An uplifting book recommendation please

I’ve just looked on Amazon for your book Devondumpling What an achievement- the reviews are excellent and it sounds like such a positive book. I’m sure you’re friend would love it Nankate

Alexander McCall Smith - Any number one ladies detective agency one.

I'd definitely recommend Lessons in Chemistry too -a brilliant read with some unexpected bits in it!
Any of Richard Osman's books too - preferably read the first one first if you know what I mean so that you get to know all the characters.

My suggestion would be a book of Wendy Cope's poems. Some are only a few lines long, often with a wry comment on life, nearly always showing appreciation for everyday blessings.

Daughter of Time by Josephine Tay. Absolutely enthralling . Best book I ever read .

David Sedaris books. Full of wry humour, and can be picked up and put down easily.

"My Village in the Valley" by
Michael Bartlett takes a whimsical look at village life. Short stories so easy to pick up and put down.

I would also recommend Gervase Phinn, he is a retired Headteacher/Ofsted inspector and once gave a talk at the school where I worked. He was so funny, the best Inset (training day) I ever attended.

I love Bill Bryson.
Also Paul O'Grady wrote books about his life that should not be read on a bus with a full bladder !!

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

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.

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'

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.

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...

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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

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.

James Herriott books are always worth a revisit too.

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. ☹