I’ve been having a hard time reading lately — who knows why. I’ve started lots of serious, grown-up, reportedly very good books and they’re just not taking hold. After a day or two, I find myself putting them aside and moving to something that’s a little easier on my addled brain. If you would like a little very light reading, here are some ideas.

Peter and the Starcatchers: I actually read this one out loud to John, but I’m including it because I like it as much as anything I’ve read on my own. I love the idea of meeting Peter Pan before he’s Peter Pan. Good for the authors for thinking things through. There’s a little bit of adolescent romance in here that John doesn’t get at all, but that I find really sweet.

Fairy Tales from the Brother’s Grimm: I never stopped liking fairy tales, and this book is Philip Pullman’s interpretation of them. He includes notes on the evolution of the stories and the references he used for his versions. Which makes me feel like I’m doing something a little smarter than just reading Cinderella.

Pride and Prejudice: Have I already talked about this? I read this book like other people take a hot bath or wrap up in a security blanket. I always think Mr. Bennett is funny, I’m always happy things work out with Mr. Darcy, and my copy practically opens right up to the best parts.

World War Z: Yes, like a gore-loving twelve-year-old boy, I recently read a big fat zombie book. A really good zombie book! Readers of the recent Robopocalypse might recognize the style, but I thought this one was better. Watchers of the Walking Dead, you’ll be on board as well.

Mr. Penumbra’s 24-hour Bookstore: I don’t know how to describe this book. It’s a little bit of a mystery, and it’s about books. And it’s funny. Read it if you liked Alif the Unseen, I’d say. That should be a total of about four people who read this blog.

This is a strange list, right? It’s romantic, romantic, romantic, gore, books. Go figure.