PastaConsumer t1_iug1y30 wrote on October 31, 2022 at 1:18 AM

I feel like I’ve read lots of books that didn’t feature romance as a main plot point… for example, right now I’m reading Life of Pi. The main character was interested in religion and after being a castaway for many days, has held steadfast to his religious beliefs. He also grew by eating meat, due to the circumstances of being stuck on a lifeboat, after growing up as a devout vegetarian.

Other books I can think of are Hatchet, The Council of Animals, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Barn 8… these are just books that I’ve recently read.

I think it is difficult to find books devoid of any romance, but there are plenty where the main characters grow because of something beyond romance.

throwaway-clonewars OP t1_iug5fjr wrote on October 31, 2022 at 1:46 AM

Interesting. I don't think many of the ones listed are to my interest sadly, but perhaps that just shows my wants are counter intuitive to the genre I'm reading in.

Guess it's a bit like asking for a pizza at a dessert bar. They'll probably have something called pizza, but it won't be the pizza I'm expecting 😅.

PastaConsumer t1_iug7j2e wrote on October 31, 2022 at 2:02 AM

No worries! My favorite books are historical dramas and tend to be filled with romance, though what I crave from them is the women fighting for their independence and getting involved in science.

Hopefully someone else has some different recommendations for you to consider

throwaway-clonewars OP t1_iug8odx wrote on October 31, 2022 at 2:11 AM

Thanks.

I do dip out of those genres from time to time. Have you read the Essex Serpent? I believe thats a historical drama romance. I mainly grabbed it cause it has Tom Hiddleston on the cover 😂. Really not sure what to expect since I don't have apple either so I can't watch the show they made from it.

PastaConsumer t1_iugb4yd wrote on October 31, 2022 at 2:31 AM

My favorite genre is very specific and you managed to call out a book from it - yay!

I’ve read Essex Serpent and watched the show. The book is better, but I did enjoy Tom Hiddleston lol. If you liked that, check out My Name is Mary Sutter and The Signature of All Things.

throwaway-clonewars OP t1_iugc37x wrote on October 31, 2022 at 2:38 AM

I'll definitely keep that tabbed.

I rarely, but sometimes so want a romance book or plot from time to time.

LadybugGal95 t1_iuixuvb wrote on October 31, 2022 at 5:59 PM

Historical drama with a woman fighting for independence and getting involved in science - “The Girl in His Shadow” There is, I believe, one little kiss but it’s a very minor subplot. Great book.