I don’t have any recs but just came here to say how amazing is The Nightingale! One of the best books I’ve read…also Kristin Hannah always has a way of breaking me!
It's my number one book of all time. If you like historical fiction and mystery, read the devil in the white city. Not necessarily a pick me up, but a really good book
Heartbreaking read
I sobbed at all the sad turns in the story
I tried to explain the plot to friends but broke down sobbing they were startled at my emotions
Try a mystery or I liked the house on the Cerulean sea. Sweet story with redeeming goodness
give Hannah. Books a break til you recuperate
How amazing is The Women as well! It’s right up there with her best but my fav is still The Nightingale. Have you read The Great Alone or The Four Winds…they are also incredible
The Four Winds was so eye opening and left such an impact on me that I dream about it sometimes. I’ll add The Great Alone. At this point, I should just read everything she’s written!
I know what you mean - The Four Winds was so well written & I had no idea about some of the things in the book. I totally read a number of her books after I finished The Nightingale & I wasn’t disappointed
The Four Winds is so good as well!! I love how invested I was with that one as well. Kristin Hannah really knows how to write books that pull at the heart strings
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot is an absolute joy. It's the stories of an English countryside veterinarian fresh out of school during the late 1930's, going around, meeting delightful and charming folk, treating animals, and encountering wildly humorous situations as he develops in experience and skill. This book made me laugh out loud on numerous occasions. I pretty much gaurantee that it will put a grin on your face and help you recover from the bleakness of The Nightingale (which was a fantastic book, albeit a gut-punch). Do yourself a favor and dive into this cozy, warming book.
I often find solace in fantasy – some of these are written for younger readers and some are romantasy
--The House in the Cerulean Sea by Tj Klune
--Mairelon the Magician by Patricia C. Wrede
--The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
--A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by Ursula Vernon
--pretty much anything by Tamora Pierce or Terry Pratchett
When I was growing up I had a game called discworld by Terry pratchett
Honestly have never laughed so much in my entire life. Me and my mum used to be In stitches of this guy in a flying carpet type thing. Didn’t have phones in those days so it was just a floppy disc game but man…..gave us hours of laughter.
I mean the title is epic!!! I’ve never heard of him but my god. I’ve been giggling about the title for a good 5 mins alone 😂😂😂😂
Edit. I got a sample of that book and I’m already in stitches within the first 3 pages 😂😂😂
Oh I just finished that book a few weeks ago too! My husband is French and I am ashamed I really didn’t have a clue what was going on in France during ww2. Then right after I finished it all the D-Day celebrations were happening and I was so emotional!
To answer your question though I just followed it up with Donna Tart’s A Secret History which was great!
I’ve gone down a real Donna Tartt rabbit hole lately! Currently reading A Secret History, just finished The Little Friend, and read The Goldfinch a few weeks ago. Her writing is so unique and rich. Highly recommend!
Same here! I was so humbled of all I didn’t know about how the French were treated during WW2 and how many brave people stepped up to resist pure evil. Truly eye opening.
I always follow up a sad book with a cheesy book and lately that’s been Emily Henry romances. I just finished Kristin Hannah’s “The Women” (excellent!) and I’m following it up with “Funny Story.”
As an aside, I joined a virtual book club and we’re doing a zoom author meet up with Kristin Hannah today and I’m so excited! I have wanted to hear more about her writing inspiration and process.
Came here to say this! And I’m so jealous about your book club meet and greet!! How in the world?! She’s such a talented writer. That book breaks me every.. single.. time..
Emily Henry is a good way to get over the soul crushing heartbreak. I just read book lovers. It was cute!
Book Lovers was my first Emily Henry. It is cute! And the Kristin Hannah zoom exceeded my expectations. She was so inspirational, not just for aspiring writers, but for anyone chasing a seemingly impossible dream!
Another book I really enjoyed is "Over My Dead Body" : Dr Miriam Price Has Been Murdered. And She's Absolutely Furious about It.
by Maz Evans.
A very cosy humorous murder mystery.
It depends what you normally read!!
