Chapter 48 - The Dreadful Fluff

As you can tell, I read a lot. I read a lot of HEAVY stuff. I like to learn things, experience life from the eyes of people different from me whether it is social class, race, experience, or time that makes them different. A lot of what I read, while not exactly depressing, is well, heavy and thought provoking, and sometimes challenging to the way I see the world. In between these more sober experiences I generally put in some fluff - lighthearted reads that make you feel good.

Just like my go-to reads are historical fiction, my go-to fluff reads are usually (but not always) relationship books. They usually make me laugh, are easy and quick to read, and while they are my potato chip books, (see my earlier blog on steak books), I need both to be a balanced reader.

Here are some of my favorites including a few recent ones I've discovered.

Bridget Jones' Diary by Helen Fielding - Still one of my absolute favorite fluff reads. Bridget is a singleton in her 30's who is looking for her place in life. She is looking for her perfect job and perfect man and has hilarious adventures trying to find each one. Not only a good read, but it was also a decent movie.

Alphabet Weekends by Elizabeth Noble - While Natalie and Tom have been friends forever, he would like it to be much more. As Natalie is coming off a bad relationship, Tom proposes that they start dating and suggests that they spend 26 weekends together with activities that begin with each letter of the alphabet from A to Z. He is certain at the end of this they will be madly in love, Natalie is not so sure but goes along with the plan.

That Month in Tuscany by Inglath Cooper - While not exactly a comedy this book was recommended by a very good friend. When Liz's husband decides not to go on their scheduled trip to Tuscany for their anniversary, she decides to go on her own. On the flight across the Atlantic she meets Ren and they decide to explore Tuscany together. This book is a terrific travel and relationship read.

The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay - Madeline's estranged aunt has passed away and left her with her house and a small bookstore on the outskirts of Chicago. Madeline, an attorney with no knowledge of how to run a bookstore, finds that she is not only in debt but also in charge of some very interesting employees.

One Day in December by Josie Silva - Laurie sees Jack at a bus stop in December and he becomes her dream love, that is, until she realizes her best friend is dating him. The story spans ten years of friendship and is a good Christmas read - think Love Actually meets Bridget Jones.

Do you have any go-to light reads?