You just can’t go wrong with P. G. Wodehouse. For me, Right Ho Jeeves is his masterpiece. His books are beyond praise - joyful, funny, and written in the most beautiful, shimmering, sunlit prose. Wodehouse is cosmically funny. He creates a world in which nothing is serious, and nothing hurts. His humour goes right the way down. I read him out loud when I’m on my own - it’s better than Prozac.
Douglas Adams is another wonderfully joyful writer (imagine if P. G. Wodehouse had written science fiction). So is Clive James. Bill Bryson always cheers me up as well, and so, oddly enough, does Bertrand Russell. I know that sounds a weird recommendation, but Russell’s voice is so clear, funny, and wise, that the minute I pick him up I feel better. You could try The Conquest of Happiness, which is a kind of self-help book. Or maybe his autobiography.
Patrick Fermor wrote a travel book called A Time of Gifts, which is my go-to book when I’m sad. It recounts his backpacking adventure across pre-war Europe and is just so upbeat and positive. Again, as with Russell, there is this lovely voice coming through. He sees the best in everything and everyone.
Evelyn Waugh is a bit darker, but so, so funny. And Brian Blessed’s autobiography made me scream. I listened to him read it on audiobook and had to stop the car because I was shaking with laughter. Peter Ustinov is great as well.
My best wishes to your friend. x