It seems like a lot of us are pretty stressed right now, and as we here in this group know, reading is a great escape. Which lighthearted book do you recommend to us that will be a great distraction?
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The two that come to mind right away are:
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
They both contain a little humor and a little light romance.
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I agree that people are feeling pretty stressed these days! Hope EVERYONE reading this post shares a lighthearted book or two.
When I need to de-stress, I binge read cozy-ish mystery series. There’s lots of series with/without sub-genres e.g. cats, dogs, food, historical, libraries, paranormal, romance, travel, etc.
If cozy mysteries aren’t for you, here’s two novels that I think are lighthearted:
- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
- Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
Happy Page Turning!
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An Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennet
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The Finlay Donavan Series by Elle Cosimano
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Ok I am not going to say that these are light hearted books but I thoroughly love being in Kate Morton’s books. Always a mystery, someone is in danger, maybe a death but I get so involved in her wonderful writing that I forget what is stressing me out in my real life. She takes me away to Australia!
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I’m sure I’m the odd reader but lighthearted books don’t give me comfort. They don’t offer enough to be distracting. I actually want to get out of my feelings and engage my brain.
If I want to escape the world I need something meaty and all consuming that requires me to devote lots of attention. Admittedly this kind of book is often hard to find but I would say in general they are non-fiction rather than fiction. For instance I still remember clearly the first book I read at the beginning of covid was Eric Larson’s The Splendid and the Vile. It was perfect for me at the time.
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Last year I read a book on my Kindle and laughed out loud the whole time. Look for “The Blind Devotion of Imogene” by David Putnam. Read while I was having some serious health problems and truly was a spirit lifter!
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I found West With Giraffes the perfect antidote after my mother died. I had been reading Demon Copperhead, a great book, but not one to read when you’re stressed out. I’ll always remember and appreciate Giraffes for lifting my spirits then.
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My top vote is also for The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern. I listened to the audio version, and thought the narration by Gabra Zackman was absolutely remarkable. I simply did not want the story to end. I recall that my spirits were also lifted when reading Remarkably Bright Creatures by Van Pelt.
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You’re not the odd reader! I prefer nonfiction to fiction too and will look for a book that focuses on a person who’s courage took them down a path they never expected to travel. A great read along that line is The Radium Girls by Kate Moore.
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Like @ Anne_Glascow, I prefer nonfiction. I just picked up The Small and The Mighty by Sharon McMahon which is about 12 Americans who changed the course of history. The description on the book jacket caught my eye, especially “…multiple people surprisingly become rich. Some rich with money, and some wealthy with things that matter more.”
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Thanks for understanding @Jill_Mercier. I loved The Radium Girls too. I’ve heard really good things about Sharon McMahon’s book also.
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One of my favorites is Sipsworth by Simon van Booy. It is enchanting, humorous and reminded me that we must always be hopeful! Enjoy!!
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My most recent heartwarming read was Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy, and I loved it! It’s a sweet, quiet story about an older woman whose life takes an unexpected turn. The writing is beautiful, and it’s one of those books that just makes you feel good. Highly recommend!
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Thanks, @Mitzi_K! I’ll have to take a look at that one. It sounds charming.
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I f ound the best read, and in a lighthearted manner was Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. reading the thoughts of an octopus was engaging and fun. I also will read a “Cozy Mystery” when I feel stressed or have too much going on. There are so many to choose from! Pick an interest and read!
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I had forgotten about An Uncommon Reader - good recommendation!
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I keep hearing about Sipsworth (including a recommendation from Ann Patchett)! And, I think it is a quick read, too. I need to push that up further on my TBR list. Thanks for the idea, @Mitzi_K!
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I hope you enjoy it too! It’s such a unique story.
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