Looking for a light hearted novel not aimed at twenty somethings

[nowitsenough]

I've been struggling with depression for over a year and I'm trying to do things I enjoy. I always loved reading, but am struggling to concentrate.

Books I've enjoyed in the past are earlier Joanna Trollope, Mary Wesley, I love books about family life, funny books, about pets, but preferably something I can relate too, not aimed at twenty somethings, but maybe mothers with teenagers or weight problems.

I loved Life after Life and Behind the scenes at the Museum. Also loved The house we grew up in.

Any suggestions?

I'd second anything by Mavis Cheek. Really funny, readable, well-written

If you like James Herriot what about Gerald Durrell? In my family & other animals the mum is long-suffering but it's an up not down tale.

I enjoyed the Mobile Library series by Ian Sansom (The case of the missing books; Mr Dixon disappears; The delegates' choice; The bad book affair).

Kind of in the style of Alexander McCall Smith, these are very light but entertaining reads, with wry and humorous observations.

Take it easy on yourself

Also a short history of tractor in Ukrainian, two caravans and we are all made of glue all sane author

I read the Queen and I by sue Townsend today. It's really well written and an "easy" read if you are having problems concentrating. Have started the sequel Queen Camilla which is good as well.

Changing Places by David Lodge. One of my all-time favourite comic novels.

If it doesn't have to be a novel then try the Bill Bryson books.

Thanks everyone

Yes, I loved some of Bill Bryson's books. I have Shakespeare and Home to read, but started both and struggled a bit with them.

I loved The Queen and I and also Queen Camilla. There's Number Ten too, thoroughly recommend it

I started one of Alexander McCall Smith's books, Corduroy Mansions I think, but didn't get into it.

I've read some Gerald Durrell before, a long time ago, but bought the corfu trilogy for my dd recently, tried to read it and couldn't get into it. I think I just have a very short attention span at the moment ..

I've read quite a few Katie Fforde books and especially enjoyed the earlier ones, but they got a bit samey. Might try again though.

Joanne Harris - yes, enjoyed Chocolat and The Lollipop Shoes.

I haven't read Janet Ivanovich, I will look out for one of hers.

For a start I've downloaded the latest Marian Keyes book

Thanks for all the suggestions, keep them coming

Miss Buncle's Book by DE Stevenson - or any of her books really.

Anne Tyler perhaps? She writes novels based around family relationships, all set in Baltimore. However, they're not all light-hearted - some are happier than others.

YY to David Sedaris - he is very very funny.

Also couldn't agree more with whoever said Lauries Graham - she's the first author I thought of when I read the OP! I loved The Inportance of Being Kennedy but I think her best is The Unfortunates.

What about The Rosie Project followed by The Rosie Effect?

Thanks I really want to read the Rosie Project, will have a look at the library.

Thanks for the suggestions. I've got a nice long list now to work my way through

How about the Tuesday Next series by Jasper Fforde? Lovely laugh out loud stories containing the utterly fabulous idea of a police force to protect literature! It starts with "The Eyre Affair".

Also, how about "To say nothing of the dog" by Connie Willis. A bit of time travel and - again - it made me laugh and laugh at a difficult time.

Hope you enjoy the Marian Keyes nowitsenough, her books were my saving grace for a while.

Have you read 'Love, Nina'? Not fiction, but definitely hit that lighthearted spot for me (when I read your OP my first thought was India Knight).

Dh loves Jasper Fforde, I haven't read any, so will give them a try.

I've read Love, Nina. It was quite good, although not as funny as I expected from the reviews I read.

Anything by Georgette Heyer!

Reading this thread with interest; have not read anything not work related for years and realised, for my mental health, I need to. These criteria fit my bill too, OP, thank you for posting this. I hope you feel better soon

Also this www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00PFTJ2W8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1425671507&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&keywords=great+madden&dpPl=1&dpID=41Z2SbjA2RL&ref=plSrch which is fab!

YY to David Sedaris. I irritate my DH because I laugh so much when I read his books. His podcasts are amazing as well as he reads his work so well.

Be careful with Marian Keyes. I love her books (generally) but they are 'chick lit with depth'. She writes about depression and alcoholism and domestic violence. I once nearly ruined a holiday of mine by reading 'This Charming Man' because so many of the issues she addressed were currently mirroring what was happening in my family at the time.

Agree with Lula - be very careful with Marian Keyes's books. I like them, but they often go to some very dark places. I wouldn't really put them in the chick-lit category at all.

I read This Charming Man a couple of years ago and, whilst some of it is light and funny, the central themes of domestic violence and alcoholism are dealt with very seriously and often in disturbing detail. Avoid if you're looking for a light-hearted read.

She has written a couple of NF books Under the Duvet and Further Under the Duvet (think those are the titles) and they are amusing - don't think there's anything bad in them.

The Thursday Next books are wonderful and very clever.

I disliked Marian Keyes intensely.

I second Jasper Fforde and the Thursday Next series. I've been rereading them for the last week as I have a lot of shit happening at work and they are funny but aren't fluffy so I can really get lost in them.

Chocolat by Joanne Harris

Hens Dancing, Summertime, and one other in the series but I can't remember the title, by Raphaela Barker

Yes, I have read and enjoyed Chocolat and Raffaela Barker's books.

I've just started The Woman Who Stole My Life by Marian Keyes, I'll see how I get on. I did read some of hers a long time ago, Watermelon and another early one, which I quite enjoyed.