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Original poster

In hospital, please recommend me a good, light hearted audiobook.

59 replies

Snozzlemaid · 01/04/2025 19:07

I’m currently recovering in hospital following a ruptured brain aneurysm and all though I’m on a small ward with 3 others, two of them are annoying the fuck out of me.
Could you please recommend a good audiobook that may even make me laugh a little, so I can plug in my noise cancelling earplugs and shut the noise out.
And if I can get it from Borrowbox even better.

OP posts:
Smallinthesmoke · 01/04/2025 21:06

My Family by David Baddiel is completely hilarious
I hope you feel better soon

Hedgehogsaremything · 01/04/2025 21:05

Killjoy by Jo Cheetham
all about campaigning to ban Page 3. Read by the author on Audible and her delivery was laugh out loud funny.

EmpressaurusKitty · 01/04/2025 21:00

Any of Georgette Heyer’s Regency or Georgian novels. Especially Cotillion.

(Although not The Spanish Bride or An Infamous Army if you’re going for lighthearted).

Iwanttenofthose · 01/04/2025 20:43

Stories to make you smile

BunnyRuddington · 01/04/2025 20:13

Mumof1andacat · 01/04/2025 20:05

The flat share. I know channel 5 have just made a tv version but the book is so much better.

I listened to tgat on BBC sounds when I was in Hospital but I can’t see it on there now.

ShamedBySiri · 01/04/2025 20:09

Alexander McCall Smith - the Bertie series/44 Scotland street. There’s a few in the series, not sure what order they go in. Gentle, light humour, like a newer PG Wodehouse.

https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B01NCVA76B?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006&share_location=player_overflow

LividSunshine · 01/04/2025 20:09

You've just reminded me that the day after I left intensive care for the ward was the first day I listened to Cabin Pressure. (It's a comedy series rather than an audiobook but I found that easier to focus on. Super gentle, funny as fuck).

Sending get well vibes!!

DeathMetalMum · 01/04/2025 20:07

I've been listening to Rivers of London series, first few books are on BorrowBox. I've actually purchased a subscription to Audible to continue the series I've enjoyed it that much.

I find parts quite funny. There is also murder/mystery but it really is enjoyable.

Mumof1andacat · 01/04/2025 20:05

The flat share. I know channel 5 have just made a tv version but the book is so much better.

Ineffable23 · 01/04/2025 20:01

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 01/04/2025 19:31

The Wombles!

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0gyrl4s?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

Oh yes, these are also great. So soothing and charming.

bestbefore · 01/04/2025 19:59

The bob mortimer novels or indeed his autobiography are lovely esp if you like him! Get well soon

BunnyRuddington · 01/04/2025 19:55

Wind in the Willows is on BBC Sounds if you want something super gentle to listen too. Hope the annoying one gets discharged soon.

Chicheguevara · 01/04/2025 19:38

I have just listened to Once upon a crime. It’s a freebie on audible. I wasn’t expecting much as it was quiet librarian meets movie star but it was funny, engaging, loads of twists and rather good.
I hope you feel better soon.

nocoolnamesleft · 01/04/2025 19:38

Another vote for Jodi Taylor's Chronicles of St Mary's series. They got me through lockdown, and I know many people who have listened to them in hospital.

m00rfarm · 01/04/2025 19:36

The Jodi Taylor St Mary's Chronicles are very good.

Thursday Murder Club is also very enjoyable. As are the other Richard Osman ones.
Janet Evanovich books are light and fun - and there are a LOT of them!
Quite enjoy the Tom Holt and Jasper Fforde books as well
(I am saying books but they are all audio books)

ScentOfAMoomin · 01/04/2025 19:34

I recently tried Sara Cox (radio DJ) book Way Back, and loved it.

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 01/04/2025 19:32

Careering - Daisy Buchanan

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0gyrl4s?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

PotteringAlonggotkickedoutandhadtoreregister · 01/04/2025 19:31

The Wombles!

www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0gyrl4s?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

Pancakeflipper · 01/04/2025 19:31

Go through BBC Sounds old episodes of Desert Island discs. Some great interviews.

Latenightreader · 01/04/2025 19:28

I really enjoyed the Chronicles of St Mary's books by Jodi Taylor. I also find the witches books by Terry Pratchett funny and generally comforting. All of the above are on Borrowbox.

I am not sure if Diary of a Provincial Lady or Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day are available but they are both wonderful.

Hope you are soon on the mend.

Ponderingwindow · 01/04/2025 19:26

It’s not a book and it’s not really lighthearted, but if you haven’t listened to Scamanda, it will keep you from being bored.

ErrolTheDragon · 01/04/2025 19:24

Any of the Bill Brysons. They’re the sort of thing where it doesn’t matter too much if you miss a bit or nod off.

WhatAPrettyHouse · 01/04/2025 19:21

Sweetpea by C. J Skuse
What a Way to Go by Bella Mackie
Anything written by Marian Keyes, my favourite is Rachel's Holiday
The Humans by Matt Haig