An uplifting book recommendation please

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. 😂

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

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.

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

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

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'.

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.

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.

I might look for those too, thanks Primrose.

Just had another thought. Former Home Secretary Alan Johnson has written 4 books of his memoirs. They are really uplifting. They all have Beatles songs for his Book titles so I think the first one is This boy, another one is Mister Postman and then there’s The Long And Winding Road. Can’t remember title of most recent one.

He grew up in London slums in dreadful poverty after his father left the family. His Mum died when he was about 13 and it if wasn’t for his 16 year old sister he would have gone into care.

He writes really well. He has also written one fiction book The Last Train to Gypsy Hill and I enjoyed that.

I would second Grace Dent’s “Hungry”, but also “My Last Supper” by Jay Rayner. All his food related writings are very funny.

I think a non-fiction book would be good, possibly with humour

I should RTT!

But worth an optimistic read anyway! 🙂

Any Bill Bryson book apart from A Walk in the Woods which is rather boring.

The Memory Shop by Ella Griffin
Graham Norton books
The People on Platform Five by Clare Pooley

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.

I always regret sending my copy to the charity shop.

merlotgran

I like autobiographies written by people with a self deprecating sense of humour.

Two of my favourites are Nobbut a Lad by Alan Titchmarsh and Hungry by Grace Dent.

I’ve read both of those and agree with you. Looking forward to seeing Grace on I’m a Celeb. 😉

What wonderful suggestions thanks folks. I now want to read many of these books myself.

‘Understanding the British’ by Adam Fletcher. I found this on the same page as the Bill Bryson books. I’ve sent for it as it looks very amusing.

My husband has dementia and I have been his carer for about 10 years. We have moved house to be nearer our son and his family, and I have very few friends here, and have had to cancel many holidays and outings in the last few years because of my husband's ill health. Consequently I take refuge in reading, and can recommend the following.

I have come across an American writer called Elin Hilderbrand who writes very good books set on the island of Nantucket. They are basically romances, but a little more than that. Although I am a lifelong reader of much more intellectual books, I now find that Hilderbrand's books are really uplifting and perfect escapes. I read on my phone as a rule, and use Apple books, which are slightly cheaper than Kindle.

If your friend has difficulty concentrating and finds printed books a little heavy to hold, I can really recommend the way I read.

I always reach for Bill Bryson if I’m down, he’s brilliant. Also find James Herriot nice light reading, Margaret Atwood depresses me even if I’m on top of tge world best avoided. Joan Collins is nice light reading. Do hope your friend makes a full recovery.

I can't concentrate on a book for long when I've been in hospital either. How about a book of short stories about something your friend is interested in. My DD bought a book of a Poem for each day of winter, which was also lovely. Or an audiobook.I hope she makes a good recovery.

Would also recommend Bill Bryson especially The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid which is about his childhood in 1950s USa. Myblate husband always knew when I was reading a Bill Bryson book as I would start chortling. Any of James Herriot's books as they are a lovely nostalgic read. It is difficult to recommend a book for a stranger but I am sure your friend will appreciate whichever book you chose for her.

When I was in hospital for a week, I had no concentration to read any sort of book, and could only read magazines. Perhaps a selection of magazines would be more appreciated NanKate?

I like autobiographies written by people with a self deprecating sense of humour.

Two of my favourites are Nobbut a Lad by Alan Titchmarsh and Hungry by Grace Dent.

Am enjoying “Finding Hildasay” by Chris Lewis. He is the ex paratrooper who walked the entire coastline of the UK to fight his depression and raise money for SAAFA who helped him when he was at his lowest.

NanKate The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell
if she's an animal lover. My daughter and I found it delightful.

I have just written a very funny book about my recent 630 mile hike and camp along the South West Coast Path from Minehead to Poole.
It has had some really great feedback and reviews and definitely required pragmatism.
"I'm no Shakespeare: Walking the South West Coast Path" by Cheryl Dummer.
Send me a message and I'll send you a free e-copy.
It is also available as a paperback on Amazon.
Very best wishes to your friend.