I stumbled across the phrase “potato chip book” on the internet recently, in this deeply entertaining thread, and while my Googling seems to suggest it was originally conceived as a demeaning term, I’m all for embracing it with open arms. (I also discovered a surprising number of children’s books about potato chips, in which I assume potato chips are being used to teach valuable life lessons? Or perhaps they’re part of slightly sinister fairy tales where bags of cursed snacks lead our valiant heroes into a dangerous yet alluring world. I vote for the second option, obviously.) To me, a potato chip book is deceptively easy to read, guaranteed to get you invested but not to leave you emotionally wrecked at the end, and absorbing from start to finish. In other words, perfect for the days when you’re feeling under the weather, a bit blue, stressed and harried, or otherwise in need of a reassuring read that delivers on what it promises. Villains will be dispatched, friendships will be forged, and feelings will be confessed, even if it takes three to four books of a long-running mystery series for the main characters to work themselves up to it.
These aren’t the kind of books that make it onto my favorites of the year list or blow me away on a regular basis, but I always thoroughly enjoy them and find them to be an important part of my reading life. Especially if I’ve had a string of disappointing reads, I value having something I can reach for that I know I can drop right into and enjoy. I also think it takes real skill to consistently turn out entertaining, well-written series on a regular basis, whether that involves coming up with increasingly creative murder methods, new intergalactic threats for a ragtag band of heroes to face down, or another way for the main characters to be stuck together at a coaching inn with only one bed. (I’m especially impressed by mystery writers, as someone who never manages to guess the murderer and likes it that way.)
Here are some of my favorite kinds of potato chip reads—tell me about yours in the comments!
Historical mysteries with an intrepid female detective (or two), banter, cleverly crafted mystery plots, and a slow-burn romance that unfolds over the course of multiple books. Bonus points if there’s an isolated manor, a house party filled with suspicious characters, or intrigue involving royalty. The Veronica Speedwell series by Deanna Raybourn is one of my very favorites of these and I’m perpetually one or two books behind because I want to have one hanging about for a rainy day.
Regency or Victorian romance series, the kind that get released in mass-market paperback with clinch covers. They follow either a family or a group of friends, have at least one duke, and are filled with marriages of convenience, compromising situations, illicit visits to gaming clubs, lavish balls, and road trips where there will inevitably be only one bed. These were some of the first romances I read and I always enjoy coming back to this very specific kind of historical romance for a comforting evening read.
Plotty, fast-paced romantic sci-fi adventures. I haven’t found many of these, much to my dismay, but I devour them when I do. There’s enough world-building to be intriguing but no detailed science, a spot of peril, a strong supporting cast, and an appealing romance that develops as the main characters try to avert an war/save the galaxy/thwart a sinister corporation.
Cozy British books set in a charming small town, where our main character goes to establish a traveling library/bakery/vintage store. Maybe there’s a wise older woman dispensing advice. Maybe there are shenanigans. Maybe there’s a grumpy local with a heart of gold. I don’t read these a ton but every so often, that’s precisely what I want to read. I also enjoy a fizzy, sparkly British rom-com, like Lindsey Kelk’s One in a Million, that reads like a superior version of a streaming rom-com.
Currently reading: I just finished The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn, which I loved ardently, and am about to start Chick Magnet by Emma Barry (the heroine is a chicken influencer!), which comes recommended from several trusted sources.
What’s bringing me joy lately:
A wander through the Book Barn, an expansive used bookstore in Niantic, Connecticut that I’d recommend if you find yourself anywhere in the area.
New pajamas from my favorite nightwear brand, ideal for lounging around in.
Barbie! I went to see it last weekend and had the best time. I’ve also been loving reading about the making of the movie, including this great interview with the production designer and set decorator.
My only problem with potato chip books is that if I get going I never have my dinner and then someone asks what my favorite book I read this summer was and I have nothing to say 🫣😬
I adore this metaphor. I love me my comfort snacks/books. I'm guessing the supermarket paperback has some of this appeal to sell a book by its cover, but I think you're right to narrow down the descriptions a bit more. It's funny how some extremely specific combinations just really get a reader-- and I now have respect for authors who deliver and redeliver. For me, "plotty, fast-paced romantic sci-fi adventures" are where it's at this season of my life: I'm reading my way through Jessie Mihalik, and Sarah J. Maas's latest fit this for fantasy over sci-fi (I indiscriminately read the two related genres). Btw, perhaps YA has more to offer in this genre if you don't mind that the romance has minimal steam.