Split (1)

train · 44.1k rows

Subsets and Splits

No community queries yet

The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.

chosen stringlengths 62 12.6k	rejected stringlengths 61 12.6k
Human: Hi, I'd like to get into HP Lovecraft but don't know where to start, can you recommend a book or even a tale, to read? Thx Assistant: Hey, not a suggestion, but you should know you can read all his fiction (I think) for free here. Not piracy; it’s an official site.	Human: Hi, I'd like to get into HP Lovecraft but don't know where to start, can you recommend a book or even a tale, to read? Thx Assistant: Conan the barbarian is canon in the Lovecraft world.
Human: what are the best books to go into blind, or without any knowledge of? Serendipity is pretty awesome... anyone had any good experiences? Assistant: Never let me go	Human: what are the best books to go into blind, or without any knowledge of? Serendipity is pretty awesome... anyone had any good experiences? Assistant: We Have Always Lived in the Castle. Between Two Fires. The Lesser Dead. Children of Time.
Human: What one book would you recommend to convert a non reader? If you'd talk to a person that says reading books is boring and he/she would never want to waste their time on it, what one single book would you recommend in your attempt to prove them otherwise and perhaps leave them wanting to read more? Assistant: Honestly- I wouldn’t. To me, reading is a hobby. I can’t think of another hobby where people emphatically force it on others. I’ve never heard anyone say “how do I convince someone who absolutely hates crocheting to love it!” Or “what kind of binoculars can I get my friend who has no interest in birdwatching?” Also I feel like in most cases, gift giving should be about what the receiver likes, not the giver.	Human: What one book would you recommend to convert a non reader? If you'd talk to a person that says reading books is boring and he/she would never want to waste their time on it, what one single book would you recommend in your attempt to prove them otherwise and perhaps leave them wanting to read more? Assistant: My father dated someone who described reading as a "waste of time." Irony? She was an elementary school teacher. Sometimes, there's no help for it and you have to write them off as a lost cause.
Human: What is the best psychological thriller that you have read? I love thrillers, but I find myself let down by the endings a lot. I want something that is a page turner… and has a satisfying ending! Thanks! Assistant: Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane. Great ending. He also wrote Mystic River, which is great in its own right. Great short story: An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge by Ambrose Bierce. Another great twist ending.	Human: What is the best psychological thriller that you have read? I love thrillers, but I find myself let down by the endings a lot. I want something that is a page turner… and has a satisfying ending! Thanks! Assistant: Patrick Suskind's Perfume. I don't think I've read anything quite like this since. There's something very visceral about the reliance on "smell" as the primary sensory organ for a human to process the world. Be warned, the ending is>!grotesque !<and may not be satisfying >!to normal people!<
Human: Books to educate myself about what to do as a husband during pregnancy. Also any suggestions about learning to care for a newborn to a toddler. As the title states I'm looking for books to help educate myself about pregnancy to help support my wife. Would also like books about caring for a newborn to be able to prepare properly for parenthood. Honestly just want to be the best dad I can be and I'm looking to learn as much as possible. Assistant: I really enjoyed “Dad’s Pregnant, Too!” By Cohen. It was fairly comprehensive without being a slog, has plenty of funny anecdote chapters from interviews he conducted, and had a lot of great information around the birth, coming home, and how to be a good husband/new father. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2283301.Dad_s_Pregnant_Too	Human: Books to educate myself about what to do as a husband during pregnancy. Also any suggestions about learning to care for a newborn to a toddler. As the title states I'm looking for books to help educate myself about pregnancy to help support my wife. Would also like books about caring for a newborn to be able to prepare properly for parenthood. Honestly just want to be the best dad I can be and I'm looking to learn as much as possible. Assistant: Expecting Better and Cribsheet by Emily Oster From the Hips Tinyhood.com has great classes for labor, sleep, breastfeeding, newborn care, etc. As a pregnant person I can say that 1) this is awesome and all pregnant people should be lucky enough to have a partner like you who is actively trying to learn and 2) try to be as involved as you can and make sure both partner and baby are fed, sleeping, and comfortable.
