Yesterday was the International Day of Happiness and, as part of my pledge to create more happiness in the world, here are my Top 10 novel recommendations to cheer you up when you’re feeling low. Enjoy!
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1) The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
An oddball romance for the ages. If you’re feeling low or off-kilter, allow Don Tillman to cheer you up. |
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2) My Brother is a Superhero by David Solomons
Luke Parker is the superhero we all need… he just doesn’t have any powers. Funny, sweet page-turner. |
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3) Adulthood is a Myth by Sarah Andersen
Pithy cartoon shorts on what it’s really like to be a twenty-something introvert. Guaranteed to make you feel you’re not alone. |
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4) Dinosaur That Pooped (series)… Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter
Childish and lyrical, these ridiculous books never fail to bring a smile to my face. A treat for all ages, as long as you have a strong stomach. |
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5) The Canterville Ghost by Oscar Wilde
Ghost of a British aristocrat goes up against a brash American family determined to haunt his ancestral home. From the mind of Oscar Wilde, one of my favourites. |
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6) I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
The darkest children’s picture book I’ve come across in a long time, this entertaining story of a bear searching for his hat is wickedly amusing if you want a quick laugh. |
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7) City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
An easy read about a teenage girl who finds a secret world of angels and demons. Not high brow, but an easy, entertaining read. And if you think you have problems? Wait until you meet Jace. |
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8) Good Omens by Sir Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
What’s cheerier than the end of the world? It’s happening next Saturday, just after tea. |
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9) Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh
Poignant and uproarious. A naively decorated, funny story of living with depression, cake and dogs from the author of the blog of the same name. |
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10) And last, but not least…[Enter your favourite childhood story here].
It’s different for everyone – for me, it’s Dragonsbane by Patricia Wrede or the Harry Potter series – but there’s nothing more comforting than cuddling up with the literary version of your blanket and ignoring the rest of the world for a while. Highly recommended to anyone feeling low. |
‘The Long Way To A Small Angry Planet’ by Becky Chambers, ‘Fangirl’ by Rainbow Rowell, ‘The Night World’ series by L. J. Smith, some others I can’t think of right now… Definitely ‘City Of Bones’, Sarah Andersen and ‘Harry Potter ‘though, yes!
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