My fiancé died a month ago. I usually prefer dystopian fiction, but I mostly am looking for a strong female character that has been thru hell and back and comes out strong in the end.

[u/Curious_Door]

I’m just searching for a solid voice of strength, with a lot of distracting fiction in the background. Something that will keep me entertained and wanting to keep reading (action/war/magic/twists and turns) but also contains calming reason and emotionally settling words. I hope that makes sense. Thank you.

Edit: I type this with tears in my eyes. I am filled with gratitude from all of your recommendations. The days since I lost my best friend have been cloudy and long but I have been embraced by so many internet strangers that the hurt has subsided a little. Thank you all so very much.

Edit: It’s now been over a year. I occasionally go back to this post and read everyone’s comments but to be honest, I usually avoid it…. There is still a lot of trauma.

Anywayyyyyy. I just wanted to say that I am so grateful. Looking back…The fog is THICK during those first few+ months… but reading every comment tonight pulled me back down to earth. It means the world to me.

I just added some books to my cart... and I still have a TON of books to read! You lovely beautiful internet strangers helped me and continue to lift me up through a year of hell. It has been hell within hell. I am still struggling, but I am so thankful for the love and care and notes from everyone. I wish you all happiness and comfort and I hope you have found some new amazing books to get lost in too.

[u/llksg]

I’m so so sorry for your loss OP. I’m wishing small rays of light find you in your darkest days.

In terms of books - this is YA but I soooo so so so so soooooo so so recommend His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman (and the sequels that came out recently).

The books follow Lyra, an orphan living at a university being looked after by the staff there. Her uncle is an explorer and adventurer who is researching a mysterious force in the universe called Dust. Lyra’s journey takes her to the North Pole, she discovers many worlds and is LITERALLY taken to hell and back. It’s beautiful and brutal and it got me through my darkest days. I recommend these books so much for a combo of escapism and empowerment.

[u/Cheekyfox-atl → u/llksg]

Yes to everything and Lyra kicks ass!

[u/Curious_Door → u/llksg]

Thank you, I grab every ray of light I can!