Good Feelings Books
THE PAGE TURNERS
The Most Funny, Uplifting, Joyous, Happy Books
The lockdowns and government restrictions have led to a huge boost in the number of people reading. Readers have sought endless escapism from the unexciting, monotonous routines of day-to-day life in lockdown. As lockdown continued into March, Page Turners were unable to meet yet again. As an alternative Page Turners were asked to suggest their most funny, uplifting, joyous, happy book which left them with a feel good sensation….and would help What’s On readers get through these lockdown days…and beyond. Here are their suggestions…
Nicola’s choice of a feel good novel is a young person’s book by Susan Cooper, The Dark is Rising Sequence. Nicola has read and re-read this adventure involving magic and incorporating myths numerous times; and she always loses herself in it!
Sandra selected a book which gave her the feel good factor from beginning to end, Four Seasons in Rome by Anthony Doerr. Sandra believes this book is filled with the pleasure of travel and she describes it as funny, perceptive and tender. Does anyone remember the experience of travelling somewhere?!
Jenny’s choice is Blott on the Landscape by Tom Sharpe. Jenny remembers this 70s novel for the sheer emotion of laughing out loud A LOT! Jenny describes Blott as simply a very fast moving farce with many an amusing quick-witted turn of phrase (some rude!). She has enjoyed revisiting it, having a good chortle and reminding herself of its downright ridiculous storyline!
Helen also chose a Tom Sharpe novel, Peterhouse Blue, a humorous and well observed book about life in a fictional college at Cambridge University. Helen maintains it is both acerbic and mocking of an elite educational institution; it is a story of hypocrisy and pomposity with a surprising twist at the end and Helen believes it is very much a “laugh out loud” novel.
May’s selection of a joyful book is Mary Berry’s, Fast Cakes. During lockdown, this book made her feel good: who wouldn’t feel good reading about and making lemon drizzle cake, shortbread, tacky gingerbread, brownies, drop scones…..do I need to write on?
A character in Lynne’s pick of a feel good book would have approved of May’s choice as she loved to eat and drink and party and enjoy life…..Bridget Jones, from the Helen Fielding’s books. Bridget Jones is a binge drinking, chain smoking publisher who tries (and fails) to keep her life in order. Her attempts to enjoy life end with her in some tight spots that most people can identify with….and laugh along with…
Sylvia selected the book that the film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is based on, These Foolish Things by Deborah Moggach. Enticed by advertisements for a luxury retirement home in India, a group of strangers leave England to begin a new life. Their experiences are hilarious and poignant and certainly provide readers with many uplifting, joyful moments.
The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan is Babs’s choice of a thoroughly heart warming and enjoyable read. The novel alternates between two main story lines and is a pleasant, sometimes humorous, easy read with interesting characters and a good ending.
Our final Page Turners selection of an uplifting read is from Jill who opted for two books by Barbara Kingsolver, The Bean Trees and Pigs in Heaven. Jill really loved the characters and well drawn plots. The second one was a satisfying follow-up and gave an interesting description of the Cherokee Nation.
If the lockdown restrictions, or even the weather are keeping you indoors, why not try one of these books that Page Turners have enjoyed….?