These books can make you feel good
Because uplifting reads are what we need right now
THE BEST THINGS by Mel Giedroyc out now Who?
One half of iconic duo Mel and Sue, Great British Bake Off alumnus Mel Giedroyc has turned her hand to writing – this is her debut novel.
They say:
“Warm, funny, honest and unmissable. When perma-stressed Sally Parker’s husband Frank loses his business, their home and their savings, an ordinary woman is left to pick up the pieces. But could the worst day of Sally’s life be the best thing that ever happened to her?”
We say:
This is an entertaining read with some interesting social observations, but it might be one to pass on to your mum rather than your best friend. Giedroyc’s familiar dry humour shines through, but don’t expect to like many of the characters until the shit really hits the fan.
HAPPY NOT PERFECT by Poppy Jamie out June Who?
Jamie is a founder/ entrepreneur/author/ podcast host and former television presenter – basically epitomising the accomplished “slashie” career.
They say:
“Fusing the very best of self-help, science and spirituality, Happy Not Perfect teaches us how to shift our emotional wellbeing into a happier, balanced and less anxious state.”
We say:
Jamie’s conversational tone and millennial references (hi, Mean Girls) make this feel more like a friend’s well-researched diary than a mental health book. She covers everything from imposter syndrome to burnout and the pursuit of perfection. Rather than fighting rigid, anxious thoughts, she suggests embracing a more curious mindset called “the Flex”.
PLEASE YOURSELF by Emma Reed Turrell
out now
Who?
A Cambridge University English graduate turned psychotherapist, Reed Turrell works with people-pleasers daily in her clinical practice.
They say:
“[This book] will help you get better at being disliked, instead of staying quiet. It will help you recover instead of fearing failure. It will teach you acceptance instead of avoidance and show you how to grow instead of staying small.”
We say:
Even if you don’t think of yourself as a people-pleaser, it turns out you’ve been pleasing everyone your entire life! Prepare for some home truths and life-changing advice (think: “You are good enough. You always were”). Experiences from Reed Turrell’s patients bring the psychology to life.
THE BOOK OF LIGHT by Nia The Light out 6th April Who?
Nia Pettitt, known to her followers as Nia The Light, owns The Curl Bar London and is also a social-media influencer. This is her first book.
They say:
“The Book Of Light is your travel companion on your own journey of self-discovery, guiding you every step of the way. Pettitt explores how to move from pain to joy, insecurity to confidence, to help you find your own individuality and power.”
We say:
In a world of toxic social media, Pettitt’s life lessons are relevant, relatable and insightful. This book is easy to read and beautifully illustrated, with lots of self-care tips and space for recording your personal development. Buy it for the women in your life and watch them flourish.
THE ROAD TRIP by Beth O’Leary out 29th April Who?
O’Leary stormed the “uplit” genre in 2019 with her heartwarmer of a debut, The Flatshare, and followed it up last year with The Switch.
They say:
“From the internationally bestselling author… comes a hilarious new novel.”
We say:
Exes Addie and Dylan are forced to car-share on the way to a friend’s wedding hundreds of miles away (yep, nightmare). The book alternates this claustrophobic, often farcical journey with the back-story of their relationship, from first hooking up one hot summer in the south of France (warning: contains envy-inducing holiday content) to the trauma of their split. It’s funny and very sexy in places, but hits dark emotional notes that balance out the positive feels.