The past few months have been particularly tough. While I remain BC free, my health has really declined in the past year. I spent 2 weeks in hospital in July then I left hospital early to be with my wonderful beautiful Dad who was dying of severe dementia. I am grateful I got to be with him for those last few weeks and hold his hand as he passed but it was an extremely difficult time. I took some time off to take care of my mum, organise the funeral and grieve but am now back in hospital with cellulitis to the face caused by a simple bee sting to the top of my head. This is the fourth time this year I have contracted cellulitis - twice before it lead to sepsis. It's my sixth hospital admission this year (and I don't even have BC anymore). I feel like I should receive frequent flyer points.So over the last few days, I have been feeling a bit down, and for the first time, a bit sorry for myself.I really need to read something uplifting. Any recommendations? Even if it isn't uplifting, maybe a real page turner, something I can't put down. Thanks in advance

Hi @Nadi,I'm feeling very fatigued and low at the moment too. Work has been relentlessly exhausting lately. Nothing in comparison to your recent trials, though. Deepest condolences for your loss. I hope your health improves and you feel better soon. The series of books starting with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith are very uplifting and amusing. I think they would help lift your mood. xxx

Hi @Nadi I’m very sorry to hear that you have been so unwell the past year and very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Like @Dory65 I loved the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency books, they are light and lovely and funny. Also not too big and heavy to hold as well. (I have books 1, 2 and 3 if you would like me to post them to you?) I’ve also read A Man Called Ove, which I found a bit of a slog at the beginning but it’s worth persevering and it is a lovely book. (also happy to post to you or anyone else) I also enjoyed Jojo Moyes, The Giver of Stars. My sister in law recommended some lovely books for me when I was having my chemo as I couldn’t concentrate on anything too heavy and I didn’t want to read anything that was too negative. I haven’t read any of these yet but her other recommendations were:Drusilla Modjeska Second half first; The Museum of Modern Love; Tapestry of Fortunes Elizabeth Berg; Mr Rosenblum’s List Natasha Solomons; The One hundred year old man who climbed out the window and disappeared Jonas Jonasson; A Tiny bit marvellous Dawn French; The Elegance of the Hedgehog Muriel Barbery; Kissed by a Deer a Tibetan Odyssey Margi Gibb; The Festival by the Sea June Loves; Cadence Emma Ayres Travels with music a memoir; Under Story Inga Simpson; Mr Wigg Iga SimpsonI also loved Schitts Creek – it saved me during all the chemo induced sleepless nights – I thought it was so funny – each show only goes for about 25 minutes and it doesn’t take any concentration :) All the best <3

@zoffiel That reminds me of my parents - my Dad used to read the penny dreadful Westerns and detective books because they made him laugh and my Mum used to have about 6 Mills & Boon's on the go because it didn't matter which one she picked up.I think my favourite book over the last couple of years (recommended by someone on this forum) was "A Man Called Ove". It's not one that will jump out at you from the shelves but the story is wonderful - funny, moving and sad. Loved it.Other than that, I tend to go for the crime thrillers and I really enjoyed "It's All Fun & Games Until Somebody Loses an Eye" by Chris Brookmyre - sort of Shirley Valentine meets The Long Kiss Goodnight.

I am SO sorry to hear of your father’s passing, @Nadi and the problems you are having with the cellulitis. :( I hope the hospital can get on top of it! Can they explain why you are getting it so consistently? Do you know if you are allergic to bee venom? You may need an epicene on hand (or at least take an antihistamine next time you are stung?)i love reading ... I can have a few books on the go at any given time - but am finding it hard to concentrate these days! I like a good Crime/whodunnit Story - If you like good action packed stories, Desmond Bagley is really good .... The Golden Keel, The Vivero Letter, Landslide, The Snow Tiger are all good ones ..... or there are some really good ‘short stories’ that don’t require as much concentration ... you could do Jeffrey Archer’s A Quiver Full of Arrows or A Twist in the Tale ... and his first novel, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less was his best! And Raold Dahl (now Known more as a children’s author) wrote some brilliant cryptic short stories Tales of the Unexpected and More Tales of the Unexpected!Currently, I’m reading ‘Snouts in the Trough’ ... about uncovering corruption in the Vic Police Force in the ‘old days’ ... a very good read. Take care, our thoughts are with you xx

Hi @Nadi. I spent last summer reading all of Maggie Alderson's books. And loved them! They are not difficult, a meaty length without being too long, and highly engaging. They get dismissively categorised as 'chic lit', but I call them good stories which have women as the main character. I bought them all in op shops so if you're not in Melbourne you should be able to lay your hands on them easily. Very, very diverting. K xox

I'm not ok ... looking for book recommendations that will chase the blues away

Cath62
Member
5 years ago
Hi @Nadi, I hope you get some good suggestions for reading and I hope you feel better soon.

