Balancing the Darkness

No, this isn't a blog post about balancing the light and dark sides of the universe using the Force, although if you're a Jedi, you're more than welcome to comment with handy tips and tricks. (Like, how does one clean their light saber? I had an unfortunate incident with mine involving mud...)

This is about books, which is a good sign considering that, you know, this is a book blog. It's no secret that I enjoy darkly beautiful books along the lines of Elizabeth Scott or Carrie Ryan. I know some people don't like these kinds of books because they're too depressing, and while I understand where they're coming from, I like reading depressing books. For me, there's nothing like when an author can actually make you experience raw emotion - it shows the true power of words and storytelling.

However, such darkness takes its toll on everyone, and so usually I keep a few light books around to "balance the darkness". I generally pick either something fun and cute (think The Karma Club) or a book with an excellently snarky protagonist. Light, funny, or both does the trick, and then I'm ready to cry my eyes out again.

I've been wondering, though, what are your go-to books when in need of a pick-me-up? Do you choose a specific kind of book, like me, or is there an author you know you can always return to?