Light + Fun Books: Realistic + Contemporary Fiction EditionLike this list

17 items

• Menu of Happiness

  Kashiwai, Hisashi, 1952-

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  This is a great example of Iyashikei—or “healing-type” fiction—focuses on gentle, low-conflict stories that offer comfort through everyday moments, food, and quiet emotions. This one imagines a restaurant whern someone can order a perfect dish,…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Lonely Hearts Book Club

  Gilmore, Lucy (Romance fiction writer)

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  This novel is heartwarming, emotional, quirky, and moving! You will fall in love with these characters.

• The Dinner List

  Serle, Rebecca,

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  Serle is a master of a high-concept novel bordering on magical realism, that are both touching and emotional without being dark or heavy.

• P.S. You're the Worst

  a Novel

  Seager, Chloe,

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  With humor and intelligence, this novel never shies away from pointing out the absurdities of modern life and relationships. Light and fun, while still being thoughtful.

• A/S/L

  Thornton, Jeanne,

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  This novel deals with fractured friendships and the complexities of navigating the world as a trans woman with a heavy dose of 90s video game nostalgia. Heartfelt and touching, but still lots of fun.

• Madame Sosostris and the Festival for the Brokenhearted

  Okri, Ben,

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  This novel is a dazzling, dialogue-driven modern fable that brilliantly marries high-society satire with the transformative magic of Shakespearean romance.

• Yeonnam-Dong's Smiley Laundromat

  Kim, Jiyun, 1992-

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  If you want a feel-good book with a few twists then you'll enjoy this! A subtle mystery emerges from the diary entries of patrons of a Korean laundromat.

• Lauryn Harper Falls Apart

  Robinson, Shauna,

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  This small-town book feels like a Parks and Rec episode with a dash of Gilmore Girls vibes.

• The Guncle

  a Novel

  Rowley, Steven, 1971-

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  This sweet family story, perfect for light reading, and offers a delightful escape with both humorous and heartwarming moments.

• Dial A for Aunties

  Sutanto, Jesse Q.

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  Cozy mysteries are a whole subgenre that mostly runs light and fun, and if you're new to the category, start here! This novel offers laugh-out-loud and nail-biting moments.

• The Candid Life of Meena Dave

  a Novel

  Patel, Namrata,

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  The story of a photojournalist who inherits an apartment filled with entertaining characters and moments you won’t want to put down.

• Games and Rituals

  Stories

  Heiny, Katherine,

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  This collection of stories about everyday challenges with relationships, family, and small life moments. The tone is often funny but also touching.

• You Are Here

  a Novel

  Nicholls, David, 1966-

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  This an uplifting, feel good story about friendship, love, and personal growth.

• Swamp Story

  a Novel

  Barry, Dave,

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  The book is comedic, adventurous, and full of ridiculous situations.

• How to Age Disgracefully

  Pooley, Clare,

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  This uplifting book club pick is a fabulous discussion-worthy book about purpose, reinvention, and the power of unexpected friendships across generations.

• The 100-year-old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared

  Jonasson, Jonas, 1961-

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  A centenarian who escapes his impending 100th birthday celebration and embarks on an unexpected adventure is a hilarious romp.

• Class Mom

  a Novel

  Gelman, Laurie,

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  With a cast of eccentric characters, this novel is a hilarious exploration of school-parent dynamics (bonus: it's set in Kansas City).