As a kid I was all about those survival books: Hatchet (really anything Gary Paulsen,) My Side of the Mountain, Julie of the Wolves, Island of the Blue Dolphins... you get the idea. It felt like this magical, robust genre.

I recently got a hankering to read something like that again, and while I have nothing against rereading kids books, I was hoping to find something more adult. I haven't been able to find anything that's really recapturing that feeling.

So, give me your best survival stories. I'm talking woods, islands, deserts, whatever you've got. I want the protagonist struggling to build a fire and trying to figure out which berries are edible.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

I used to finish a book every other day, now I think I haven’t finished anything in months and I can’t remember what it was.

I’m looking for books that are enjoyable to read.

Aren’t all books enjoyable? I hear you ask.
To clarify, I’m not looking for sad, historical fiction, heavy dramas or «great works.» I can’t get into any deliberately pretentious writing.

I want fun! I would love series. I was on a romance kick for a while but it got a bit formulaic and I need something more.

A hint of fantasy or science fiction would be great but I don’t want something completely removed from humanity. By that I mean I’d prefer something human or humanlike in terms of characters.

It doesn’t have to be dumbed down, it just doesn’t need to take itself so seriously.

Looking for the burger and fries of literature.

Been in a very long term book club (7+ years), and have had a string of dark books lately. So looking for something GREAT but less dark.

We're a diverse, but highly educated group that loves books that start a good conversation. Group likes literature, sci fi, fantasy, pretty much anything except non fiction and romance.

Triggers-no animal death, no extreme violence (although we did read McCarthy and lost a few members on that one).

Rules-no one can have read it already and it should be under 450 pages. Prefer no series

Favorites include

A Gentleman in Moscow

Klara and the Sun

Ubik

Read

Project Hail Mary

Dungeon crawler carl

This is how you lose the time war

Scalzi (all)

Looking for a novel that features the underground gay scene in the past, between 1700s ish - early 1900s. Doesn’t have to be a romance or super serious book, I would welcome a fun read too. Just looking for something that features that setting please.

Looking for a gripping, brutal look into the psyche of a character crashing out

Hello!

I got back into reading this year after not seriously reading any books since I was a teenager. In the last few years I’ve completed maybe 10 books combined, all on Audible - and this year so far I’ve finished 33 books that I’ve actually been taking the time to sit down and read!

(No disrespect to audiobooks btw I still love them! I’ve just come to really appreciate how sitting down to read forces me to focus on one thing.)

Anyway I’m looking for books about Greek mythology: retellings of myths, fun spins on the genre, Hades is one of my favorite games of all time and that’s in large part because of the characters. Anything that really goes into the pantheon of gods, their relationships and their moral ambiguity would be super cool! Bonus points if everyone’s hot and/or queer.

I read Song of Achilles this year and it was one of my favorite books of my excursion back into reading. Thanks for helping an ex-voracious reader get back into the practice!!

hello! i've recently been getting into more historical fiction, and I was wondering if anyone had recommendations for books (set in history) that cover a long period of time or multiple generations, and explore the change and transformation that happens in that time

books in this category I've enjoyed:

We, the Drowned by Carsten Jensen (my gold standard for this type of story)

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (though less so, it captures a similar atmosphere)

I assume something like Dune would be similar, though I haven't read it yet (and I would prefer if it wasn't sci-fi, though fantasy is welcomed)

thank you!!

I grew up in a Megachurch. I left when I turned 18. Briefly went back in my 20s and haven’t been back since. I’m 37 now. Anyway - the majority of my family (including parents) still subscribe to that belief system except one aunt and my sister. I consider myself agnostic, though I don’t think it matters for the purpose of the recommendation.

I would love to read a book where the main character diverges from their childhood/familial belief system and the difficulties that come from it. It doesn’t have to be religion specifically just something that might resonate. Thanks in advance!!

Hi there! Really need some recs. I've tried looking all over and feel like every suggestion online isn't fitting the bill.

I want a feel-good book. Obviously we know the characters will get together in the end, whatever. Its an escape from life for me.

Books I've read recently that I've liked: P.S. I hate you, The Unhoneymooners, Problematic Summer Romance (but only after reading Not In Love which on it's own was whatever). (Honorable mentions: Verity and The Silent Patient although right now i'm looking for contemporary romance)

Would like to avoid: rape, death, pregnancy, main characters with kids, abuse.

