great.

I just started reading my first book today and honestly I can't sit for very long, I finished the 7th page and my mind already started wandering:( for now I'll just stick to reading 10-15 pages a day until it becomes a habit and then I'll slowly increase my speed, anyways thank you once again have a great day.

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drawgrass t1_j6j5wgw wrote

Can anyone recommend me a book that is about how modern europe left traditional conservative values and adopted liberal progressive values . It can be about historical accounts such as French revolution. It could be about the enlightenment period . Suggestions ?

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Loud_Perspective_312 t1_j6jbyjt wrote

Hello, I am new to this subreddit. I've always tried to get into reading but never found my fav genre. In past years I tried to read something but could evaluate my accurate preference so pls help.

So till now, I have read at least 5-7 books by Sudha Murthy. She's my fav author and I like how she engages in stories. The majority of her books contain 17-25 short stories based on her life events and in parallel to the story engage opinions of her own and her surroundings. What I like about her reading is I can relate to her emotions and understand also the books are easy to read for me.

So now u must have figured out what I mean. Pls leave recommendations accordingly I'm open to mystery, real-life kinda genre and an easy read

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Izzywillow19 t1_j6lvuw9 wrote

I am looking for a collection of short-stories by latinx writers. Something like, “The Best short-stories by Back Writer’s.” Something that would be read and analyzed in a creative writing classroom at the college level.

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ConfusedIndy t1_j6meobx wrote

I'm looking for a book that is not cringe but about fate and destiny. Also, a book similar The Miniature, where it ends as a cliffhanger. Many thanks

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patroclus_a t1_j6mxk6j wrote

Hello there! It has been more than 24 hours, and episode 3 of 'The Last of Us" is still lingering on my mind. The story of Frank & Bill is exceptionally beautiful. I'm here for recommendation of books that remind you of this romantic heart-touching episode, preferably queer. I don't mind any genre, I just want a book that could evoke the same feelings I had while watching the episode, if you resonate with it too :)

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gingerbitch402 t1_j6okutn wrote

I would like a recommendation for a fantasy series that isn’t written by SJM honestly. I just can’t read her books. They aren’t for me, and that’s okay! I would love something with the drama, the romance, the fights, all of that. I just want to be swept up in another world for a couple of books :)

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