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Original poster

Lovely uplifting (or not depressing ) novel for poorly friend

58 replies

Livingonjuice · 02/10/2022 18:42

I need something lovely and nice and warm/ uplifting for a friend who has just had tumour surgery and is in hospital.
No cancer themes / mentions for obvious reasons or cancer back story / miserable back stories. Can be a funny. Nothing emotionally taxing.
Anything ? I recently loved the keeper of stories but there's a bit of heart tugging.
Thanks 🙏

OP posts:
AmazeAmazeAmaze · 03/10/2022 15:28

The House in The Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune has ALL the feels! It’s a lovely book - quite gentle and uplifting. A slightly fairy tale vibe which I think is perfect for someone who wants to escape this miserable world for a few hours.

cunningartificer · 03/10/2022 12:34

Also when I was ill a while ago I loved re reading Mary Stewart and Elizabeth Gouge novels--very relaxing stuff!

123ZYX · 03/10/2022 12:34

I find The World of Jeeves (Wodehouse) ideal for when I'm not feeling great. Each story is short, and it doesn't matter if you don't remember any of the others.

cunningartificer · 03/10/2022 12:33

Miss Garnett's Angel by Sally Vickers. A terrific book that it makes you happy to read🥰

OldTinHat · 03/10/2022 12:29

Inspire by Ben Fogle. Really uplifted me when I was going through a difficult time mentally and physically.

bakehimawaytoys · 03/10/2022 11:49

I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith is complete heaven.

Also:

My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell

Mapp and Lucia by EF Benson

Diary of a Provincial Lady by EM Delafield

gerfrentig · 03/10/2022 11:39

I thought Diary of a Somebody by Brian Bilston was funny and uplifting. Read it on holiday recently.

FortunesFavour · 03/10/2022 11:37

Also all the James Herriot books, starting with All Creatures Great and Small, just lovely

Campervangirl · 03/10/2022 11:34

The Island by Victoria Hislop, it's a delve into the past of a family history on the island of Spinalonga (Crete) which was a leper colony, sounds dreary but it's sweet, sad, uplifting.
I love that book

Treezylover · 03/10/2022 11:16

Another vote for the enchanted April, one of the most beautiful and warming books I’ve ever read.

FortunesFavour · 03/10/2022 11:13

Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons….it’s funny and lovely

Honeysuckle16 · 03/10/2022 11:09

A fortnight in September by RC Sheriff. A 1950s family spend their holiday in Bognor with all the hopes that go with this.

ilovesushi · 03/10/2022 08:52

Might not be to her taste but I read the Shopaholic books a few years ago when I was going through a very stressful time with a poorly child and they were great comic relief.

Bobbins36 · 03/10/2022 08:50

The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi?

Also, what about compiling a playlist on Spotify, could be podcasts, music and sharing with her?

Mischance · 03/10/2022 08:47

The whole of the books by Miss Read. A bit old-fashioned, but charming, restful and positive. I used them for just this purpose after 2 bouts of surgery - they really hit the spot.

Whatevergetsyouthroughthenight · 03/10/2022 08:45

The hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy. OK, the earth gets destroyed on page one but it’s a funny entertaining read and if your friend likes it there are another three (maybe more) follow up books.

DPotter · 03/10/2022 08:45

Another vote for Miss Pettigrew!

MissSmiley · 03/10/2022 08:42

@Livingonjuice regular texts are good, I felt very on my own, so keeping in touch with friends helped a lot x

Original poster
Livingonjuice · 03/10/2022 08:33

@MissSmiley I'm not close enough to visit easily (though taking leave when she's home)
Was there anything helpful at all that folks sent? I sent kip balm and hand cream last time I feel so helpless and just want to hug her

OP posts:
SpuytenDuyvil · 02/10/2022 21:55

pastypirate · 02/10/2022 21:23

Where the Heart is by Billie Letts - novel that the film is adapted from its amazing.

Not sure it's quite right but anyway my favourite book is The Queen and I by Sue Townsend which is absurd and funny and more current than ever

Pasty, isn't there a child rape scene in that book? I have a strong memory of being horrified.

Jan Karon's Mitford books (American) are sweet and winding about back country Carolinas, I think. Very readable and not emotionally challenging.

MurderAtTheBeautyPageant · 02/10/2022 21:54

Eva Ibbotson - The Secret Countess

SquirrelFan · 02/10/2022 21:51

@MsTSwift @Livingonjuice Pilcher is lovely but NOT September, there's a pretty depressing cancer element...

pastypirate · 02/10/2022 21:23

Where the Heart is by Billie Letts - novel that the film is adapted from its amazing.

Not sure it's quite right but anyway my favourite book is The Queen and I by Sue Townsend which is absurd and funny and more current than ever

2ManyPjs · 02/10/2022 21:21

Borka · 02/10/2022 18:55

Excellent Women by Barbara Pym

Also recommend this, it's wonderful.

colouringindoors · 02/10/2022 21:20

The Enchanted April
Elizabeth von Arnim.
Women becoming friends in the Italian Spring sunshine. Heartwarming and charming.

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