While I’m not an “expert reader,” author, or literary scholar, I am a self-proclaimed book connoisseur. As a bibliophile, I often find myself torn between two main categories of books. The first type being what society deems “respectable”: classics, memoirs, historical fiction, renowned fantasy. These award-worthy books are recommended as highly introspective and intellectual, often challenging strong readers to reach their full potential.
The second category of books is equally enticing and, perhaps, even more inviting: fluff reads. Fluff reads are the colorful spines amplified by the mass media; poorly written stories that are often filled with clichés, cringe-worthy moments, and one-dimensional characters. While these stories may not be world-altering, they certainly are entertaining—and they fly off of shelves.
Admittedly, I’m a huge fan of fluff. After plowing through dense books that rip my heart out, I always recover with something sweet and simple—I believe a cliché romance is the cure to any reading slump. I’ve read my fair share of Taylor Jenkins Reid, and while her stories may not be literary masterpieces, they certainly keep me hooked. I was easily charmed into Daisy Jones & The Six and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and I was certainly not disappointed.
Fluff books read as television shows or movies. Their simple language and light stories are addicting, which brings me to the first benefit of fluff reads—they are the gateway drug to the reading community. #BookTok, a TikTok feed for book lovers, often promotes fluff novels through curated algorithms. Among #BookTok titles include Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles. I find that friends who don’t typically read have enjoyed a ton of these fluff books. Why? They begin to associate reading with entertainment and pleasure. Reading can, and should be, fun. A page-turner is a page-turner, even if it’s not an incredibly impactful story. These books leave readers wanting more, leading them to a world of books beyond BookTok’s fluff novels.
Fluff reads are the best way to escape reading slumps. After reading a hefty book, I often find myself burnt-out and unwilling to read. Fluff reads offer the mental stimulation of reading without the dense substance that many books hold. The best fluff books hold readers gently: the characters fall in love tenderly, they resolve conflict without much drama, and they end satisfactorily. Fluff reads are “brain breaks” for readers by steering away from the gamut of human emotion that heavy books explore. Fluff books remind readers that not every read needs to be academically rewarding.
Reading is like eating a well-balanced diet. While you should eat mostly nutritious foods, unhealthy foods can, and should, be eaten in moderation—for the soul. Readers must challenge themselves through books, just as anyone should be eating nourishing, healthy meals. But a can of soda or a cookie helps form a life of balanced eating, and a cliché romance helps ensure balanced reading. Picking up a fluff novel is as satisfying as a bag of chips, and should be celebrated, not shamed.
If you’re in the midst of a hazy reading slump, or you want to begin your reading journey, allow this curated list of fluff books to serve as your guide into the world of books. Feeling unmotivated to read is normal, and it is important to remember that there is a vast catalog of books that you can count on to reel you back in.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is the epitome of fluffy fantasy. The story follows a young Violet Sorrengail, who enters Basgiath War College in the land of Navarre. Violet dreams of a life among books as a scribe, but her notorious mother, a general of Navarre’s army, pushes Violet into the rider’s quadrant to become a dragon rider. Most riders would kill Violet to save themselves, including Xaden Riorson, the most ruthless wingleader in the rider’s quadrant. Violet needs everything her body can give her just to make it to the next sunrise; but, with every day that passes, death tolls rise, war grows heavy, and Violet begins to suspect Navarre’s leadership is hiding a terrible secret. This romance-fantasy novel is perfect for any reading slump with its fast-paced, entertaining story. Yarros herself proclaimed Fourth Wing to be a gateway into Fantasy; thus, readers looking for more fantasy, Fourth Wing is the book for you.
The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lori Nelson Spielman
The second-born daughters of the Fontana family are cursed: they are never to get married. Emilia understands her fate being a second daughter, and she confines herself to her life of solidarity. Her cousin Lucy, another second-born daughter, has a different approach: serial dating just for her heart to be constantly stomped on. When their Aunt Poppy—a second Fontana daughter—offers them an all-expenses paid trip to Italy, the girls seize the offer, hoping to explore their heritage and reverse the Fontana curse. The Star-Crossed Sisters of Tuscany by Lori Nelson Spielman is addictive and filled with vivid storytelling and Italian charm. This novel promises an escape from reality right into the heart of Italy and is the perfect fluff read for travel lovers.
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Carrie Soto is the best tennis player the world has seen, and she is unapologetic for her success. Years into retirement, Carrie watches as her throne as the world’s tennis queen is stolen by Nikki Chan in the 1994 U.S. Open. At thirty-seven, Carrie Soto returns to the game to reclaim her title. Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid is unlike any fluff read you will come across. Its inspirational story is a beautiful tale of family, resilience, and sacrifice. It is void of a romantic plotline and is a quick read that will give your brain the break it needs.
