Smithies discussion

I'm completely obsessed with Henning Mankell, who writes about a Swedish police officer. The stories keep getting more and more violent and I'm starting to feel a little like when I read American Psycho during a beautiful spring and then felt like I had fallen into a black hole. Any suggestions to lighten the mood? I need engaging reads but not too drugstore-paperbacky.

Hmm... haven't picked up a book for pleasure in months, but that's about to change. I will post here once I find something good. Now I'm intrigued about Mankell, though. Would love to hear more suggestions from Smithies!

A friend on Facebook recommended This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper - I picked it up yesterday and am thoroughly engaged!