Human: Help me find my literary white whale? Looking for deep, relatable female characters navigating life without a romantic component I’m a woman and love reading a diverse spread of female characters and authors with all kinds of unique experiences, but so rarely find books (or movies or shows) that feel specifically relatable to me on a character level. Lately I’ve been obsessed with the movie “tick, tick…BOOM!“—like, it feels deeply relatable and inspires me and speaks to my soul in a way that few things have, but it’s also written and directed by, and based on, men. Which is fine, but I want something that will feel like that but about a woman. Other things I have felt very “seen” by include “Frances Ha” and “Company,” which has a female-led/gender-bent revival happening now but is originally about a male main character. Ooh, and Broad City a bit as well. It feels even harder to find these types of characters in book form. It was easy as a kid reading Sharon Creech and Judy Blume, but it’s hard to find the adult version of those types of stories. Things that have come kinda close include Circe and, weirdly enough, Hank Green’s books. The ideal character would be late 20s-30s, smart, funny (but the book doesn’t have to be funny), an artist of some kind perhaps, and basically navigating life and what she wants without romance being a major part of it. Bonus points if she is queer and has ADHD, lol. What I am extremely not interested in is some cold “badass” emotionally numb or damaged person, or anyone who is ~changed~ by a man. My favorite books include basically anything by Margaret Atwood (The Blind Assassin being an all-time fave), big sprawling stories of life like The Overstory; Middlesex; Girl, Woman, Other; Angels in America; The Goldfinch; The Great Believers; Here I Am… I also love a lot of fantasy. And plays, I love reading plays! I’m pretty open to any genre as long as it’s well-written. I do tend to prefer heavier books as opposed to light/fluffy/escapist type stuff. Hopefully this is not too wildly specific… I hope this request resonates with others as well and that there are some good suggestions out there! Thank you in advance for any suggestions! Assistant: It might not be up your genre alley, but you might consider the Kinsey Milhone mystery series by Sue Grafton. The idea of romance features so little in these books you might even wonder if Kinsey is asexual and aromantic.	Human: Help me find my literary white whale? Looking for deep, relatable female characters navigating life without a romantic component I’m a woman and love reading a diverse spread of female characters and authors with all kinds of unique experiences, but so rarely find books (or movies or shows) that feel specifically relatable to me on a character level. Lately I’ve been obsessed with the movie “tick, tick…BOOM!“—like, it feels deeply relatable and inspires me and speaks to my soul in a way that few things have, but it’s also written and directed by, and based on, men. Which is fine, but I want something that will feel like that but about a woman. Other things I have felt very “seen” by include “Frances Ha” and “Company,” which has a female-led/gender-bent revival happening now but is originally about a male main character. Ooh, and Broad City a bit as well. It feels even harder to find these types of characters in book form. It was easy as a kid reading Sharon Creech and Judy Blume, but it’s hard to find the adult version of those types of stories. Things that have come kinda close include Circe and, weirdly enough, Hank Green’s books. The ideal character would be late 20s-30s, smart, funny (but the book doesn’t have to be funny), an artist of some kind perhaps, and basically navigating life and what she wants without romance being a major part of it. Bonus points if she is queer and has ADHD, lol. What I am extremely not interested in is some cold “badass” emotionally numb or damaged person, or anyone who is ~changed~ by a man. My favorite books include basically anything by Margaret Atwood (The Blind Assassin being an all-time fave), big sprawling stories of life like The Overstory; Middlesex; Girl, Woman, Other; Angels in America; The Goldfinch; The Great Believers; Here I Am… I also love a lot of fantasy. And plays, I love reading plays! I’m pretty open to any genre as long as it’s well-written. I do tend to prefer heavier books as opposed to light/fluffy/escapist type stuff. Hopefully this is not too wildly specific… I hope this request resonates with others as well and that there are some good suggestions out there! Thank you in advance for any suggestions! Assistant: Anything by Kristin Hannah would fit the bill but specifically the nightingale / the four winds and the great alone .. it’s all about women kicking ass and taking names .. there’s romance but it’s not the point at all …
Human: I want to read a book with a huge plot twist Assistant: Fingersmith by Sarah Waters	Human: I want to read a book with a huge plot twist Assistant: I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh
Human: A book which fills you with a comforting warmth - like sitting in front of a fireplace in a cozy cottage The title might seem a wee bit specific! But looking for a book that gives me that sort of a feeling. I remember reading {{The Railway Children}} as a kid- a book with a somewhat sad backdrop but fills you up with a melancholy yet optimism filled warmth. Looking forward to the suggestions! Is {{A Gentleman in Moscow}} along similar lines? Haven't read that but has been on my reading list for a while. Assistant: The Wind in the Willows	Human: A book which fills you with a comforting warmth - like sitting in front of a fireplace in a cozy cottage The title might seem a wee bit specific! But looking for a book that gives me that sort of a feeling. I remember reading {{The Railway Children}} as a kid- a book with a somewhat sad backdrop but fills you up with a melancholy yet optimism filled warmth. Looking forward to the suggestions! Is {{A Gentleman in Moscow}} along similar lines? Haven't read that but has been on my reading list for a while. Assistant: {{Skunk and Badger}} (also the obvious inspiration The Wind in the Willows)
Human: Books that give a studio ghibli movie feel A studio ghibli movie gives me a very warm feeling. Simple living like cleaning, cooking, visiting the sunday market or doing laundry. Haruki murakami's kafka on the shore and Norwegian woods did that. Any more books like that? Assistant: Fruits Basket Manga would do it	Human: Books that give a studio ghibli movie feel A studio ghibli movie gives me a very warm feeling. Simple living like cleaning, cooking, visiting the sunday market or doing laundry. Haruki murakami's kafka on the shore and Norwegian woods did that. Any more books like that? Assistant: A winter’s promise by Dabos reminded me of a ghibli movie when I was reading it. I usually don’t read YA but this was really well written.
