An uplifting book recommendation please

I might look for those too, thanks Primrose.

Hungry by Grace Dent is great I agree - especially the audio book narrated by her.

However, I wouldn’t recommend it to your friend at the moment as the passages related to Grace’s parent’s cancer and dementia are far from uplifting.

The Cazalets by Elizabeth Jane Howard. There are 5 volumes of it. Totally absorbing and an amazing insight into the period of time. I switch between audio, kindle and paper. The best novel ever.

Callistermon I don't know what happened to my copy, but I wish I still had it. I read the book whilst on a family holiday in Devon in the 1970's.
At breakfast in the hotel I was chatting to another guest. I mentioned that I was reading The Moon's A Balloon, and how funny it was. His response was, 'I know! We can hear you laughing'.

Having a clear-out is a good thing but sometimes we regret it and remember the things we should never have thrown out!!

I read Grace Dent's Hungry recently, I agree a good read both funny and poignant at times

I also found that after an operation my attention span regarding reading was almost zero. So perhaps a Bryson book like Small Island which can be read in short bursts plus a couple of magazines. Do hope your friend recovers well.

Gervase Phinn's books are good for light reading and always make me smile.

Callistemon21

Having a clear-out is a good thing but sometimes we regret it and remember the things we should never have thrown out!!

These days I trawl charity shops hoping to replace the books I sent to the charity shop when I moved!

There are some I really regret parting with but I was possessed by some sort of decluttering madness. 😂

I did that when we moved many years ago an threw out some very old books which belonged to my father. They went to Oxfam, I like to think the proceeds helped people but more likely went on dubious jollies for staff. ☹

James Herriott books are always worth a revisit too.

Callistemon21

I did that when we moved many years ago an threw out some very old books which belonged to my father. They went to Oxfam, I like to think the proceeds helped people but more likely went on dubious jollies for staff. ☹

I’ve done that and regretted it!

What annoys me about a few charity shops around here is they allow this secondhand book dealer to go in and sort through the books before they go out on the shelves.

He has his arms full when he leaves and just pays the same as we do but he has the best choice and possibly some rare ones.

If your friend is interested in foods and travel, Felicity Cloake’s books are hilarious. One More Croissant For The Road www.wob.com/en-gb/books/felicity-cloake/one-more-croissant-for-the-road/9780008377267?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=18075688485&cq_con=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMImN7E4r_QggMV1ertCh3ecADkEAQYASABEgIMiPD_BwE#GOR010810892

And Red Sauce, Brown Sauce about the great British breakfast.

www.wob.com/en-gb/books/felicity-cloake/red-sauce-brown-sauce/9780008413651

Paul O’Grady’s autobiographies are a hoot, I was surprised what a good writer he was, I don’t know why.
Also Rupert Everett’s autobiographies are very entertaining.

Primrose53

Callistemon21

I did that when we moved many years ago an threw out some very old books which belonged to my father. They went to Oxfam, I like to think the proceeds helped people but more likely went on dubious jollies for staff. ☹

I’ve done that and regretted it!

What annoys me about a few charity shops around here is they allow this secondhand book dealer to go in and sort through the books before they go out on the shelves.

He has his arms full when he leaves and just pays the same as we do but he has the best choice and possibly some rare ones.

Oh yes, Primrose
I think it's a done deal in many areas between Oxfam and secondhand book dealers!

I am told that Claire Keegan’s book - So Late in the Day - is wonderful. Lots of people I know are passing it around. It is very short - so probably ideal for hospital. I am about to start it

I really enjoyed Anton Du Bekes 4 books featuring life at The Buckingham hotel and its dancers. Set in just before then after WW2 … light but good.

Lessons in Chemistry. A brilliant read which has transferred to a great series on Apple TV

Try Postcards from the Past, compiled by Tom Jackson. It's full of typical British postcard scenes, plus a few abroad, from the 50s-70s, plus an actual quote from the back of each one. For example: "Dad went into quick sand up to his knees. Mum had made some cheese." on a card showing the harbour at Porthmadoc.

CrazyGrandma2

Lessons in Chemistry. A brilliant read which has transferred to a great series on Apple TV

The reviews might suggest that there should be trigger warnings for this book because some of the content could be upsetting for some people.

If she likes cats (or at least doesn't dislike them) then "A Cat Called Birmingham" by Chris Pascoe had me belly laughing. Maybe for when the stitches have come out...

Maeve Binchy "Aches and Pains". It is probably out of print now but second hand copies could be tracked down, I find abebooks.co.uk good for finding old books.

I've just read a book set in Tudor times about a Cornish girl who goes to London and has adventures including being caught up in the revolt 'The Pilgrimage of Grace' and getting tangled up with Henry VIII. It's an easy read and quite amusing.

'Tamsin and the Grace' by Harriet Temple'

Aldom

The funniest book I have ever read is The Moon's A Balloon by David Niven.
You might possibly be able to source a second hand copy.

Abe Books and World of Books have it. I enjoyed it too.

The No ! Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. That is the first of a series of books about Mma Ramotswe in Botswana. She does start a detective agency but really it is her common sense and use of her brain with a positive attitude overall, much more about solving a mystery than about vengeance. She marries the great J L B Matekone and her stroppy side kick who never lets anyone forget she got 98% in her exam. Gentle but fun and I think would make a great book to enjoy and take herself away from the situation. Then poetry books I think Carol Ann Duffy is a great poet to enjoy and of course Rodger McGough who if you are old enough you may remember him singing LIly the Pink many years ago. A great poet on many levels and when it is on the radio Poetry Please is always worth listening to. Something new you have never heard before and old favourites . Plenty more to suggest but hope these might be something she will enjoy