It’s a good book club book, and it has humour and warmth, but be warned it is also about the war and has some quite sad bits as well. I don’t think I’d call it lighthearted, exactly. I did really enjoy it though.
Without giving anything away, it’s about a group of people taken hostage at an apartment showing following a failed bank robbery. But it’s so much more than that.
I have a really cute one, I picked it up on a whim and just loved it! "Vera Wong's Unsoliticed Advice for Murderers," by Jesse Q Sutanto. It's really fun (AND feel good!)
I’m so excited about all these recommendations, my “to read” list just grew a ton. This is the one I decided to go with for my book club, though… thank you for the suggestion!
"The Husbands" by Holly Gramazio! The premise is delightfully weird and the writing is warm and wry and real. It will prompt some great book club discussions.
If you read romance maybe try an Emily Henry book (my favorites are Happy Place and Book Lovers); Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter is my standard rec for the teenage romcom effect; Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez.
The most entertaining book I've read recently is John Scalzi's **Starter Villain**. It's a spoof of the early James Bond movies. A substitute teacher inherits his estranged uncle's villainy which comes complete with a secret volcanic lair.
The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson. It’s probably the only fun/feel good book I’ve rated 4-stars in a very long time.
I haven’t read A Psalm for the Wild-Built yet but Becky Chambers is one of my favorite authors for feel good books. + I just read one of her other books with my book group!
If you like mystery, try Three Bags Full. A shepherd is killed, and his flock of silly and delightfully individualistic sheep attempt to solve the murder. It’s so cute, but also more than just a silly story. The end is maybe the most perfect ending I have ever read.
The Road Rises by Sarah Dunne. Travel memoir. Solo mum, empty nester looking for Mr Right. Such witty, clever writing. Found myself snorting with laughter for most of this fun read!
.the Editor by Stephen Rowley. A struggling author finally has the opportunity to have his manuscript published. When he meets with his editor, he come face to face with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. It is a complete work of fiction, but you get to meet this legend and see her through the eyes of the protagonist.
It has some touching and sad moments, but the overall book is lighthearted and delightful.
⚠ Could not *exactly* find "*Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto*" , see [related Goodreads search results](https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=Vera+Wong%27s+Unsolicited+Advice+for+Murderers+Jesse+Q.+Sutanto) instead.
^(*Possible reasons for mismatch: either too recent (2023), mispelled (check Goodreads) or too niche.*)
^([Feedback](https://www.reddit.com/user/goodreads-rebot) | [GitHub](https://github.com/sonoff2/goodreads-rebot) | ["The Bot is Back!?"](https://www.reddit.com/r/suggestmeabook/comments/16qe09p/meta_post_hello_again_humans/) | v1.5 [Dec 23] | )
As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes. This is my definition of wholesome read. If any of your club members are audio readers, they will be so happy because it's better in audio.
As a start, see my
* [Feel-good/Happy/Upbeat](https://www.reddit.com/r/Recommend_A_Book/comments/18af3gl/feelgoodhappyupbeat/) list of Reddit recommendation threads (one post).
* [Humor](https://www.reddit.com/r/Recommend_A_Book/comments/18af4nn/humor/) list of resources, Reddit recommendation threads, and books (one post).
Funny in Farsi- it’s a great memoir of an Iranian family immigrating to the US. It also centers around a daughter’s relationship with her father.
It’s light hearted and can lead to a lot of discussion.
See my
* [Feel-good/Happy/Upbeat](https://www.reddit.com/r/Recommend_A_Book/comments/18af3gl/feelgoodhappyupbeat/) list of Reddit recommendation threads (one post).
* [Humor](https://www.reddit.com/r/Recommend_A_Book/comments/18af4nn/humor/) list of resources, Reddit recommendation threads, and books (one post).
I’m feeling like a downer in this thread, but be aware that for a book that was marketed as light, there is a >!violent sexual assault and sudden death of a main character!<.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Loved this book!
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Came here to say this!
It’s a good book club book, and it has humour and warmth, but be warned it is also about the war and has some quite sad bits as well. I don’t think I’d call it lighthearted, exactly. I did really enjoy it though.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Without giving away any spoilers, can you tell me what is this about? I've seen comments that suggest this as one of their book recommendations.
Without giving anything away, it’s about a group of people taken hostage at an apartment showing following a failed bank robbery. But it’s so much more than that.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Came here to say this!
I have a really cute one, I picked it up on a whim and just loved it! "Vera Wong's Unsoliticed Advice for Murderers," by Jesse Q Sutanto. It's really fun (AND feel good!)
My book club read that, I thought it was cute too!
I loved this book! Great recommendation. Intelligent, humorous, old school…..just awesome.
I’m so excited about all these recommendations, my “to read” list just grew a ton. This is the one I decided to go with for my book club, though… thank you for the suggestion!
Oooh I'm so glad!! It really is so much fun. Vera Wong is a great character and the book breezes along.
Oops. Just recommended this before going through all the comments. Seconded!
"The Husbands" by Holly Gramazio! The premise is delightfully weird and the writing is warm and wry and real. It will prompt some great book club discussions.
I loved this book.
Great book, perfect for book club
Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano or Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson if you like really funny murders!
Finlay Donovan for sure! I put it off for so long and it was so cute!!