Human: Looking for book with strong female protagonist who is financially independent and sexually active (but NOT a romance novel) I'd love to read about a strong woman who's kind of slutty but gives no fucks and is in total control of her life. Any suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks! Assistant: The Phryne Fisher Mysteries. A 20’s flapper with full financial independance goes around solving murder mysteries, being beholden to no fucks and sleeps with anyone she feels might be fun.	Human: Looking for book with strong female protagonist who is financially independent and sexually active (but NOT a romance novel) I'd love to read about a strong woman who's kind of slutty but gives no fucks and is in total control of her life. Any suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks! Assistant: The Circle - I personally hated it, but it fits the description.
Human: Books with morally ambiguous strong female protagonists I dislike stories with all these Dudley-Do-Rights. I kind of like my fiction to have more of a bleak worldview. What would you suggest? Assistant: We Have Always Lived in the Castle, by Shirley Jackson	Human: Books with morally ambiguous strong female protagonists I dislike stories with all these Dudley-Do-Rights. I kind of like my fiction to have more of a bleak worldview. What would you suggest? Assistant: Red Sparrow by Jason Matthews. Miriam Black series by Chuck Wendig. Happy Mutant Baby Pills by Jerry Stahl. Charlie Hardie trilogy by Duane Swierczynski. Bad Marie by Marcy Dermansky. The Post-Birthday World/Big Brother/Game Control/We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver. Lexicon by Max Barry. American Subversive by David Goodwillie. One Hit Wonder by Charlie Carillo.
Human: Young adult dystopian novels like The Hunger Games and the Legend trilogy which has themes like militarism, politics, revolutions/rebellions, rebels, war, nation states, etc.? I'm in high school, but I'm a *BIG* fan of the two novels and subjects in the title. Are there books with all or most of the mentioned subjects above? Assistant: The Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown might be something you would enjoy based on what you're looking for, like a cross between hunger games and Enders game... I really enjoyed them and think there's a movie in the works	Human: Young adult dystopian novels like The Hunger Games and the Legend trilogy which has themes like militarism, politics, revolutions/rebellions, rebels, war, nation states, etc.? I'm in high school, but I'm a *BIG* fan of the two novels and subjects in the title. Are there books with all or most of the mentioned subjects above? Assistant: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard and it's sequel.
Human: YA Mystery; looking for an audio book I can listen to while driving. “The girl on the milk carton” is one that I enjoyed. Trying to solve the mystery helps pass the time on long drives. Assistant: Love this post! Huge audiobook fan! It is not YA, but try Girl on a Train	Human: YA Mystery; looking for an audio book I can listen to while driving. “The girl on the milk carton” is one that I enjoyed. Trying to solve the mystery helps pass the time on long drives. Assistant: You might like the truly devious series by Maureen Johnson.