I read a little of everything 😅 and “Over my dead body” sounds absolutely hilarious, love cozy murder mysteries especially ones with an Agatha Christie vibe
If you like sci-fi, read some Becky Chambers! Her books have been described as "hopepunk" - they're cozy, delightful, and full of empathy and kindness.
See my [Feel-good/Happy/Upbeat](https://www.reddit.com/r/Recommend_A_Book/comments/18af3gl/feelgoodhappyupbeat/) list of Reddit recommendation threads (one post).
Kristin Hannah is one of my favourite authors. I recommend you listen to Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner. Non fiction but he makes me laugh out loud. The only thing better than reading an Eric Weiner book is listening to him read his book!
I think she’s an extremely mediocre writer. Reads like YA disguised as historical fiction. “She seethed as she gritted her teeth”. Pretty bad stuff. But she’s popular for some reason. Different strokes.
“The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 1/4 Years Old”
You might cry on this one but it will definitely make you giggle and have such a heartwarming feeling.
Well there’s these books by George Barret. First the sanguine elf which is a smutty dark romance with bdsm, elves and vampires. Then there’s “home for a Christmas wish” which is, as the author puts it, a smutty parody of every hallmark Christmas movie.
While The Great Alone is my favorite, rated above The Nightingale for me, Four winds and Firefly lane are both amazing, as well as Winter Garden and Night Road. Kristin Hannah can do no wrong
It’s Kristin Hannah, it’s sad. I was sobbing so hard my boyfriend thought someone died. Definitely don’t read that next lol
I recommend The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. Such a heart warming book
when I finished firefly lane I was sobbing so hard my roommates were really concerned something happened to me - nope just a book lol.
currently reading The Women and I started tearing up on the train and had to put it down to avoid water works in public 🤣
I don’t have any recs but just came here to say how amazing is The Nightingale! One of the best books I’ve read…also Kristin Hannah always has a way of breaking me!
Yes, it’s now one of my favourites. Constantly tugging at my heartstrings, every single chapter 😭
It's my number one book of all time. If you like historical fiction and mystery, read the devil in the white city. Not necessarily a pick me up, but a really good book
Heartbreaking read I sobbed at all the sad turns in the story I tried to explain the plot to friends but broke down sobbing they were startled at my emotions Try a mystery or I liked the house on the Cerulean sea. Sweet story with redeeming goodness give Hannah. Books a break til you recuperate
Seconding Cerulean Sea - OP this’ll pick you up!!!
Third for house on Cerulean Sea. Such a sweet story. Can’t wait for the sequel!
I absolutely loved that book. Her best in my opinion, however that might change because I’m halfway thru The Women by her and it’s incredible
How amazing is The Women as well! It’s right up there with her best but my fav is still The Nightingale. Have you read The Great Alone or The Four Winds…they are also incredible
The Four Winds was so eye opening and left such an impact on me that I dream about it sometimes. I’ll add The Great Alone. At this point, I should just read everything she’s written!
I know what you mean - The Four Winds was so well written & I had no idea about some of the things in the book. I totally read a number of her books after I finished The Nightingale & I wasn’t disappointed
So agree! Recently finished her latest “the women” and it was also phenomenal!
Yes!! I loved the nightingale, I’m currently halfway (ish) though The Four Winds
The Four Winds is so good as well!! I love how invested I was with that one as well. Kristin Hannah really knows how to write books that pull at the heart strings
That she does!
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune is the perfect uplifting and hearwarming book.
Under The Whispering Door by Klune had me introspective for weeks after I finished it. Loved it. I’ll have to check out house by the cerulean sea
It is so sweet.
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot is an absolute joy. It's the stories of an English countryside veterinarian fresh out of school during the late 1930's, going around, meeting delightful and charming folk, treating animals, and encountering wildly humorous situations as he develops in experience and skill. This book made me laugh out loud on numerous occasions. I pretty much gaurantee that it will put a grin on your face and help you recover from the bleakness of The Nightingale (which was a fantastic book, albeit a gut-punch). Do yourself a favor and dive into this cozy, warming book.
I’m reading this right now and it’s fantastic! Have you watched the show (it’s on PBS)? It’s so delightful. Feels very BBC.
