Books to pick-me-up

[MaggieMuggins]

I'm feeling very low. I need a book which will restore my faith in, well, everything...(but especially men). Something I can relate to would be nice (i.e. mid-30s single parent, not yer usual London-based 20-something chick-lit) but the main thing is it needs to be easy to read and pick-up/put-down. I'm currently doing a postgrad and drowning in academic text books so something to relax with at bedtime where I don't have to try hard would be lovely...

Depending on your threshold for soppiness, you could look at the "Chicken soup for the soul" series. They do lots of different ones like for the teenage soul, mothers, etc.

It's lots of short feelgood stories so easy to read in short bits.

You'll either love it or hate it though.

Hmm, might try and get one from the library and see how I get on - thanks!

Have you thought about poetry?

I find Terry Pratchett restores my faith in common sense and kindness when I feel it lacking in the world. The fantasy element (trolls, witches etc) is just a disguise for some very funny, touching and clever stories that reflect modern life (on Earth) with some v cool characters (Granny Weatherwax, Sam Vimes - stay away from the wizardy ones). He also doesn't do chapters, just breaks every couple of pages so it's v easy to dip in and out.

Can you recommend a particular title to start with, SilkStalkings?

Hi Cappster, no I hadn't - did you have anything in particular in mind?

If you're following the poetry idea, I love Rapture by Carol Ann Duffy. A rather 'realistic' look at a love affair. I never thought I'd like a book of poetry until I read that. Loved it.

For novels... Time Traveller's Wife? Room? (This month's book club read, not exactly 'pick me up', but certainly an engaging narrative)

Thanks, I'll try the poetry - it's definitely one of those things I'm a bit intimidated by, under normal circs!

I've read the Time Traveler's Wife :)

You might enjoy 'Remarkable Creatures' by Tracy Chevalier - it's a really nice story of friendship between two women with a shared interest (fossil hunting. Doesn't matter if you are not remotely interested in Fossils, you will get drawn into the story

Ooh, just checked and there are copies of all these suggestions so far in my local library. I'm going to go and have a good browse :)

Any more for any more??