Human: Books you can’t put down (page-turners)? I absolutely love the feeling of wanting to know what will happen next and flying through a book. Even better if it has great suspense and good plot twists! I mainly read fiction and within that my favorite genres are fantasy, YA, sci-fi, mystery and crime! However any page turners are welcome, I’m open to try new things :) Thanks for any tips!! Assistant: I read the first three Red Rising books in about two weeks, I literally could not put them down so that's my recommendation!	Human: Books you can’t put down (page-turners)? I absolutely love the feeling of wanting to know what will happen next and flying through a book. Even better if it has great suspense and good plot twists! I mainly read fiction and within that my favorite genres are fantasy, YA, sci-fi, mystery and crime! However any page turners are welcome, I’m open to try new things :) Thanks for any tips!! Assistant: The goldfinch by Donna tartt
Human: What are your classic page turners? I recently started Moby Dick but I’m taking my time with it. I couldn’t say it’s boring but definitely not a page turner for me. Do you have any other classics you consider page turners? Assistant: * In Cold Blood by Truman Capote * The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck * A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith	Human: What are your classic page turners? I recently started Moby Dick but I’m taking my time with it. I couldn’t say it’s boring but definitely not a page turner for me. Do you have any other classics you consider page turners? Assistant: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Human: suggest me a book where the main character is from the real world and is transported to a fantasy world A popular example is the Ms Peregrine series, and the one that got me into the genre (there probably isn't a name for it but i call it escapism) is The Underland Chronicles. Bonus points for a story/characters I can get invested in Assistant: Faerie Wars by Herbie Brennan	Human: suggest me a book where the main character is from the real world and is transported to a fantasy world A popular example is the Ms Peregrine series, and the one that got me into the genre (there probably isn't a name for it but i call it escapism) is The Underland Chronicles. Bonus points for a story/characters I can get invested in Assistant: The Circle Series by Ted Dekker By far my favorite books I’ve ever read! I have a hard time finding new books because I always compare them to this series… in short, when the main character falls asleep he wakes up in a different reality that is very intriguing and vast and explained in amazing detail all while having the plot carried super well throughout the books… HIGHLY recommend! I don’t want to ruin anything by describing it more but everyone who loves a good sci fi should give it a read!
Human: Suggest Me A Book In The “Welcome To Nightvale” style heartfelt eldritch surrealist horror-comedy *please note I have already read the official WTNV books. Bloody excellent Assistant: Maybe The Laundry Files?	Human: Suggest Me A Book In The “Welcome To Nightvale” style heartfelt eldritch surrealist horror-comedy *please note I have already read the official WTNV books. Bloody excellent Assistant: You might like {Something from the Nightside by Simon R. Green} and {Tales from the Gas Station by Jack Townsend}. Edit: the bot is a derp, you should start with volume one, not two lol.
Human: I feel like I am at my absolute lowest. Please suggest something to read. I think I may want something uplifting without being insultingly platitudinous and hokey. Assistant: “A Walk in the Woods “ by Bill Bryson.	Human: I feel like I am at my absolute lowest. Please suggest something to read. I think I may want something uplifting without being insultingly platitudinous and hokey. Assistant: {{My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry by Frederick Backman}}
Human: A book that gives you reason to live First off, I'm not suicidal, at least not anymore. I went through a pretty rough phase once in the past and some books (Siddhartha, The stranger, All the light we cannot see, the book by Alan Watts etc.) helped me live through it. That's one of the many reasons why I love reading, I believe. I know books have their limitations but lately I've been feeling a little lost and confused, so I just wanted to read a book that would sort of 'inspire' me to live. I believe that reviews on the internet are kind of 'technical', so I'm asking for help here. Pardon me I couldn't convey what I mean to say better. Assistant: Currently reading Catching the big fish by David Lynch it has really opened my eyes on how to be more introspective, but also his eye for detail it feels like a warm embrace and the saddest goodbye all at the same time. It makes you want to look for yourself.	Human: A book that gives you reason to live First off, I'm not suicidal, at least not anymore. I went through a pretty rough phase once in the past and some books (Siddhartha, The stranger, All the light we cannot see, the book by Alan Watts etc.) helped me live through it. That's one of the many reasons why I love reading, I believe. I know books have their limitations but lately I've been feeling a little lost and confused, so I just wanted to read a book that would sort of 'inspire' me to live. I believe that reviews on the internet are kind of 'technical', so I'm asking for help here. Pardon me I couldn't convey what I mean to say better. Assistant: Firstly, it’s really cool of you to be so transparent about your struggles. I too am very thankful for all of the outlets and resources there are to help us get our fire for life back. I would recommend reading the “Gospels” in the Holy Bible. It is the first 4 books of the New Testament.
