Feel good book recommendations

[WyrdByrd]

Currently trying to manage an anxiety/depression spike without resorting to the GP and could do with some distraction but have a Kindle full of thrillers and interesting but not particularly cheery novels.

Would like something a bit lighthearted but not too chick lit iykwim?

Have enjoyed Sue Townsend's books, Bridget Jones and this year liked Hello from the Gillespies and the Rosie Project and Rosie Effect so that's the kind of thing I'm after.

Maybe something about a working wife and mum in early middle age who has a huge mid life crisis adventure and turns her life into what it was mean to be ?!

The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett is probably the funniest book I've ever read (the premise is that the Queen gets into serious literature). So I suppose you could argue it's about a working wife and mum....!

One for dissatisfied women of a certain age - although without any children - is Enchanted April. For me it captures that feeling of being on holiday.

Cold Comfort Farm is also fun.

They're both a fair bit older than the books you've mentioned, but have a look at the Amazon reviews and see what you think.

I've also enjoyed the earlier Marion Keyes books, although I don't think they fit your brief. They were just lots of fun (e.g. Watermelon era).

"something about a working wife and mum in early middle age who has a huge mid life crisis/adventure and turns her life into what it was mean to be"

You need the Diary of a Provincial Lady. It is absolutely 100% that, even though it's set in the 20s/30s, plus it's very funny.

They all look like great suggestions - DD and I loved the Lady in the Van so Alan Bennett should definitely hit the spot.

I think I have the sample download of Cold Comfort Farm as that's been on my reading list for a few years but had forgotten about it.

Diary of a Provincial Lady is something I'd have never picked up (judging a book by it's cover) but the 'blurb' on Amazon looks pretty good.

I used to love Marian Keyes but went off her about 4 or books ago and haven't read any of her recent ones.

Keep 'em coming as I suspect I'll be reading my way out of my current slump for some time

I've just downloaded 'a man called ove' as its only 99p on kindle today. It's described as heartwarming and will leave you with a spring in your step?!

Watching thread with interest as I like the kind of books you describe.

sylvie

I started to read a much broader selection of books about 5 years ago, and I just can't get into chick lit these days, which is kind of a shame as I could do with something light and fluffy at the mo, but it all seems so far-fetched and formulaic I just cba. I guess that's age catching up with me too!

A Man Named Ove is definitely worth a try for me - I've read a couple of books on the 'People who've bought this...' list on Amazon and Ove sounds a bit like my DH!

Have you read The unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and the sequel The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy - both very good, gentle and bittersweet stories. I have Rachel Joyce's new one, Perfect to read too,

Ooh ooh ooh! Have you read The Hundred Year Old Man who...? I enjoyed that for escapism, although it's slightly gory in places iirc.

I know what you mean about more recent Marian Keyes (sorry Marian).

Have you tried the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency?

Or Georgette Heyer?

Or I found these MC Beaton ones very light-hearted and fun.

I've started The 100 Yr old man... and am probablu about a quarter of the way through but haven't picked it up for months - it didn't really grab me.

Don;t know why I didn't think of Georgette Heyer as I have 3 audiobooks of hers read by Richard Armitage (yum!). Might have to try Venetia as it's my favourite and the audiobooks are heavily abridged.

Heartbreak Hotel by Deborah Moggach I seem to remember being enjoyable and feel good.

I like Rosie project. Might try Ove. Looking for similar read for Christmas sitting around in laws...

where'd you go Bernadette by Maria Semple is really enjoyable.

Perhaps try David Nichols 'starter for ten' (not 'One Day')

I reckon 'the other side of the story' is best Marian Keyes book to try first. But there's loads of good'uns.

Off to download 'Ove'

Oh 'the Help', feel good central...

I loved "The last letter from your lover" , "The horse dancer" and "The girl you left behind" by Jojo Moyes

Really enjoying Where'd You Go Bernadette? It's brilliantly funny, easy to read and very original

coming on to recommend Where'd you go Bernadette, to find it nominated twice already.
non-fiction: you've been publically shamed jon ronson
david sedaris short stories and jesse eisenberg's short story collection
Hope you feel better soon X

back again....
just went off to see if it is available on kindle and it is

k-pax gene brewer
very enjoyable

Hi all, thanks for the continuing recommendations.

I had a new Kindle for Christmas so now I can access all my existing downloads and download some new ones.

Have started with 'Bernadette' - read the 'blurb' and related to it instantly - I think my DH and DD would describe me in much the same way and I sometimes feel like running away so it sounds right up my street.

Have also downloaded a self-help book called "F*ck Anxiety" !

Thinking I might also go for Caitlin Moran's last couple of books.

K-Pax sounds good - didn't they make it into a film a while back?

I enjoyed The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (although it's hardly 'light') - so if anyone knows anything about her other books that would be fab.

Zen definitely couldn't do 'One Day' - partly because I attempted it when it came out and found I just couldn't bring myself to care about the characters. Secondly because I know the outcome and the sudden death of my 'first love' a few months ago is what's triggered my anxiety issues

If you like Margaret Atwood then I would really recommend Cat's Eye and The Robber Bride.

Ta muchly boden - added to the list! I looked at lots of hers after reading THT last year but really didn't know where to start.

Also have Silver Linings Playbook sample downloaded to take a look at.

I started 'Bernadette' this morning and am already quarter of the way through and loving it 😀.

K-pax was made into a film but do read the book first, it is excellent.
The film was a reasonable adaptation. Spacey/Bridges.
Silver linings I read but saw the film first, much preferred the movie to be honest, the book felt like crossover young adult fiction.
Have popped back on as I got a short story collection by Simon Rich called Spoiled Brats for four euros today and it has been an easy enjoyable read.
I also read a total crock of shite romcom/millsnboon light sex book called the Plan...by Qwen Salsbury which was entertaining, probably for all the wrong reasons
Anyway, hope you do feel better soon. Sorry to hear of your ex.