Forum Discussion
I'm not ok ... looking for book recommendations that will chase the blues away
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
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
44 Replies
- @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 ..
- 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).
- 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.
- 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. 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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)
- 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.
- 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!