Human: Suggest me a book which discusses good vs evil (philosophy) I'm looking for a book recommendation on the topic of good/evil. I'm 32 years old and the experiences I went through caused me to grow bitter, hateful and transformed me from a good person into a bad person. I became a bad person out of necessity, to be able to survive the environment I lived in for the past ten years and I'm a little bit torn inside between good and evil. I would like to hear some thoughts on this topic. For instance, should one succumb to evil and reject good for personal interest ? Should one keep his morals and principles even though it makes it harder to survive in this society ? I don't know if I'm clear enough. Do you have a book recommendation, do you know any philosopher who touched on this subject ? This has been bugging me from some time. Assistant: Nietzsche, Beyond Good and Evil Badiou, Ethics Both these works really challenge traditional notions of morality in very different (though sometimes converging) ways. Don't be daunted by the difficulty; the best way is to just jump in and take it slowly.	Human: Suggest me a book which discusses good vs evil (philosophy) I'm looking for a book recommendation on the topic of good/evil. I'm 32 years old and the experiences I went through caused me to grow bitter, hateful and transformed me from a good person into a bad person. I became a bad person out of necessity, to be able to survive the environment I lived in for the past ten years and I'm a little bit torn inside between good and evil. I would like to hear some thoughts on this topic. For instance, should one succumb to evil and reject good for personal interest ? Should one keep his morals and principles even though it makes it harder to survive in this society ? I don't know if I'm clear enough. Do you have a book recommendation, do you know any philosopher who touched on this subject ? This has been bugging me from some time. Assistant: Good Omens?
Human: Suggest me a flamboyantly written book, or a book about some over-the-top flamboyant person. I like books with a little too much snazziness, with grand words and topics. Where they feel overdone but it's endearing. I feel the same way towards characters. I have a liking for the dramatic and fanciful depictions of people. They are fun, maybe not good, but they are fun. I know movies like so, but I'm not well versed in literature. Thank you. Assistant: The importance of being Earnest by Oscar Wilde is the funniest play I’ve ever read and is full of flamboyant, over the top characters - which makes sense, since Wilde was famously flamboyant himself. Definitely worth a read (and if you can see it live, you should!)	Human: Suggest me a flamboyantly written book, or a book about some over-the-top flamboyant person. I like books with a little too much snazziness, with grand words and topics. Where they feel overdone but it's endearing. I feel the same way towards characters. I have a liking for the dramatic and fanciful depictions of people. They are fun, maybe not good, but they are fun. I know movies like so, but I'm not well versed in literature. Thank you. Assistant: City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert. Tbh, I started and stopped. But it got such rave reviews, I gave it a second chance and it stuck with me.
Human: I hate the city we are relocating to. Suggest a book to cope/accept or otherwise help me. My spouse’s work is relocating us. But after the trip to find a home, I see it is so much worse than I imagined. I looked for a book where someone else was miserable with their move as well, but they are mostly relocation tips. Just hearing about the feelings of anger and depression that arise would do a lot to make me feel like somebody else gets it. Assistant: My sister had to move with her spouse to a city she hated (and she is a real "Bloom where you are planted" kind of person but hated this city). They finally left and decided he would quit his job and they would move back to the city and friends they loved. They downsized and she got health insurance for the family until he found another job. Is it possible your spouse can quit and not move, and find another job?	Human: I hate the city we are relocating to. Suggest a book to cope/accept or otherwise help me. My spouse’s work is relocating us. But after the trip to find a home, I see it is so much worse than I imagined. I looked for a book where someone else was miserable with their move as well, but they are mostly relocation tips. Just hearing about the feelings of anger and depression that arise would do a lot to make me feel like somebody else gets it. Assistant: {The Anthropocene Reviewed} might be helpful. John Green has a way of looking at the world and things in the world that help you appreciate it. In this book, he reviews all manner of things that humans have created, done, or influenced. it's a pleasant, quick read that might help you not hate where you're at so much.
