Some days, I’m not in the mood for an epic fantasy, historical biography, world-spanning thriller or dark murder mystery. Some days, I just want to delve into a relatable, low-stakes story starring characters who could be my neighbors. And that’s when I look for a cozy mystery or slice of life novel.
What is “Slice of Life”?
This is a sub-genre within the literary fiction genre, focusing on regular people dealing with regular-people problems. There are no world-threatening events, no murder mysteries or wild romances. Characters deal with everyday problems. A character might struggle with finding meaning in their job or moving on after a breakup. The setting is usually the character’s own community, rather than an adventure or vacation-type setting. The themes of these books focus on personal growth.
These books appeal to readers looking for relatability instead of escapism. They ask us to slow down and appreciate the small wins, the quiet moments, the relationships with the people around us.
If you’re interested in simple living, I highly encourage you to try out this sub-genre!
My Favorite Slice of Life Novels
(#1) What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
This is a series of interconnected short stories, connected by a library at a community center. The individuals in the short stories are dealing with small life problems—unfulfilling jobs, unhappy marriages, retirement—which are addressed through the books recommended by the librarian.
I liked that this book deals with problems that are essentially low-stakes, small, and insignificant in the grand scheme of things but feel very large to us. In our lives, our marriages and jobs are bigger in our daily lives than the problems on the national news. I liked that this book, one of my first introductions to the genre, showed characters making small changes that greatly improved their lives.
A quote from the book:
“There are so many things to do, but I won’t make the excuse that I have no time anymore. Instead, I will think about what I can do with the time I have. One day is going to become tomorrow.” (What You Are Looking For is in the Library, Michiko Aoyama)
(#2) The Second Chance Convenience Store by Kim Ho-yeon
In this Korean novel, the owner of a convenience store gives a job to a homeless man after he returns her lost wallet. The book follows the employees of the convenience store as they deal with their personal struggles and their prejudice against the homeless man.
I enjoyed this book in its simplicity and its themes of humanity over corporate greed. The story of a homeless man who can’t remember how he became homeless (at first) was touching, a reminder that every person deserves human dignity and kindness.
(#3) Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
This short novel follows a young woman who moves into the room above her uncle’s secondhand bookstore. She gets to know her new neighborhood and the people in it, the regular customers at the bookshop, and her own family.
This book was really charming. I borrowed it on a whim from the library and read it in two days. I especially liked watching Takako fall in love with reading again. So, I enjoyed this book, and I liked its sequel even better.
A quote from the book:
“It’s important to stand still sometimes. Think of it as a little rest in the long journey of your life. This is your harbor. And your boat is just dropping anchor here for a little while. And after you’re well rested, you can set sail again.” (Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, Satoshi Yagisawa)
(#4) Discontent by Beatriz Serrano
A young woman has an outwardly great life and job, but she secretly hates them both. She deals with it by working as little as possible and drowning out her internal miseries in a constant stream of YouTube videos.
I liked the writing in this book, the details of everyday routines, the humor. It felt modern and very appropriate to our social media-obsessed times. The protagonist is pretty relatable in her anxiety, though perhaps not in the way she deals with it in some moments. I enjoyed the comical commentary on modern-day capitalism.
A quote from the book:
“I couldn’t stand the idea of being forced to live that office pantomime in perpetuity just to pay for things like rent or food or a book or a weekend at the beach. I broke down every morning when the alarm beeped because life, lived this way, seemed like a badly written tragedy, boring and sterile, devoid of fun and, even worse, devoid of content, and so, on my way to work. I felt like grabbing strangers by the shoulders and asking them why they weren’t feeling like me.” (Discontent, Beatriz Serrano)
(#5) The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai
Like What You Are Looking For is in the Library, this is a series of short stories that connect via a restaurant that specializes in recreating recipes remembered by its patrons. The magic is in how a simple meal can truly affect a person by reminding them of meaningful memories.
I admit that I primarily bought this book because of it’s adorable cover (the UK version, as I was traveling at the time). But it was really charming! I read this on a long plane ride during the holidays, and it was perfect for that—a nice way to pass some time while not overwhelming my tired brain. This would probably be best appreciated by a foodie.
A quote from the book:
“You’re still young, aren’t you? All you care about is eating the tastiest food you can get. Get to my age and you’ll realize that nostalgia can be just as vital an ingredient.” (The Kamogawa Food Detectives, Hisashi Kashiwai)
(#6) Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
I hesitated about including a classic on this list, but ultimately I do think a book like Little Women focuses on everyday problems, following the four March sisters as they grow up, go to school, work, fall in love and follow their dreams. This is set during and after the American Civil War, but the problems the March girls face are very relatable.
I read this book a couple of times when I was growing up, and I’ve seen multiple film adaptations. It’s kind of amazing the way I relate to different sisters at different times in my life. It’s on my re-read list because I remember loving it so much.
A quote from the book:
“Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well. Then youth will be delightful, old age will bring few regrets, and life become a beautiful success, in spite of poverty.” (Little Women, Louisa May Alcott)
For more reading recommendations, check out my Best Reads of 2024, Best Reads of 2025, or my recommended short novels.
