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

44 Replies

NelSky
Member
5 years ago
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@Nadi.. ok beautiful one .., I find sometimes self-help and non Fiction is just too much ( although fantastic when ready and needed)x I’m a magical fantasy girl Harry Potter, the black jewel trilogy, true blood, all things Richelle Mead. Sometimes I just like to transported to a magical place ..
jjen_80
Member
5 years ago
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The book "the power of now" is quite intense but uplifting. I have found it has helped me to be present-focused.
Paint by numbers has been a great way to relax for me! I also listen to podcasts such as "ladies, we need to talk" and "All in the mind" (this one can be quite sad).
MicheleR
Member
5 years ago
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There is a book by an Australian author and crafter called Pip Lincoln. It is "when things are not peachy". I bought it before I had breast cancer to support Pip because I like her crafting and writing. Ive dipped into it a few times. Can recommend.
Nadi
Member
5 years ago
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Thanks for the offer of posting the books @Gumnut. I read everything electronically as it allows me to blow up the text to large font, so I love my online kindle. I started A Man Called Ove but like you am finding it a bit of a slog. I haven't tried JoJO Moyes yet but she's on my "next to read" list.

I have watched every episode of Schitts Creek at least twice. Brilliant show. Gotta love Moira and her wigs!! Wish I could have tried that during chemo. Another good, but strange one is Community, and AP BIO. Extremely light viewing - takes zero concentration and has some funnies in them but not as good as Schitt's Creek.

Thanks for the suggestions.
gumnut
Member
5 years ago
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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 Simpson
I 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
Afraser
Member
5 years ago
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I find getting immersed in a good book takes your mind off other things. Although the last instalment of Hilary Mantel’s trilogy on Thomas Cromwell has some interesting parallels to today - when in doubt, blame the gov’mint!! Read once for the story, re-reading for the writing.
Hendrix
Member
5 years ago
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I find mindfulness a great mood lifter...I sell a lot paint by numbers, beautiful art to hang on the wall...and a real warm fuzzy feeling when your done...when I feel a little low I do one or knit a beanie for Peter Mac...good luck xx
Romla
Member
5 years ago
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PS I know you said book but there’s a lot of good movies / series on abc iview and sbs on demand and is free. Plus I found during treatment and in the new covid world ebooks from the library great.( e audiobooks however not so as depends on voice of reader)
Romla
Member
5 years ago
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Have you tried Graeme Simsion The Rosie Project about an autistic academic looking for a wife ? Also if you have Netflix “ Schitts Creek” might be worthwhile - stay with it for a bit as it gets better as time goes on.
averi
Member
5 years ago
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Hi @Nadi.
BorrowBox is a great free app. My good friend recommended it just before I had my mastectomy. It’s a digital library where you sign up to your local library, you can send them an email and let them know you want to sign up to BorrowBox and they’ll give you a borrower ID to log in. There’s audiobooks and ebooks. The audiobooks have come in real handy for me especially in the last 4 weeks after my reconstruction as I have to spend 80mins on scar massage and stretches each time, twice daily. It makes the time go faster for such a mundane task.
Some of my favourites are
Any Ordinary Day - Leigh Sales (lots of tears)
The Midnight Library - Matt Haig
The Secret Vineyard - Loretta Hill
Fragile - Stella O’Malley
Nine Perfect Strangers - Liane Moriarty
A Very Public Scandal - Jennifer Bacia
Enjoy!

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

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