Human: books with a sapphic romance that AREN'T in the romance genre? Looking for books that include sapphic relationships without being /about/ the relationship, y'know? I'm open to any other genre and age group! Assistant: {space between worlds by Micaiah Johnson} is sci-fi and features a sapphic relationship	Human: books with a sapphic romance that AREN'T in the romance genre? Looking for books that include sapphic relationships without being /about/ the relationship, y'know? I'm open to any other genre and age group! Assistant: Sci-fi: {{This is How You Loose the Time War}}, {{Light from Uncommon Stars}} Fiction: {{Fall on Your Knees}}, {{The Love Letter by Cathleen Schine}}, {{All Adults Here}}, {{The pull of the stars}}, {{Girl, woman, other}}, {{The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo}}
Human: Funny, happy, clean books for my Grandma? My grandmother is in her 90s and spends a lot of time reading. She likes the beach and interior design. Her big thing now is that she doesn't want anything "creepy" (definitely no horror or fantasy) and she's read a lot of legal thriller type stuff this summer and wants to take a break. She has read and and enjoyed Mary Kay Andrews and some Elin Hilderbrand, but thinks they can be a little too sad/serious. She has hated Emily Henry and Sally Rooney. She thought The Midnight Library by Matt Haig was "dumb." Generally speaking, she is not a fan of historical novels (except sometimes if it takes place in Florida, because she's from there). She doesn't mind romance but isn't really into sexy stuff. She only reads large print books, so ereader exclusives don't work. I've been getting her books for several years now and feel like I might have exhausted all I know...so does anyone have suggestions for laugh-out-loud funny books that are fairly clean and would appeal to a 90-something? Or just generally a "happy" book? (Also, cozy mysteries sometimes work, but no food ones or talking animals...) Thanks! Assistant: The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window and Disappeared	Human: Funny, happy, clean books for my Grandma? My grandmother is in her 90s and spends a lot of time reading. She likes the beach and interior design. Her big thing now is that she doesn't want anything "creepy" (definitely no horror or fantasy) and she's read a lot of legal thriller type stuff this summer and wants to take a break. She has read and and enjoyed Mary Kay Andrews and some Elin Hilderbrand, but thinks they can be a little too sad/serious. She has hated Emily Henry and Sally Rooney. She thought The Midnight Library by Matt Haig was "dumb." Generally speaking, she is not a fan of historical novels (except sometimes if it takes place in Florida, because she's from there). She doesn't mind romance but isn't really into sexy stuff. She only reads large print books, so ereader exclusives don't work. I've been getting her books for several years now and feel like I might have exhausted all I know...so does anyone have suggestions for laugh-out-loud funny books that are fairly clean and would appeal to a 90-something? Or just generally a "happy" book? (Also, cozy mysteries sometimes work, but no food ones or talking animals...) Thanks! Assistant: How about Linda Holmes’s books (Evvie Drake Starts Over and Flying Solo)? Both have humor, romance (but not really steam), and good plots.
Human: I’m having a book burnout and find myself bored with everything I pick up. Anything to help me get out of this? Preferably something that is easy to follow and keeps my interest throughout, I have a wondering mind and these last couple weeks have been particularly hard. Something very unique with little tropes so it’s more unpredictable would be nice as well. Assistant: John Irving is always a fascinating, engaging read with lots of complicated characters with relatable but often absurd lives.	Human: I’m having a book burnout and find myself bored with everything I pick up. Anything to help me get out of this? Preferably something that is easy to follow and keeps my interest throughout, I have a wondering mind and these last couple weeks have been particularly hard. Something very unique with little tropes so it’s more unpredictable would be nice as well. Assistant: The kind worth killing by Peter Swanson, it's fast paced and full of twists.
Human: Suggest me a sad, depressing book! I so want to read something like this, something very depressing. (Life is painful and so should be the books :)) Assistant: Kite Runner A Thousand Splendid Suns	Human: Suggest me a sad, depressing book! I so want to read something like this, something very depressing. (Life is painful and so should be the books :)) Assistant: Germinal by Emile Zola
Human: Books that detail American road trips Books like Travels With Charley: In Search of America and On The Road. Assistant: On the Road	Human: Books that detail American road trips Books like Travels With Charley: In Search of America and On The Road. Assistant: Spying on the South: An Odyssey Across the American Divide by Tony Horwitz.
Human: Please suggest me a book that will distract me from being miserable (doesn't have to be a light hearted book) Like a lot of people I am suffering post covid/lockdown fatigue and am struggling to enjoy any old hobbies Please suggest me a book you have enjoyed that will keep me riveted and will allow me to forget about the world! Suggestions don't have to be light hearted books, I am not looking to be cheered up as much I as I am looking to be distracted. Actually, the darker the book the better - I do enjoy unhappy endings! I enjoy fiction books, specifically fantasy (ideally with a strong female lead) but genuinely happy to receive any suggestions. My only stipulation would be that the book should be relatively easy to get into at the beginning - if it takes too much brain power at the start I won't be able to stick with it Thanks in advance! Assistant: Wheel of Time is a good series. There's a balance between men and women lead roles. The first book reads similar to Lord of the Rings but really comes into it's own in the second book.	Human: Please suggest me a book that will distract me from being miserable (doesn't have to be a light hearted book) Like a lot of people I am suffering post covid/lockdown fatigue and am struggling to enjoy any old hobbies Please suggest me a book you have enjoyed that will keep me riveted and will allow me to forget about the world! Suggestions don't have to be light hearted books, I am not looking to be cheered up as much I as I am looking to be distracted. Actually, the darker the book the better - I do enjoy unhappy endings! I enjoy fiction books, specifically fantasy (ideally with a strong female lead) but genuinely happy to receive any suggestions. My only stipulation would be that the book should be relatively easy to get into at the beginning - if it takes too much brain power at the start I won't be able to stick with it Thanks in advance! Assistant: Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson. This one’s a duology where both books are amazing. Strong female protagonist, and a very fun love story. I couldn’t put these books down or do anything productive with my life until I finished.
