Feeling so battered by life at the moment . I need a book to lift me up

[mumski]

Battered and bruised and reading is a good retreat. But everything I turn to is so full of betrayal/collapsing marriages/bereavement - even if it comes right in the end. I love CJ Samson's historical novels but also too gloomy at the moment. Is there such thing as an intelligent uplifting read ? Please help x

Bump !

This might be a bit Low Brow - but how about a Bill Bryson or a Terry Pratchett.

Our Tragic Universe by Scarlett Thomas.

Mrs Harris goes to Paris
Georgette Heyers - esp The Grand Sophy, Frederica, Venetia

If you like a bit of supernatural/mystery, then Ben Aaronovitchs books are fab

Terry Pratchett is def worth a try - I'd go with Night Watch. Much more intelligent than you might think

Love the suggestions - keep them coming. Bill Bryson is excellent.! :)

So funny, I was about to say Bill Bryson too. I am so tired of miserable books, articles, threads..... his latest The Road to Little Dribbling is like going on holiday and getting away from it all.

Any of David Sedaris's books are guaranteed to cheer you up. I love them - they are mostly tales about his family and his partner. Things frequently take a bizarre turn and are often hilarious.

If you want something a bit twee but feel good from yesteryear this could fit the bill :
MissBuncle

Here is the kindle link (much cheaper)
MissBuncle

Oh yes David Sedarkis is amazing!

OP thank you for this thread. I'm dealing with a lot of stress and general 'meh' feelings and something uplifting to read would be great. Looking forward to seeing what is recommended (another big Bill Bryson fan here, but I think I've read them all at this stage).

I found The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison very uplifting. The protagonist is a very sweet and lovable person, and though his situation starts out grim, it improves quickly. (In short, he surprisingly becomes emperor and gains loyal followers.)

History of the Rain by Niall Williams is wonderful: poetic, poignant, witty and though bereavement features heavily in it, is full of hope.

Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series is very lighthearted and easy to read.

A.m Holmes- this book will change your life is a quirky uplifting one

You could try Gervase Phinn's books?
It's going to sound quite dull when I say what his books are about...his time as a schools inspector in Yorkshire. I'm not a teacher nor have I anything to do with education other than my own and my son's, but I loved them. They're a very easy read, with lots of humour and emotion, and heartwarming escapism.

I love that AM Holmes book, has stuck with me in a way few books do. Am getting loads of good recommendations from this thread

When I need an escape from reality I go to p g Wodehouse every time

I've recommended before on a diff thread but A man called Ove is a spectacular easy read. I've not met a sugar person who isn't absolutely besotted with it

Single person!

My friend always reads the book of lost things when she is low or stressed. She says it's very imaginative and funny/sad.

Gets teary at the end ("I call him - brother"). In a good way.

Try The Rosie Project by Don Tillman. Easy to read, funny and endearing.