Uplifting novel for someone feeling low

[waltzingparrot]

Could anyone recommend a novel of substance that is uplifting please?

It's my turn to suggest our next book read but I'm aware one of our members is at a very low ebb so nothing heavy and depressing, but equally, can't go too far the other way - nothing off the fluffy Christmas chick lit shelf - she'd hate that.

I loved The House In The Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune - definitely uplifting.

wrong section, so you might want to ask MN to move so you get better replies. But my pick would be

Reputation - Lex Croucher
It's a light hearted, easy to read book set in regency period, but with a modern feel to it. Some heavy subjects touched on (sexual abuse, drugs...), but overall it isnt too heavy. Not sure I would class it as uplifting, but it's not one that will bring someone down by any means.

Diary of a Nobody - so funny

Or one of Eva Ibbotson's lovely 'European émigré flees to England and charming things happen' books such as The Morning Gift or The Secret Countess.

Eleanor oliphant is completely fine. I cant remember the author.
I read it as a book club book and loved it!! Very funny, also very sad but well worth a read!

Not strictly a novel as it's a true story but The Salt Path by Raynor Winn is very inspirational.

Klara & The Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro is a fairly light read by a writer of substance - I really enjoyed it.

@SummaLuvin

wrong section, so you might want to ask MN to move so you get better replies. But my pick would be

Reputation - Lex Croucher
It's a light hearted, easy to read book set in regency period, but with a modern feel to it. Some heavy subjects touched on (sexual abuse, drugs...), but overall it isnt too heavy. Not sure I would class it as uplifting, but it's not one that will bring someone down by any means.

Oops, don't know how I ended up here!

I'll have it moved but thank you to you stylish people that have made recommendations so far.

Leonard and Hungry Paul - great book and weirdly heartwarming

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig? It starts with someone committing suicide but does pick up somewhat...

My choice for our next book group is Wintering by Katherine May, which is a non-fiction exploration about the natural winters in our lives: stepping back and allow yourself to regroup and regather, ready for new growth in the spring. It sounds a bit downbeat but the general message is quite soothing, and healing, that life has ups and downs, and doesn't have to be tackled at full pitch constantly.

Thanks. I've asked MNHQ to move it to Books.

The Lido -Rosemary Lupton
Away with the Penguins
Mrs Bensons Beetles
West with Giraffes

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim
Frenchman’s Creek by Daphne du Maurier

I don’t know if it’s the right type of thing but I read the prime of miss Jean Brodie earlier this year - not uplifting but funny and quirky and a quick read. Also lots to discuss for a book club.

Maybe one of the classic detective novels? Lots to talk about but not ‘heavy’ emotionally for most of them.

I second the vote for Miss Benson's Beetle. It was fabulous! Anything by Rachel Joyce though, I also enjoyed her book The Music Shop.

I recently finished Sandi Toksvig's Between the Stops and absolutely loved that too.

Uplifting books can sometimes reduce me to tears (such as Anthony Doerr’s All the light we cannot see)
So on a tangent
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion is my most laugh out loud book.
The Thursday Murder Detectives also made me laugh

The feast by Margaret Kennedy, written in 1950, rereleased this year, was an absorbing read - lots to talk about. My sisters and mother also found it so.

Thank you all for your suggestions - now to pick one.

Wind in the willows Winston Graham

I would second the Salt path, it is brilliant and heartwarming