Human: Books that capture the magical atmosphere of ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ by Gabriel García Márquez? Anything with magical-surrealist theme or just including really magical prose. Can be English or a translation of a foreign text I dig both. Assistant: Have you read any Murukami? Kafka on the shore may be worth checking out- he also has other great books https://www.meetnewbooks.com/book/73970/Kafka-on-the-Shore-Haruki-Murakami	Human: Books that capture the magical atmosphere of ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ by Gabriel García Márquez? Anything with magical-surrealist theme or just including really magical prose. Can be English or a translation of a foreign text I dig both. Assistant: Life of Pi by Yann Martel and Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin. Winter's Tale can be a slog near the end but is worth it.
Human: The first book that ever made you cry. Assistant: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom	Human: The first book that ever made you cry. Assistant: The amber spyglass At the bench when they say goodbye. If you know, you know.
Human: Looking for a book on Egyptian mythology! Maybe something not too in-depth yet Assistant: Try warlock by Wilbur Smith	Human: Looking for a book on Egyptian mythology! Maybe something not too in-depth yet Assistant: If you want something that involves some Egyptian mythology, along with history, archaeology, and other areas like cults and the mythology of other civilisations I would recommend Seven Ancient Wonders by Matthew Reilly. A really incredible book and and awesome series too.
Human: I'm looking for books with bipolar characters that are presented in a realistic, positive way. I'm looking for some characters to relate and look up to. Assistant: Not sure if bi polar or dated but Prozac Nation by a woman whose name I can’t remember. Big hit in the 90s when those drugs were fairly new.	Human: I'm looking for books with bipolar characters that are presented in a realistic, positive way. I'm looking for some characters to relate and look up to. Assistant: Well there's one book. Laredo Santana meets the Medical Mafia. Not sure about positive but you can definitely gain some insight. Loser -hero in a small town fakes being bipolar to gain access to an asylum.
Human: YA fantasy that avoids unhealthy romance tropes? I'm not a huge fan of romance anyway, but it's in so many books these days there's not much avoiding it. But I REALLY want to avoid love triangles (I cannot stand them. It's always the nice guy who doesn't give a challenge vs the baddie who can be changed). And I really am tired of stories with those Stockholm love stories. "Oh I am so scared for my life as he threatens me but I'm so turned on at the same time ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)". And I guess I'm not SPECIFICALLY looking for YA fantasy, but I am looking for something that's not too much of a challenge to read I guess. A lot of fantasy I've tried reading just feels...heavy. George R.R. Martin, Tolkein, Peter S Beagle. I feel like I have to read sentences over and over again to understand what I just read. And that's not a criticism on their writing, I'm probably just a bit dumber than I thought lol I just want to pick up a book set in some fantastical world and enjoy the adventure. Assistant: The Circle of Magic series by Tamora Pierce! There are romantic elements, but all are above board and almost entirely relegated to the sidelines. Certainly no love triangle nonsense. Four young people learn that they can do ambient magic and go to study at Winding Circle Temple. Lots of found family elements and an awesome magic system. {{Sandry’s Book}}	Human: YA fantasy that avoids unhealthy romance tropes? I'm not a huge fan of romance anyway, but it's in so many books these days there's not much avoiding it. But I REALLY want to avoid love triangles (I cannot stand them. It's always the nice guy who doesn't give a challenge vs the baddie who can be changed). And I really am tired of stories with those Stockholm love stories. "Oh I am so scared for my life as he threatens me but I'm so turned on at the same time ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)". And I guess I'm not SPECIFICALLY looking for YA fantasy, but I am looking for something that's not too much of a challenge to read I guess. A lot of fantasy I've tried reading just feels...heavy. George R.R. Martin, Tolkein, Peter S Beagle. I feel like I have to read sentences over and over again to understand what I just read. And that's not a criticism on their writing, I'm probably just a bit dumber than I thought lol I just want to pick up a book set in some fantastical world and enjoy the adventure. Assistant: Holes - Louis Sachaf
Human: Recently read The Martian by Andy Weirr (and LOVED it). Looking for a book to read next that can top that one? Assistant: I am currently reading Seven Eves by Neal Stephenson and it reminds me a lot of The Martian and I have been really enjoying it	Human: Recently read The Martian by Andy Weirr (and LOVED it). Looking for a book to read next that can top that one? Assistant: I'd recommend Ready Player One.
