As I talked about back at the beginning of 2024, nothing consoles and comforts me like fiction. It doesn’t have to be happy fiction. It doesn’t even have to be one of the genres, like science fiction and fantasy, that people call “escapist.” After all, it’s all escapist by its nature – it’s fiction. Since I consider the times right now, here in the U.S., to qualify as dark, I thought I would recommend some of my favorite books and stories. These are in no particular order. The great thing about them all is that, whether you agree with me or not about the darkness of our times, they’re just great stories that have brought me much joy. I hope they will you as well.
- The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells
Not just one, but seven (7!) books for your enjoyment, as well as two short stories. Lest you are groaning at the thought of reading all that, take heart – five of the seven are novellas. Plus, there’s no law that says you have to read them all. But I’m betting that once you’ve finished the first one, All Systems Red, you won’t want to stop. - The Plague by Albert Camus
Possibly the definition of “not a happy book,” and yet, it is one of my favorite books of all time. I actually reread it in 2020, much to my husband’s dismay. I think it’s because, sad as it is, it’s ultimately a story about friendship and people helping other people through terrible times. It is a bit dated in that there are hardly any female characters, but I still love it. I was not aware of the new translation I’ve linked to, so will likely get it and read it again. - Kalpa Imperial by Angélica Gorodischer, translated by Ursula K. Le Guin
I adore this book. It reads like a series of short-stories, all wound together into the tale of a fictional empire. The writing is magical. - Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis
I’ve read this book five times, but it’s been so long, I’m sure when I read it a sixth – my memory being what it is – it will all seem new and delightful again. I don’t know anything about the translation I’ve linked to, as I have a much older one, but I may give it a try. - The short stories of Erin Roberts
One of my favorite short fiction authors, right up there with Kelly Link and R.S.A. Garcia (coming right up). Several of her short stories are available to read or listen to online. - Tantie Merle and the Farmhand 4200 by R.S.A. Garcia
Won the Sturgeon and the Nebula for best short story in 2023. An absolutely delightful story. Possibly my favorite piece of short fiction since… - Sinners, Saints, Dragons, and Haints, in the City Beneath the Still Waters by N.K. Jemisin
I’ve read this story multiple times and anticipate reading it again. Also, I’ll throw out an honorable mention to her Hugo winning The Broken Earth trilogy. - The Sixth World books by Rebecca Roanhorse
There are two volumes (so far), but all her work is wonderful. I also enjoy her short stories. I recommend sinking into the soothing tones of Levar Burton, reading Welcome to your Authentic Indian Experience. - My friend Pete’s Books!
Yes, he’s my friend, but really, they’re a lot of fun. I got to play in the games that loosely inspired his Guardian of Empire City duology (so far). - The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Might as well end the list by going back to some classic lit. Dostoevsky is one of my favorite authors, and I would also recommend Crime & Punishment. I listened to an Audible presentation of the book, so I should warn that I have no idea how good the LibriVox presentation I linked to is, but it does have the benefit of being free.
I could go on, but ten seems like a common stopping place, and there were even some bonus items in there. If you’re reading this, whenever you’re reading it, I hope you’ll give some of these a try.
May you all give, and receive, kindness and love.