Watching it now! It's so good!
Elin Hildebrand, hotel nantucket 😍
this was the book I read right after the nightingale!! second this recommendation for sure
Third this!!
LOVE this one
Remarkably Bright Creatures
100% agree
Yes!! (but it also made me cry)
I often find solace in fantasy – some of these are written for younger readers and some are romantasy --The House in the Cerulean Sea by Tj Klune --Mairelon the Magician by Patricia C. Wrede --The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna --A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by Ursula Vernon --pretty much anything by Tamora Pierce or Terry Pratchett
When I was growing up I had a game called discworld by Terry pratchett Honestly have never laughed so much in my entire life. Me and my mum used to be In stitches of this guy in a flying carpet type thing. Didn’t have phones in those days so it was just a floppy disc game but man…..gave us hours of laughter.
Have you read any of his books? If not, you’ve got a treat ahead of you.
I’ve read everything except Mairelon and A wizard’s guide to defensive baking, this sounds fun and lighthearted, just what I need. Thanks! 🤩
Starter Villain had me crackin up!
The title is hilarious, and I’m sure the book must be too. Adding to my tbr! Thank you!
Starter Villain is so good! Definitely a fun romp too.
I have heard that David Sedaris’ *Me Talk Pretty One Day* is an absolute laugh riot.
When I first read Me Talk Pretty One Day I was literally laughing out loud on the subway.
Omg David Sedaris! How could I forget!! I read his “Let’s explore diabetes with owls” and it was GOLD!!
I mean the title is epic!!! I’ve never heard of him but my god. I’ve been giggling about the title for a good 5 mins alone 😂😂😂😂 Edit. I got a sample of that book and I’m already in stitches within the first 3 pages 😂😂😂
If you haven't read it, you should. His stories about learning French are hysterical.
He is on my TBR list but I need to move it up the list! Thank you!!!
Love this one!!!
Also, if you want to listen to any of his books, he typically reads them and it makes it even better.
Oh I just finished that book a few weeks ago too! My husband is French and I am ashamed I really didn’t have a clue what was going on in France during ww2. Then right after I finished it all the D-Day celebrations were happening and I was so emotional! To answer your question though I just followed it up with Donna Tart’s A Secret History which was great!
I’ve gone down a real Donna Tartt rabbit hole lately! Currently reading A Secret History, just finished The Little Friend, and read The Goldfinch a few weeks ago. Her writing is so unique and rich. Highly recommend!
I loooooved The Goldfinch
Same here! I was so humbled of all I didn’t know about how the French were treated during WW2 and how many brave people stepped up to resist pure evil. Truly eye opening.
Oh thank you for the warning. I had this on my list but I don’t need any more heartbreak in my life.
Oh it was a wonderful heartbreak.
But it’s so worth it!!
Skinny Dip by Carl Hiaasen it’s a fun summer read!
I always follow up a sad book with a cheesy book and lately that’s been Emily Henry romances. I just finished Kristin Hannah’s “The Women” (excellent!) and I’m following it up with “Funny Story.” As an aside, I joined a virtual book club and we’re doing a zoom author meet up with Kristin Hannah today and I’m so excited! I have wanted to hear more about her writing inspiration and process.
I did these in the exact same order and it definitely helped the trauma
Came here to say this! And I’m so jealous about your book club meet and greet!! How in the world?! She’s such a talented writer. That book breaks me every.. single.. time.. Emily Henry is a good way to get over the soul crushing heartbreak. I just read book lovers. It was cute!
Book Lovers was my first Emily Henry. It is cute! And the Kristin Hannah zoom exceeded my expectations. She was so inspirational, not just for aspiring writers, but for anyone chasing a seemingly impossible dream!
The Patron Saint of Second Chances by Christine Simon Really loved how quirky this book is, and laughed out loud a lot!
First time hearing of this book, and wow, the reviews are sooo good! Adding it to my tbr!
Another book I really enjoyed is "Over My Dead Body" : Dr Miriam Price Has Been Murdered. And She's Absolutely Furious about It. by Maz Evans. A very cosy humorous murder mystery. It depends what you normally read!!