Human: books like eleanor oliphant is completely fine i’ve been in and out of intensely reading books for a couple of years now, and eleanor oliphant hooked me, and got me back into it. but now that i’ve finished the book i can feel my interest waning. i’m wondering if anyone has any suggestions that have a similar “quirky” feel? i’m also very open to any other ideas. if any of you have books that you felt really hooked you in the same way i would love to hear the suggestions! Assistant: {{Convenience Store Woman}}	Human: books like eleanor oliphant is completely fine i’ve been in and out of intensely reading books for a couple of years now, and eleanor oliphant hooked me, and got me back into it. but now that i’ve finished the book i can feel my interest waning. i’m wondering if anyone has any suggestions that have a similar “quirky” feel? i’m also very open to any other ideas. if any of you have books that you felt really hooked you in the same way i would love to hear the suggestions! Assistant: The Witch Elm
Human: What's the scariest book you've read that isn't about the supernatural? I've never felt fear from a book and I want that to change. Assistant: Under the Banner of Heaven	Human: What's the scariest book you've read that isn't about the supernatural? I've never felt fear from a book and I want that to change. Assistant: The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Rewarming by David Wallace-Wells Quick summary: We’re all screwed, don’t live within one hundred miles of the US coast or west of the Mississippi River by 2050 or definitely by 2100
Human: I'm recently broke up with a really good guy I love. It's very hard on me at the moment and I've no support system as I moved to a whole different country. Books have always been my respite. Can anyone suggest some good books that you think will help me through this, please? Assistant: I have a few..... The Magic of Ordinary Days by Anne Howard Creel This is Where I Leave You by Johnathan Tropper Maude by Donna Foley Mabry	Human: I'm recently broke up with a really good guy I love. It's very hard on me at the moment and I've no support system as I moved to a whole different country. Books have always been my respite. Can anyone suggest some good books that you think will help me through this, please? Assistant: Silver linings playbook
Human: Is there a book similar to the story of beauty and the beast but with male and female roles reversed? I'm looking for a book similar to beauty and the beast or maybe phantom of the opera or hunchback of notredame, but with a female being the deformed one. Basically something that talks about an ugly female character who still gets excepted and loved despite her flaws. Assistant: Hermione grows fur for a few pages in Chamber of Secrets.	Human: Is there a book similar to the story of beauty and the beast but with male and female roles reversed? I'm looking for a book similar to beauty and the beast or maybe phantom of the opera or hunchback of notredame, but with a female being the deformed one. Basically something that talks about an ugly female character who still gets excepted and loved despite her flaws. Assistant: 2 YA books (about teenagers) come to mind: Izzy, Willy Nilly by Cynthia Voigt Red Sky in the Morning by Elizabeth Laird Its a small side plot in the second, but I like both books.
Human: Is there a book with hero that indulges in villain-like acts, as long as it's at the expense of the villain? For example, torturing someone is bad, but my hypothetical hero will allow and even actively participate in it as long as the villain is the torture victim Assistant: The Dexter series sounds perfect.	Human: Is there a book with hero that indulges in villain-like acts, as long as it's at the expense of the villain? For example, torturing someone is bad, but my hypothetical hero will allow and even actively participate in it as long as the villain is the torture victim Assistant: Hench is a cool recent book. Is about a woman who is a member of a temp agency for supervillains. Sounds hilarious, and starts out quite funny... but absolutely shows the cost of super heroes and the collateral damage involved.
Human: Not normally a book reader, but I kind of want to read a good sci fi book I recently started the hitchhikers guide to the galaxy book series, and also recently read Enders game, so I’d be interested in some sci fi books kind of like those books Assistant: {{Old man's war}} {{We are Legion}} {{Ready Player One}}	Human: Not normally a book reader, but I kind of want to read a good sci fi book I recently started the hitchhikers guide to the galaxy book series, and also recently read Enders game, so I’d be interested in some sci fi books kind of like those books Assistant: We Are Legion (We Are Bob) by Dennis E. Taylor The mind of 20th century man is saved during centuries and then uploaded into a spaceship