Happy book

[Slippersandacuppa]

Sorry, not sure if this is in the right place!

It's my very close friend's birthday and I'm looking for a feel good book for her. She's a book worm, English teacher and just a lovely person, who is surrounded by sadness (friends going through difficult times mostly).

I'd love to find a special book for her, that she can lose herself in.

Any ideas?

Thank you

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim is a lovely book, but she may have read it! Another one is Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day, by Winifred Watson. Some of the Elizabeth Goudge novels are worth looking at, too.

Do you have any idea what generes she's into? No use buying chick lit for a military history but IYSWIM? If she's having a shitty time... Some magical realism in the form of Garden Spells and then First Frost both by Sarah Addison Allen. Easy reading as she's probably busy with work and helping friends.

Really lovely idea anyway. For what it's worth, I sometimes put a pamper hamper of sorts together. Lush bubble bar, bottle of wine, maybe a plant, scented candle, book, nail varnish? Just stuff to allow people to take time for themselves.

Thanks Clawdy

What a fitting title for one born in April! I'm off to hunt for it now.

Would you believe I'm in a book club? We only seem to read gritty and/or historical novels!

Dippy great minds...

That's exactly what I'm doing. I gave her a big huggable mug and scented candle last week just to cheer her up. I'm thinking a big punch of peonies but hadn't considered food! Genius. She won't allow herself to be happy for herself as she's supporting so many other people

I'll keep pestering her until she does! Thanks for your suggestions too - ooh, I do love an excuse to go book shopping

By food I meant the wine bit. 'Tis as important as eating, after all...

She's maybe read it already if she's a bookworm, but Chocolat by Joanne Harris is as feelgood as they come, and you could give it with a present of some lovely chocolates.

The Novel Cure isn't a novel but a book about books - recommending different books to read according to what you need. (Eg getting over a love affair, when you feel like you've lost your way, even an entry for a stubbed toe). If she's an English teacher she might enjoy it. Plus you cd look inside for other suggestions.

Slippers one of our five a day That really is sweet of you. It can't be easy watching your friend sacrifice herself for others. And peonies are my favourite. With a touch of gypsophila.

I'm going to check out The Novel Curr myself though ^^