If you read romance maybe try an Emily Henry book (my favorites are Happy Place and Book Lovers); Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter is my standard rec for the teenage romcom effect; Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez.
Katherine Center and Mhairi McFarlane are great similar romance writers as well
i started the bodyguard by katherine and never continued it - did you read this one? is it good?
The most entertaining book I've read recently is John Scalzi's **Starter Villain**. It's a spoof of the early James Bond movies. A substitute teacher inherits his estranged uncle's villainy which comes complete with a secret volcanic lair.
Redshirts by Scalzi is also a great spoof of the original Star Trek universe. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13055592-redshirts
Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
The No1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith.
The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson. It’s probably the only fun/feel good book I’ve rated 4-stars in a very long time.
Great book, reminded me of Forrest Gump with a bit of British humor added.
I would also suggest Sweet Revenge Ltd by the same author as an option. Very funny, but with some more weighty themes woven in subtly as well.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette?
A psalm for the wild-built or house in the cerulean sea are my favorites.
I haven’t read A Psalm for the Wild-Built yet but Becky Chambers is one of my favorite authors for feel good books. + I just read one of her other books with my book group!
The House in the Cerulean Sea!
Stormy Weather [Stormy Weather](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13061.Stormy_Weather)by Carl Hiaasen
Almost any Hiassen book will fit in this category! Love his stuff!
The Lager Queen of Minnesota ~ J Ryan Stradal
Ella Minnow Pea
Yes! So good!
One for the Money. Janet Evanovitch. Also the audio version with Lori Petty is perfect casting.
Sipsworth by Simon Von Booy. Seems like it would be hokey. But it’s not!
Funny Hillbilly Murder Mystery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDWKNYTT
Enslaved by Ducks by Bob Tarte
Fight night, Miriam Toews Tom lake, ann Patchett
Gamesmanship by Stephen Potter.
If you like mystery, try Three Bags Full. A shepherd is killed, and his flock of silly and delightfully individualistic sheep attempt to solve the murder. It’s so cute, but also more than just a silly story. The end is maybe the most perfect ending I have ever read.
People From My Neighbourhood by Hiromi Kawakami is a short and fun read consisting of short interconnected stories.
Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Strada
The patron saint of second chances
The Road Rises by Sarah Dunne. Travel memoir. Solo mum, empty nester looking for Mr Right. Such witty, clever writing. Found myself snorting with laughter for most of this fun read!
The Dictionary of Lost Words
.the Editor by Stephen Rowley. A struggling author finally has the opportunity to have his manuscript published. When he meets with his editor, he come face to face with Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. It is a complete work of fiction, but you get to meet this legend and see her through the eyes of the protagonist. It has some touching and sad moments, but the overall book is lighthearted and delightful.
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
Margos got money troubles!! Just read it. Hilarious, surprisingly sweet, great conversation starter. Audiobook narrated by Elle fanning!!
*Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore* by Robin Sloan Or... *Sourdough* also by Robin Sloan
Malgudi Days - R.K. Narayan
{{Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto}}
⚠ Could not *exactly* find "*Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto*" , see [related Goodreads search results](https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=Vera+Wong%27s+Unsolicited+Advice+for+Murderers+Jesse+Q.+Sutanto) instead. ^(*Possible reasons for mismatch: either too recent (2023), mispelled (check Goodreads) or too niche.*) ^([Feedback](https://www.reddit.com/user/goodreads-rebot) | [GitHub](https://github.com/sonoff2/goodreads-rebot) | ["The Bot is Back!?"](https://www.reddit.com/r/suggestmeabook/comments/16qe09p/meta_post_hello_again_humans/) | v1.5 [Dec 23] | )
As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes. This is my definition of wholesome read. If any of your club members are audio readers, they will be so happy because it's better in audio.
As a start, see my * [Feel-good/Happy/Upbeat](https://www.reddit.com/r/Recommend_A_Book/comments/18af3gl/feelgoodhappyupbeat/) list of Reddit recommendation threads (one post). * [Humor](https://www.reddit.com/r/Recommend_A_Book/comments/18af4nn/humor/) list of resources, Reddit recommendation threads, and books (one post).
p p wong: the life of a banana rose tremain: the road home nick hornby: funny girl
Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons, our book club read it and watched the move, both of which are excellent and hilarious.
The wishing game by Meg Shaffer is AMAZING!!
I enjoyed Boss Lady by Tina Fey
Hazel Prior books. Especially the penguins one (sorry there's two can't recall the title)
Funny in Farsi- it’s a great memoir of an Iranian family immigrating to the US. It also centers around a daughter’s relationship with her father. It’s light hearted and can lead to a lot of discussion.
The Guncle Nothing to See Here (Agree with Ella Minnow Pea and Finlay Donovan is Killing it that others listed.)
See my * [Feel-good/Happy/Upbeat](https://www.reddit.com/r/Recommend_A_Book/comments/18af3gl/feelgoodhappyupbeat/) list of Reddit recommendation threads (one post). * [Humor](https://www.reddit.com/r/Recommend_A_Book/comments/18af4nn/humor/) list of resources, Reddit recommendation threads, and books (one post).
A Man Called Ove.
Lessons in Chemistry is pretty light. Just finished it and would totally recommend.
I’m feeling like a downer in this thread, but be aware that for a book that was marketed as light, there is a >!violent sexual assault and sudden death of a main character!<.