Feeling so battered by life at the moment . I need a book to lift me up

[mumski]

Battered and bruised and reading is a good retreat. But everything I turn to is so full of betrayal/collapsing marriages/bereavement - even if it comes right in the end. I love CJ Samson's historical novels but also too gloomy at the moment. Is there such thing as an intelligent uplifting read ? Please help x

[mumski]

Bump !

[80sWaistcoat]

This might be a bit Low Brow - but how about a Bill Bryson or a Terry Pratchett.

[hopscotchegg]

Our Tragic Universe by Scarlett Thomas.

[CMOTDibbler]

Mrs Harris goes to Paris
Georgette Heyers - esp The Grand Sophy, Frederica, Venetia

If you like a bit of supernatural/mystery, then Ben Aaronovitchs books are fab

Terry Pratchett is def worth a try - I'd go with Night Watch. Much more intelligent than you might think

[mumski]

Love the suggestions - keep them coming. Bill Bryson is excellent.! :)

[domesticslattern]

So funny, I was about to say Bill Bryson too. I am so tired of miserable books, articles, threads..... his latest The Road to Little Dribbling is like going on holiday and getting away from it all.

[MermaidofZennor]

Any of David Sedaris's books are guaranteed to cheer you up. I love them - they are mostly tales about his family and his partner. Things frequently take a bizarre turn and are often hilarious.

[loinnir]

If you want something a bit twee but feel good from yesteryear this could fit the bill :
MissBuncle

[loinnir]

Here is the kindle link (much cheaper)
MissBuncle

[auberginesrus]

Oh yes David Sedarkis is amazing!

[CmereTilliTellYa]

OP thank you for this thread. I'm dealing with a lot of stress and general 'meh' feelings and something uplifting to read would be great. Looking forward to seeing what is recommended (another big Bill Bryson fan here, but I think I've read them all at this stage).

[VestalVirgin]

I found The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison very uplifting. The protagonist is a very sweet and lovable person, and though his situation starts out grim, it improves quickly. (In short, he surprisingly becomes emperor and gains loyal followers.)

[Murine]

History of the Rain by Niall Williams is wonderful: poetic, poignant, witty and though bereavement features heavily in it, is full of hope.

[Okkitokkiunga]

Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series is very lighthearted and easy to read.

[hellinabreadbasket]

A.m Holmes- this book will change your life is a quirky uplifting one

[RudolphTheRedNoseReindeer]

You could try Gervase Phinn's books?
It's going to sound quite dull when I say what his books are about...his time as a schools inspector in Yorkshire. I'm not a teacher nor have I anything to do with education other than my own and my son's, but I loved them. They're a very easy read, with lots of humour and emotion, and heartwarming escapism.

[auberginesrus]

I love that AM Holmes book, has stuck with me in a way few books do. Am getting loads of good recommendations from this thread

[Badders123]

When I need an escape from reality I go to p g Wodehouse every time

[fledglingFTB]

I've recommended before on a diff thread but A man called Ove is a spectacular easy read. I've not met a sugar person who isn't absolutely besotted with it

[fledglingFTB]

Single person!

[originalmavis]

My friend always reads the book of lost things when she is low or stressed. She says it's very imaginative and funny/sad.

Gets teary at the end ("I call him - brother"). In a good way.

[von1471]

Try The Rosie Project by Don Tillman. Easy to read, funny and endearing.