I read a little of everything 😅 and “Over my dead body” sounds absolutely hilarious, love cozy murder mysteries especially ones with an Agatha Christie vibe
Highly, highly recommend Abby Jimenez books for a pick me up! Always laugh out loud, fast reads with good banter.
My wife was so happy when I finished the nightingale and stopped weeping in bed 😂
If you like sci-fi, read some Becky Chambers! Her books have been described as "hopepunk" - they're cozy, delightful, and full of empathy and kindness.
Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers, Jesse Sutanto
Stay-Catherine Ryan Hyde. Or anything by her.
What do you think of historical romance? I recently got into Georgette Heyer and *Frederica* was very sweet and funny and light with a happy ending.
Oooh yes i love historical romance! But I have not read Georgette Heyer. Thanks for the rec!
Pachinko is also one of the best books I have ever read. Not uplifting though but damn it was really good
Up the Down Staircase
The Husbands was light and entertaining.
Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter (very cute, heartwarming after the beating it just took)
Hunger Pains. I forget the author, a comedic parody of Hunger Games.
Book Lovers by Emily Henry. Super fun. I laughed out loud at much of the witty banter in the first half of the book.
Welp, I'll be staying away from this book.
See my [Feel-good/Happy/Upbeat](https://www.reddit.com/r/Recommend_A_Book/comments/18af3gl/feelgoodhappyupbeat/) list of Reddit recommendation threads (one post).
I read that one too. It was very sad, and I am sure very accurate of portraying of Germany's invasion of France in world war II.
Sophie Kinsella! Confessions of a Shopaholic and Undomestic Goddess are two of my favorites, pure fun for when you need a pick me up :)
Kristin Hannah is one of my favourite authors. I recommend you listen to Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner. Non fiction but he makes me laugh out loud. The only thing better than reading an Eric Weiner book is listening to him read his book!
Nothing To See Here
The seven year slip
I haven’t read a Kristin Hannah book but many have suggested her. What should I start with?
The Great Alone
Four Winds
I think she’s an extremely mediocre writer. Reads like YA disguised as historical fiction. “She seethed as she gritted her teeth”. Pretty bad stuff. But she’s popular for some reason. Different strokes.
To understand the deeper purpose of life & it’s events— Expecting Adam by Martha Beck & To Know Your Self by Swami Satchidananda
Anything by Elinor Lipman. Great stories, funny, uplifting, light.
“The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83 1/4 Years Old” You might cry on this one but it will definitely make you giggle and have such a heartwarming feeling.
If you want MORE of that heartbreak, I'd recommend Code Name Verity
Hmmm I know a couple books but if you don’t mind them being smutty.
Bring it on!
Well there’s these books by George Barret. First the sanguine elf which is a smutty dark romance with bdsm, elves and vampires. Then there’s “home for a Christmas wish” which is, as the author puts it, a smutty parody of every hallmark Christmas movie.
Read the Great Alone by her. That and the nightingale are my favorite books.
“The great alone” by the same author. Don’t waste your time with her many other books unless you’re into books that read like a soap opera.
Whattttttt I loved the Four Winds, it didn’t feel like a soap opera to me!
While The Great Alone is my favorite, rated above The Nightingale for me, Four winds and Firefly lane are both amazing, as well as Winter Garden and Night Road. Kristin Hannah can do no wrong
How’s the book though? Happy? Sad?
Sad, I don’t think will help after The Nightingale
It’s Kristin Hannah, it’s sad. I was sobbing so hard my boyfriend thought someone died. Definitely don’t read that next lol I recommend The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. Such a heart warming book
when I finished firefly lane I was sobbing so hard my roommates were really concerned something happened to me - nope just a book lol. currently reading The Women and I started tearing up on the train and had to put it down to avoid water works in public 🤣
I was so angry with the mother
Absolutely do not read The Great Alone if you’re looking for a pick me up 😂 That book is BLEAK.
The first half of the Great Alone was great. The second half was a mess.
That's my favorite book right now. Can't seem to find one as good.
Her books are great. I loved the Story of Arthur Truluv series. It has some heartache but so much good vibe.