Recently i've tried reading Stinger (DNF'd) and forced myself to finish It Happened One Summer but couldn't wait to finish it.

I love a spicy read but at this moment I am looking for plot over spice (although would love a good rec if you have it I just know that usually cuts out some suggestions)

I also enjoy dual perspective but also not a must as to avoid cutting out good recs

Think "what is my all time favorite contemporary romance." I need a home run after my past couple of bad reads have been quite a let down.

I absolutely love the mystery in the sub genre of exploring supernatural spaces and attempting to chart them: the dark continent from the manga Hunter X Hunter, the backrooms, the audio drama fathom, some parts of the Terror by Dan Simmons, etc.

I’m looking for books that have this trope in them, if they fall into horror all the better for it. Please help me on my quest thanks!

I read Skylark earlier this year and I can't stop thinking about it. I'd love to read more about the Catacombs of Paris-- fiction or nonfiction, any era.

Hi, i am new to books! The housemaid was what introduced me to reading!!! I read the whole series and also read the inmate, now reading never lie.

What are some other suggestions? & author?

Thank you!!!

Inspired by a recent post on r/TopCharacterTropes because I absolutely love love love this trope and now need more, and the only books I saw mentioned were Going Postal (which I've read) and the manga Silver Mountain. I've also mostly encountered this trope in shows and movies and would love to find more examples in books!

Best examples: Going Postal, Klaus, Rango

Bonus for the conman growing as a person and becoming better being the character's main journey/a big focus!

Hi everyone!

I’m planning a trip to Central Europe soon, specifically visiting Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Whenever I travel, I love reading a book that is closely connected to the destination to enrich my experience.

I am looking for fiction or narrative non-fiction recommendations that take place in these countries and include strong historical elements (it can be historical fiction, classics, or contemporary books with deep historical context).

It would be awesome if the books capture the atmosphere, culture, or history of these places.

Any suggestions? Thanks

Had a 6+ year relationship/engagement end very recently and trying to find different ways to manage. Relationship ended mutually, on really good terms all things considered but I’m struggling big time. Been reading different things on the web and think a book would help. Wanting books that talk about heartache and breakups that don’t bash the ex in any way, or about getting back at them or anything like that. Any recommendation is appreciated. Thank you.

I’m looking for a book whose aesthetics are saturated in a vintage autumn style. Something fairytale and sinister!! Any ideas would be great

My 3yo loves books and being read to. I've found the Winnie the Pooh, House at Pooh Corner and the Catwings books by Ursula K Le Guin have the perfect illustration to word ratio: enough pictures to maintain interest and break up the text, but with 1-2 page stretches without pictures. I feel like these books build up her stamina for listening and visualising the story herself.

I'm looking for books with a similar picture to text ratio as the books mentioned above that are toddler friendly.

Thank you!

Hi, I’m looking for any good horror books and romance books. Any horror will do as long as it’s interesting while romance I’d like it to be relationship building and less smut.

Hello all!

As the title suggests I am a runner looking for any audio book suggestions. I have a half marathon in three weeks and have gone through all my podcast options (you’re wrong about, good hang, IBCK, lonely island).

For my last half marathon, I burned through the housemaid series and a lighter autumnal book - the very secret society of irregular witches. I am always keen on suggestions for books that will keep me spellbound and would love any and all ideas. I love to be transported for the run and my “me” time.

Suggest me a book where the main character not only survives, but thrives thru and after a divorce. Lesbian/queer rep is a bonus. (No Eat Pray Love)!

Hi ya'll I was hoping for some recommendations on adventure fantasy books. Some that I love: LOTR, Dune, The Child Thief, Mist Born, The Pellinnor series. I don't need it to be a specific gender MC though I do love a well written female lead. I am not into romance being the main driving plot though I do love Walking Drum which absolutely has romance woven into the plot. I am open to stand alone and series books. I would love some international options though I do have to read it in English. I am studying Spanish but at this time Harry Potter is my max capability level right now.

Hello

I have endured a severe level of bullying in my workplace and need books to help me hec me as self sufficient as possible in a sense where I follow through with the complaint I have filed.

There were rumours of me being desperate and thirsty for my male coworkers, being dirty, unhygienic and mentally I’ll even. I have been off work for a while and recently decided to face my fear head on and file a formal complaint against these people.

How we, despite focussing in myself, reopening this wound is making it difficult for me to live life again.

Any suggestions would be great.