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Original poster

Nice books to read when you're ill

39 replies

Literallynoidea · 11/01/2021 21:43

Think I'm coming down with Covid - please can you suggest some good books to take my mind off it?

I like literary fiction and sometimes thrillers eg Shari Lapena. I've tried and failed with Lissa Evans' Crooked Heart, but loved Simple Pleasures, American Dirt, John Boyne....

Have just downloaded The Giver of Stars but not usually a fan of chick lit so will see. It had really good reviews on Amazon.

Any ideas VERY welcome

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Duxika · 16/01/2021 15:36

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SenorFrog · 15/01/2021 14:12

@LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett

Jodi Taylor's Chronicles of St Mary's books (I recommend these so often on here people probably think I am Jodi Taylor...) Well-written time travel romps with a cracking heroine. Really engrossing yet with a lot of heart, perfect if you're under the weather.

I am so down about lockdown etc I'm probably going to read the whole series again, I did Harry Potter from the start over Christmas. I can't cope with anything to literary right now.

Cannot agree with this recommendation more, I love Jodi Taylor books.
SpiderGwen · 15/01/2021 13:54

I love how many people suggested Georgette Heyer and Miss Pettigrew! They are my die-hard favourites.

I read The Morning Gift by Eva Ibbotson this week, and I can’t wait to read the rest of them.

P. G. Wodehouse and Terry Pratchett are also good for when you’re laid up feeling rough.

JulesJules · 15/01/2021 13:48

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SquirrelFan · 15/01/2021 10:53

If I'm feeling really dreadful - What Katy Did. She's confined to bed and in pain but rises above it!

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 13/01/2021 22:25

Yes to Georgette Heyer and to Mrs Harris Goes to Paris.
Bill Bryson
Wodehouse
Miss Pettigrew
Jane Austen

CMOTDibbler · 13/01/2021 22:22

When I'm poorly (or just sad tbh) I go for Georgette Heyer. Everything will be OK in the end, the villain gets their comeuppance and the heroine will sink into the arms of someone nice.
Mrs Harris goes to Paris is a book I found recommended on here and which is very soothing and lovely

Anoisagusaris · 13/01/2021 22:15

Any of Graham Norton’s.

Or definitely Adrian Mole!

Carryingon · 13/01/2021 22:13

Love, Nina.
Bookworm
Bridget Jones’s Diary
Cold Comfort Farm

JulesJules · 13/01/2021 21:57

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bettythebutterfly · 13/01/2021 21:56

Adrian Mole

Aahotep · 13/01/2021 21:46

@Minibea
Cold Comfort Farm is absolutely brilliant, enjoy!
Also just thought of Diary of a Nobody. Laugh out loud funny.

Adelino · 13/01/2021 17:24

Where the Crawdads Sing
If you buy on kindle you can also buy on audible fof much cheaper than usual. This is nice for when you're really feeling awful.

BatleyTownswomensGuild · 13/01/2021 17:20

Highly recommend Sarah Milligan's autobiography. Made me laugh out loud and a nice and light read.

Standrewsschool · 13/01/2021 15:55

Chronicles of St Mary’s - as mentioned above. Only read the first one of these, but really enjoyed it. Definantly can recommend.

Seven Sisters - Lucinda Riley - really good also, about adopted sisters seeking their past. Each book focuses on a different sister.

Minibea · 13/01/2021 15:13

Cold Comfort Farm is my go-to easy ready for sick days/ sleepless nights - I’ve actually just packed it in my hospital bag in prep for birth of DC2. Would
also second (third?!) The Cazaet Chronicles and Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

Aahotep · 13/01/2021 15:07

I'm jealous you are going to read Miss Pettigrew for the first time! Enjoy and get well soon Flowers

bellagogosdead · 13/01/2021 14:01

here

bellagogosdead · 13/01/2021 13:56

If I am poorly then:
Trisha Ashley
PG Wodehouse
Terry Pratchett
Georgette Heyer
I have also discovered some great Star Wars/Shakespear mash ups which are fun and surprisingly easy to read.
If at death's door:
The Wind in the Willows

chocolatesaltyballs22 · 13/01/2021 13:49

Another vote for Away With The Penguins - really really enjoyed this.

Original poster
Literallynoidea · 13/01/2021 13:44

Guys thank you all for these fantastic ideas!

I have read some you recommend (Cazalets, Shellseekers...) and loved them. Might reread the Shellseekers as I read it when it came out literally decades ago.

I ordered the hedgehog one, the Pettigrew one and the penguin one (sorry not full titles and they all look PERFECT.

Will also go for a few more of the subsequent recommendations once I've read the above.

Thank you!

And thanks re Giver of Stars PP - I am not a fan of JoJo Moyes so not sure what possessed me. It's ok so far but feel like she has written it to be made into a film. And the plot is not very credible which always bugs me.

OP posts:
IthinkIsawahairbrushbackthere · 13/01/2021 13:34

I often buy a book by Stuary McLean from the Vinyl Cafe series for poorly friends. They are stories of family life written from the point of view of the husband/father, owner of a small record shop. They are very funny and poignant.

Also the Diary of a Bookseller by Stuart Bythell (there's also a sequel, Confessions of a Bookseller). Very little happens but it was one of those books that I could have kept reading forever.

LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 13/01/2021 13:32

Jodi Taylor's Chronicles of St Mary's books (I recommend these so often on here people probably think I am Jodi Taylor...) Well-written time travel romps with a cracking heroine. Really engrossing yet with a lot of heart, perfect if you're under the weather.

I am so down about lockdown etc I'm probably going to read the whole series again, I did Harry Potter from the start over Christmas. I can't cope with anything to literary right now.

Dottiedot19 · 13/01/2021 13:28

I always read either Terry Pratchett or PG Wodehouse when I'm ill. Gentle stories with great characters and dialogue.

Viviennemary · 13/01/2021 10:12

Giver of Stars was dire. I've still got The Thursday murder club to read. I like Robert Goddard. Some of his books are better than others. Mystery type thrillers I'd say. I also really liked Winter in Madrid by Sansom(e).

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