The Hitchhikers Guide
to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
The Night Circus – Erin
Morgenstern
The End of Mr Y – Scarlett
Thomas
Harry Potter – J.K
Rowling
Anne of Green Gables –
L.M Montgomery
The Railway Children –
E. Nesbit
Little Women and sequels –
Louisa May Alcott
Quentins – Maeve
Binchy
These Old Shades –
Georgette Heyer
About a Boy – Nick
Hornby
Chocolat – Joanne
Harris
Anything featuring cupcakes or chocolate by Jenny Colgan
Anything and everything by Noel Streatfeild, but especially Ballet Shoes, A Painted Garden, The Growing
Summer and Apple Bough.
How to be a Woman –
Caitlin Moran
Things by Bill Bryson are also generally a good bet.
Matilda – Roald
Dahl
I realised after a while that the vast majority of these books are either children's books, or books I read when I was in my early teens. I wonder whether that's because kids books often have a more optimistic subject matter or are more humorous? Or just because of the time of life I was at when I read them; do they make me happy because I was less jaded and cynical when I read them? I'm not sure, but I'm inclined towards the latter way of thinking... What would be on your list? And if you do accept my challenge and write one yourself, please leave a link to it in the comments so I can have a look!
I realised after a while that the vast majority of these books are either children's books, or books I read when I was in my early teens. I wonder whether that's because kids books often have a more optimistic subject matter or are more humorous? Or just because of the time of life I was at when I read them; do they make me happy because I was less jaded and cynical when I read them? I'm not sure, but I'm inclined towards the latter way of thinking... What would be on your list? And if you do accept my challenge and write one yourself, please leave a link to it in the comments so I can have a look!
Oh I used to love Matilda (the film) so much! I found it mood-lifting and inspiring! I haven't read the book though and I feel I should.
ReplyDeleteMe too! It was one of those movies where it just made me want to be a better person, and to read and play and be happy. Can't beat that for a message, really... :)
DeleteOf your list, I've only read J.K. Rowling, Bill Bryson, and Roald Dahl. I want to read Chocolat some day!
ReplyDeleteYou've inspired me to make my own list. Here it is: http://etudesque.blogspot.com/2013/08/my-top-10-list-of-mood-boosting-books.html
Definitely agree about Noel Streatfeild! Also Roald Dahl, although I prefer The BFG myself. And, for my recommendation, anything Diana Wynne Jones, but especially her Chrestomanci books.
ReplyDelete-- Anastasia @ Here There Be Books
Awww, Matilda! She was always my favourite Roald Dahl character, obviously... :)
ReplyDeleteOther books that I've read multiple times and that always make me smile and cheer me up include 'The Undomestic Goddess' by Sophie Kinsella, Bill Bryson's 'Notes From a Big Country' and 'Good Omens' by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. Books about books are more inspiring than mood-boosting, but they're always near the top of my list too when I need something to make me feel better.
Totally agree about Roald Dahl, although I think the Twits and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory were always my favourites... and I didn't know Chocolat and About a Boy were books as well as films! I need to go hunt them down soon! I also agree with you about being more optimistic in childhood because the only mood boosting book I can think of for me is Winnie the Pooh :) I'll definitely be back to your blog soon, it's really interesting!
ReplyDeletePlease follow me back! :) http://lucy-stuffedshelves.blogspot.co.uk/