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

arpie
Member
3 years ago
I've downloaded The Girl who Fell from the Sky from the site I mentioned earlier @Julez1958 - I just need to read it!! :p

I LOVE 'whodunnits' .... and there are some great British vids on Netflix that keep you on the edge of your seat .... my stepson & DIL have set me up for Netflix & it is terrific!
Julez1958
Member
3 years ago
Hi @arpie I loved The Pilgrim and actually read it in hospital after my mastectomy and a number of the medical staff told me him much they loved it too.
I am partial to a detective story or “who done it” for escapism but one book I read recently that was page turning and also inspiring was “The girl who fell from the sky”.
arpie
Member
3 years ago
Just bumping this one, as there are some great books out there to read as I still read most nights after going to bed .... and I've read many of the ones mentioned previously in the thread (or seen the movie!)

I am currently re-reading The Pilgrim right now - it is an 'edge of the seat' book that would make a BRILLIANT movie .....

If you enjoy reading e-books (& have Tablet/PC that you can download to) here is an amazing site with access to thousands of books ..... just put in the book title or author's name & see what pops up! I've downloaded hundreds - now I just have to read them all! LOL
https://oceanofpdf.com/

Below is a link to @Ecup2020's suggested book The Happiness Trap ... plus the most recent sequel, too ...
https://oceanofpdf.com/?s=The+Happiness++Trap

What books are you reading just now??
KarynJ
Member
5 years ago
One of the funniest books I've ever read was Zig Zag Street by Nick Earl. Published in 1996 so a bit dated now but maybe you can grab a copy from a library?
Some passages were so funny I had to put the book down because I was laughing so hard I couldn't keep reading.
If you lived in Brisbane around this time you'll love the local references.
FLClover
Member
5 years ago
@Romla I was just about to suggest The Rosie Project 😆😁. I read it after my diagnosis, right before my surgery. Certainly helped keep my mind off it 😊
Romla
Member
5 years ago
Have a read of Graeme Simsion “ The Rosie Project”. I also like Alexander McCall Smith “The no.1 Ladies detective agency” . Both books are the beginning of delightful series.
Afraser
Member
5 years ago
Years ago, looking for something light (I tend towards long books!) I bought the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It has its serious side but definitely a happy ending!
jennyss
Member
5 years ago
Any suggestions for a funny book, not soppy, and with a happy ending?
My sister has recommended Liane Moriarty. Guess I'll just start with what our library has on offer.
I've taken up star-watching since I retired. Now astronomy books are real page turners for me.
Ecup2020
Member
5 years ago
Hi there,
I saw a psychologist for the first time today and she recommended lots of coping strategies plus a book to read “The Happiness Trap”.
i haven’t actually read it yet but she specialises in cancer patients so thought I’d pass it on.
Also when I was in hospital I read “ The Pilgrim” which was very “page turning” and took my mind off things.
arpie
Member
5 years ago
I've just finished a book by Aussie Author Peter Watt about the Chinese Boxer Rebellion where a few Australians were caught up in it ..... including Chinese born Australians .....

I would limit myself to a couple of chapters a night & finally just had to sit down & finish it - I couldn't wait til nightfall! LOL

Did you know that it was the British that introduced opium to the Chinese (and not the Chinese introducing it to the Westerners?)

https://www.fantasticfiction.com/w/peter-watt/stone-dragon.htm

He has written a couple of 'ongoing' stories spread over 2-3 books too .....

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

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