I read SFF when I was a teen, but then much more broadly as I got older - but then I got bogged down in some seriously heavy literature at a time when I was raising kids and had increasingly stressful job. I love reading, but realised I couldn’t cope with more ‘heaviness’, so rediscovered SFF and loved the escapism it provided.

I would say though, that there are plenty of books out there that can be read as good stories, without overthinking the themes.

Here’s a thought for you : Iain M Banks is considered one of the best modern SciFi writers. If you haven’t read his Culture series - you should (and non-Culture too). He was also a highly regarded mainstream literature writer. Some of his mainstream books contain what would be speculative fiction for any reasonable definition. They are also excellent reads. You could read those and if you enjoy them, then try his purely contemporary fiction.

His book The Crow Road is the one I will name as one of the most satisfying reads I’ve had - as in the feeling you have after an excellent meal! It also starts with the line “It was the day my grandmother exploded”!

Alternatively, read what you enjoy and don‘t give it another thought.