An uplifting book recommendation please

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 !!

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.

"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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Primrose, I have read Alan Johnson’s book about his childhood and found it very moving. He is a really sincere and interesting man and I will look at his other books,

Ive just read and really enjoyed a great cosy crime called Murder in Merrywell by Jane Bettany. I found it perfect to just curl up and relax with after a stressful day.

5553n I've just reread Bridget Jones Baby and it was a hoot which I so enjoyed. What a spirit lifter

Another Bill Bryson fan here and will be easy to pick up from short reads . Also the Salt path is uplifting and Dolly Alderton is entertaining..

Another vote for Bill Bryson, as you can dip in and out of them, so no deep concentration required.

I also enjoyed Whatever Next? by Lady Anne Glenconner, who has had quite a remarkable life, and tells her story so well. She also wrote Lady in Waiting, which deals with her time as lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret.

What about Pam Ayres? I think her poems are so entertaining. 😊

Incidentally, thank you everyone. I’ve ordered a few of your suggestions. All best wishes to your friend NanKate.

An absolute must is John Mortimer with ‘Murderers and Other Friends’’. It’s extremely funny as with all his books. There are also his ‘Rumpole’ books.

Reasons to be Cheerful by Nina Stibbe; Marian Keyes Rachel's Holiday: Marian Keyes Grown Ups; The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend; Terry Pratchett books.

You said you would like something uplifting and there is one book in my shelves that is moving, tragic, funny and definitely uplifting - Skallagrigg by William Horton. He also wrote Duncton Wood.
I remember reading this originally when I was in hospital for a spell. Definitely occupies the mind!

I'm enjoying Annie Hawes "Extra Virgin" about her move, almost by accident, with her sister to a hillside cottage in Italy. Escapism, eccentric behaviour of the two women and the locals it's not demanding but we'll written and amusing.

Well!

Some many great suggestions already but just wanted to add that I absolutely love my Audible app and a set of headphones. Maybe a couple of months subscription for your friend?
You can cancel at any time.
Wishing her a speedy recovery 💐

Gangan2

Some many great suggestions already but just wanted to add that I absolutely love my Audible app and a set of headphones. Maybe a couple of months subscription for your friend?
You can cancel at any time.
Wishing her a speedy recovery 💐

GREAT IDEA - when I was in hospital for 4 weeks after nearly dying, I couldn’t read anything for about 3 weeks was so unwell, but I think if I’d been able to pop on some headphones and chose make my OWN choice of book that might have cheered me up a lot whilst being stuck on drips for hours. When I eventually was able to read I opted for gripping thrillers to take my mind off everything…and to save getting hands, etc, cold holding a book!

This is when i first discovered how good Audible was whilst in hospital. You can distance yourself from all going on around you ! And it keeps you company during those long nights.

My daughter sent me The Fortnight in September by RC Sherriff when I was recovering from chemo. I loved it especially during insomniac nights courtesy of steroids.

I then read his Greengates which I really enjoyed as well.

Lots of good suggestions which I have noted for my next library book order. The Audible app and headphones suggestion is brilliant as well. Memo to self.