Recommendations for books that are moving but not in a sad way.

[admylin]

I am looking for good fiction that is more moving than sad. For example, I read Kite runner which I loved but it made me very sad too, The red tent was moving but also abit sad, Year of wonders too (they were on my wish list last year and I got them for Christmas) have not got the courage to read anything that will make me sad or even cry infact I need cheering up! This is for me to make a wish list on Amazon for family - last year I made a great list with recommendations from here!

The Time Travellers Wife is lovely if you haven't already read it. And I've just read the Secret River which I think would fit the criteria.

Maeve Binchy writes good stories which arent always sad and I know its quiet old now but 'Circle of Friends' is a particular favourite of mine

A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon

very very moving and true about families and relationships but highly amusing and an incredibly easy and addictive read

Hotel by Ali White. Shortlisted in 2005 booker. Vg.

Great, that's what I'm looking for, moving but amusing. I always get so 'into' a good book that it rubs off on my every day life and at the moment I'm fed up enough so don't need any tragic or sad reading

well I must warn you then that it does deal with mental illness

but honestly I loved it, so funny

Half of a Yellow Sun is also a good read and fascinating

I really enjoyed Crow Lake by Mary Lawson.

If no-one buys it for you then there are loads of copies on ReadItSwapIt.

Black swan green-David Mitchell and second time travellers wife-excellent read!

Ooo loving that readitswapit site. what a good idea!

Shame I'm in Germany so readitswapit would not work for me. That's why I love getting books sent over for birthday or Christmas as I can get some over here on Amazon.de or in some book stores - sometimes cost alot more than the great offers in the UK.

Miss Garnet's Angel - Salley Vickers - just read it for book group

I really enjoyed The Island by Victoria Hislop (wife of Ian from Have I got New For You). It's set partly on an island for Leprosy sufferers, and partly on the mainland, and although it's sad in bits , it's not the kind of makes you cry sad. it has a happy ending too!

Cane River by Lalita Tademy springs to mind. Very moving story of four (?) generations of women born into slavery and their struggles and successes. Thinking about it, it might make you cry so maybe not

a year of magical thinking by joan didion.Best thing I read this year. sharp, luminous.

We need to talk about Kevin and Post birthday world - both by Lionel Schriver are moving but not sad reads.

Think this one is sad in places but enjoyed it as a holiday read (Ok burnt back of legs as got into the book!) My Best Friends Girl (Dorothy Coombson) think she did another - Marshmallows for Breakfast - would recommend the first one - story of 2 best friends, their daughters, a past history and tragedy which brings them together..... good read. horses x

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Thanks for all the ideas, I'll go over to Amazon and read up the reviews and then I can add some to my wish list. Infact I should maybe be looking for books that really make you laugh too and have a cheerfull Christmas

I Thoroughly enjoyed ?five people you meet in heaven? by Mitch Albom. I read it in one sitting, couldn?t put it down. It?s very moving, and sad in parts, but mostly a well written, thought provoking read.

I liked "The Five People etc" a lot too. "Cold Comfort Farm" is very sweet if you haven't read it. Also, "Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day".

Remains of the Day by Ishiguro

How to Talk to a Widower by Jonathon Tropper.

Funny, moving, thoughtful and a good read. I loved it.

The tenderness of wolves is good. A good read, engaging story, a little bittersweet, but won't leave you in buckets of tears.

Wouldn't recommend Time Traveller's Wife - I wept throughout the whole book!

Scuba Dancing is funny and moving and it's by my mum so you can pretend you know the author .