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Uplifting but not Twee book needed

32 replies

BaconAndAvocado · 25/01/2024 17:46

My friend is coming out of hospital after major surgery and I'm in the process of making her a goody bag.

She loves reading and I'd like to get her a book with no harrowing storylines but still positive.
Nothing too cloying or overly sentimental.
Literary but not heavy.

But if a tall order!
Any suggestions?

OP posts:
mathanxiety · 25/01/2024 18:15

The Boys in the Boat, by Daniel James Brown. It's a movie now, but the book is terrific, very well written, and the story is incredibly engaging (and uplifting, though it has its sad and poignant places).

pjani · 25/01/2024 18:10

I just finished The Carer by Deborah Moggach and I think it fits the bill. First time I’ve been able to read 100 pages without getting distracted too.

FortunataTagnips · 25/01/2024 18:08

I was also going to suggest Barbara Pym. Excellent Women is exactly the sort of book I’d want to read while convalescing.

Teasie123 · 25/01/2024 18:06

' Can you keep a secret?' , by Sophie Kinsella. Funny, caring, feel good and one of the best books I've ever read.🤗🤗🤗

mynewusername2023 · 25/01/2024 18:02

Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce - my favourite book of 2022. Not one I'd have picked up but it was our book club book and I adored it.

BobbinThreadbare123 · 25/01/2024 17:49

Any Barbara Pym. Witty and well written.

Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies · 25/01/2024 17:48

Flowers for Mrs Harris (filmed as Mrs Harris goes to Paris), Paul Gallico

The Uncommon Reader, Alan Bennet