To ask for some light reading inspiration?

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I am facing a short hospital stay and I need something to read. Nothing too heavy, but something a notch above Katie Fford and her ilk, which leave me cold bored.

I have been charmed in the past by things like I Capture The Castle, Kate Atkinson's work (I'm not really interested in crime fiction – but maybe I should try hers?), The Secret History, Ian McEwan, some Kingsley Amis. Given I want something light, I would also not discount young people's literature; Harry Potter is always absorbing. One of my all-time-favourite books is We Need To Talk About Kevin, so I don't require a happy ending, though on this occasion I might err on the side of cheer.

Any suggestions?

I would second Cold Comfort Farm. Thought of that straight away.

Tina Fey "Bossypants".

Ooh ohh, love these threads! Try 'The A to Z of You and Me' by James Hannah. Brilliant year jerker you'll totally love (and Sheila)!

Among the books I really enjoyed recently is 'A Man Called Ove' by Fredrick Backman - darkly humorous; 'The Extra Ordinary Life of Frank Derrick, Age 81' by J.B.Morrison.

Also try anything by Rachel Joyce and 'Mrs Hemingway' - Naomi Wood and 'Hello From The Gillespies' - Monica McIneray.

Others to try for some light relief is Veronica Henry, Trisha Ashley, Jill Mansell, Sheila O'Flanagan and Roisin Meaney.

For something a bit meatier, I suggest you try the newly-released 'The Darkest Hour' by Barbara Erskine.

Oh, and I would say 'Mrs Sinclair's Suitcase' is another good tip as well.

Any Anna Jacobs book is usually a good light read with a gripping story into the bargain.

I really enjoyed 'The Summer We All Ran Away' by Cassandra Parkin. It's a really clever mystery, like a modern Du Maurier.

I hope everything goes well and you have a speedy recovery.

I'll second me before you or Elizabeth is missing

I suggest Amanda Egan books. They are about ordinary life but seen from a person's own perspective. Diary of a Mummy Misfit is the first and it describes how mummies fit into one another's lives to the detriment of some and the advantage of others. They are very funny and you see your own life before you.