Hard being in and out of hospital like you have been doing. It is great to be BC free. I am still undergoing treatment atm.

I have experienced feeling a bit sorry for myself on occasion and when that happens I try to do a few things like walking, mindfulness, mediation ( I listen to guided meditations and every day I use an app called Delightful. It prompts me to be grateful for 3 things every day. It may not be your thing and it is just something I find helpful. Hugs 🙏
LizetteH
Member
5 years ago
Have you read The Dalai Lama’s Cat by David Michie? He is a wonderful writer, and his work is available as audio books too. Not as cutesy as it might sound. I hope you feel better soon.
Blossom1961
Member
5 years ago
I just tried to read but nothing is interesting to me at the moment. Jigsaws are the only thing that keeps my interest. I hope you have better success than me. Let people know what genre of book interests you, that may be a start. Sending big hugs.
LizetteH
Member
5 years ago
I am new to this forum, still feeling pretty overwhelmed at times.
Jwrenn
Member
5 years ago
I’ve recently finished The French Photographer by Natasha Lester and just started another one by her. Being in lockdown in Melbourne I’ve been reading quite a lot, borrowing from a friend as we weren’t allowed to go to the library, again, till this week. It’s helped to stop the mind games with COVID and treatments. Hope your cellulitis improves @Nadi and very sorry to hear about your fathers passing, dementia is a horrible disease.
@LizetteH there is a lot to read on the forum isn’t there?
LizetteH
Member
5 years ago
Yes Jwren and I know I’ll find it helpful. Just have to get used to all the threads.
Zoffiel
Member
5 years ago
Want to know (one of) my shameful secrets @Nadi? When I'm really miserable I will read mills and boon bodice rippers and --wait for it-- westerns. They are soooo bad. Filled with horrible stereotypes and rapey blokes galloping through gulches and ridiculous women who stupidly think that the sociopathic narcarcist arsehole who sexually assaulted her can be turned into a suitable life partner.
Noone is fat and farts in bed. Honestly, they are hilarious. Even though they make me yell sometimes, I find the whole experience rather soothing. You can find second hand ones for 50c in dingy bookshops. It's a bit like picking up one of those dreadful magazines in a waiting room and reading about the woman who accidentally married her uncles dog or some such nonsense. You wonder, a) where did these people come from and b) who paid $5:00 for the mag in the first place? Not that there will be any magazines in waiting rooms for the foreseeable future.
Anyway, I hope you come good soon, it sounds like you've had a tough time lately. MXX
Sister
Member
5 years ago
@zoffiel That reminds me of my parents - my Dad used to read the penny dreadful Westerns and detective books because they made him laugh and my Mum used to have about 6 Mills & Boon's on the go because it didn't matter which one she picked up.

I think my favourite book over the last couple of years (recommended by someone on this forum) was "A Man Called Ove". It's not one that will jump out at you from the shelves but the story is wonderful - funny, moving and sad. Loved it.

Other than that, I tend to go for the crime thrillers and I really enjoyed "It's All Fun & Games Until Somebody Loses an Eye" by Chris Brookmyre - sort of Shirley Valentine meets The Long Kiss Goodnight.
arpie
Member
5 years ago
I am SO sorry to hear of your father’s passing, @Nadi and the problems you are having with the cellulitis. :( I hope the hospital can get on top of it! Can they explain why you are getting it so consistently? Do you know if you are allergic to bee venom? You may need an epicene on hand (or at least take an antihistamine next time you are stung?)

i love reading ... I can have a few books on the go at any given time - but am finding it hard to concentrate these days! I like a good Crime/whodunnit Story - If you like good action packed stories, Desmond Bagley is really good .... The Golden Keel, The Vivero Letter, Landslide, The Snow Tiger are all good ones ..... or there are some really good ‘short stories’ that don’t require as much concentration ... you could do Jeffrey Archer’s A Quiver Full of Arrows or A Twist in the Tale ... and his first novel, Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less was his best! And Raold Dahl (now Known more as a children’s author) wrote some brilliant cryptic short stories Tales of the Unexpected and More Tales of the Unexpected!

Currently, I’m reading ‘Snouts in the Trough’ ... about uncovering corruption in the Vic Police Force in the ‘old days’ ... a very good read.

Take care, our thoughts are with you xx
Dory65
Member
5 years ago

Hi @Nadi,
I'm feeling very fatigued and low at the moment too. Work has been relentlessly exhausting lately. Nothing in comparison to your recent trials, though. Deepest condolences for your loss. I hope your health improves and you feel better soon. The series of books starting with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith are very uplifting and amusing. I think they would help lift your mood. xxx