During dark times, escaping into a book can be the most wonderful tonic for a troubled mind. Turning the pages, losing yourself in the story, curling up warm and shutting out the world – it’s the perfect way to pass the time when there’s not much else to do.
The power of books can be transformative – just as a sad story can make you feel blue for days, a positive one can lift your spirits and improve your mood no end. Here are some of our favourite uplifting reads.
Bridget Jones’s Diary
We’re starting with a stone-cold classic, because why try to improve perfection? Although the film is one of the best for a cosy Sunday afternoon, it’s the original book by Helen Fielding that really brings loveable Bridget to life. The story of love, loss, friendship and normality reminds us of pre-pandemic times and there’s a great comfort in that. An evergreen favourite.
The Joy of Walking
We’ve done a whole lot of walking over the last year, and it’s easy to get a bit sick of trudging over field and vale. This collection of essays, poems and stories curated by Suzy Cripps reminds us of the magic in a great walk, and how walking through country and city has inspired creatives for generations.
Poems for Happiness
If there’s one book we need right now, it’s this one. Happiness can be hard to come by right now, but it can be found with ease on every page of this joyful book. An introduction by Reverend Richard Coles (love him!) sets the scene for inspiring and life-affirming poems by Elizabeth Barret Browning, Rudyard Kipling and Williams Wordsworth. A truly cathartic read.
The Lido
The debut novel from Libby Page, The Lido is a heart-warming tale of 86-year-old Rosemary and 26-year-old Kate, who are united by their campaign to save a local swimming pool. Friendship, community and the power of believing in yourself are all found in spades within these pages.
