These Literary Fiction Picks Will Shatter You—in the Best Way

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Welcome back to the What to Read Next Podcast! In today’s episode, I’m joined once again by our resident literary fiction expert and middle grade author, Laura Bird. Laura is bringing us six stunning literary fiction reads that will break your heart—but leave you with hope. These are perfect picks for readers who want emotional depth, compelling characters, and a reminder of the beauty in human connection.

Whether you're in a book club or simply want a novel to get lost in, this episode has a recommendation for you.

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS & BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

00:00 – Welcome back Laura Bird!

01:00 – Why we love literary fiction with hopeful endings

02:45 – Books perfect for book clubs

04:05 – 📖 A Winter’s Rhyme by Carol Dunbar

07:20 – 📖 The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy

10:40 – 📖 A 40-Year Kiss by Nicholas Butler

14:00 – 📖 All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

18:05 – 📖 Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo

21:00 – 📖 Margot’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

25:30 – Mention of The Knockout Queen by Rufi Thorpe

Featured Book Recommendations

A Winter’s Rime by Carol Dunbar https://amzn.to/3Eb0eBt
The Snowbirds by Christina Clancy https://amzn.to/3RAxBAH
A Forty-Year Kiss by Nicholas Butler https://amzn.to/4jjdvqx
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker https://amzn.to/4i4yyw3
Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo https://amzn.to/3R2U0qj
Margot’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe https://amzn.to/43JFrzy

Bonus Mentions

Crossing the Pressure Line by Laura Anne Bird (middle grade) https://amzn.to/4iYiQ71
Marvelous Jackson by Laura Anne Bird (middle grade) https://amzn.to/3FYQhrq

👩‍💻 Connect with Laura Bird

📚 Website: laurabirdbooks.com

📸 Instagram: @laura_at_the_library

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