The Joy of Joyful Reading

I think that it’s a common misconception that for a book to be classed as “good literature”, whatever that might be, it needs to tackle deeply sad or difficult issues. Or that it should be challenging for the reader in some way, as though you should have to earn the goodness of the book. Especially in recent years with books such as A Little Life gaining popularity, it seems that so called “misery porn” is on the rise. To be fair I haven’t actually read A Little Life (based on the many Goodreads reviews saying it is actually traumatising, I don’t think it’s for me!), but I still think it’s a good example of the way agonisingly sad books are often front runners for literary acclaim. Although, I have enjoyed a great deal of books that were fundamentally sad or difficult to read, I don’t think that’s the only way for a book to be meaningful or to be taken seriously. I think there is a lot of pretentiousness and snobbery towards fun books, a snobbery I definitely have been guilty of myself. I really don’t know why I didn’t see the value in reading genuinely entertaining, funny or uplifting books for such a long time. There is so much joy in joyful reading. Over the past few months, I have loved discovering new books that bring me joy. That’s not to say I’ll read any old cheesy rubbish though – I still need it to be actually well written with relatable characters and an engaging plot! If you fancy reading something a wee bit fun, here are my top three recommendations that I found strike the perfect balance between being “good literature” and prioritising the joy of reading😊

The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared Jonas Jonasson

This is one of the silliest books I have ever read, and I mean that as the highest compliment. The Hundred-Year-Old Man tells the story of Alan Karlsson and his colourful, eventful century on earth. On the morning of his hundredth birthday, he wakes up and decides to escape from the nursing home he lives in. I absolutely promise you, you will never guess anything that happens next. As Jonasson alternates between the past and present, Alan’s incredible life takes you through most of the major events of the last century in the most unlikely of ways. This book is unapologetically ridiculous so don’t expect the plot to be even marginally realistic. However, the characters themselves are so grounded and frank, funny and utterly human that they create a balance with the outlandishness of the plot. To be clear, the plot is not so ridiculous that it doesn’t make sense! It’s still well thought out, well-structured and easy to follow. The Hundred-Year-Old Man is a fabulous romping adventure with so much heart and life, it’s just so FUN! If you’re in the mood for something to make you laugh and keep you thoroughly entertained this definitely one to add to your list.

The Thursday Murder Club Richard Osman

A murder mystery might seem like a slightly uncou choice for a book I’m describing as joyful, but I promise it is! This is another novel that centres around eccentric elderly people which I was going to claim is an unusual literary voice to hear, but considering two out of three of the books on my list are about elderly people, it sort of takes away from my point a bit. Oh well, this is my blog, so I’ll talk about it anyway! You find plenty of larger than life characters in literature, but I find that elderly people in books tend to be portrayed as sad and lonely or wise but boring and generally take a background role, so it is quite unusual to have not one but a whole gang of elderly people take centre stage as Osman chooses to do here. The Thursday Murder Club tells the story of a group of unlikely friends from a retirement village. Their fascination with true crime brings them together in a bond that only deepens when a real murder happens on their front doorstep. I absolutely adored all the characters, they were so warm, funny, endearing and insightful. I found the contrast between the grittiness of the story including murder, secrets and a serious police investigation with the frank humour and carefree almost blasé attitude of the murder club to be so amusing and engaging. The central plot of the murder itself is expertly crafted and absolutely fascinating. Osman somehow manages to make a very serious story and very unserious main characters exist in perfect harmony. The Thursday Murder Club is life affirming, genius and above all, fun!

The Flatshare Beth O’Leary

I’m not writing a disclaimer saying “oh it’s a romance book but don’t worry it’s not like a chicklit or anything” because you shouldn’t assume that a fun book about romance is immediately going to be naff or not worth your time. Speaking of, I absolutely hate the term chicklit. As if as soon was a woman writes anything including romance it should be disregarded, it annoys me so much! One thing I definitely don’t hate however, is anything by Beth O’Leary. Everything I’ve read by her has been so absolutely lovely. Her characters are so complex and well crafted. They are real women with rich and valuable relationships outside their romantic ones. Another great thing about Beth O’Leary books is that she always includes equally engaging and well-crafted side stories, which to me makes it more than just your classic romance novel as you’re invested in more than just the central love story. My favourite of her books continues to be the first one I ever read; The Flatshare which follows the stories of Tiffy and Leon, who live in the same flat but at different times. Tiffy lives there at nights and weekends while Leon, who works nightshifts, lives there during the day. They begin their relationship via post it notes and well… you’ll never guess what might end up happening. Okay you might guess but you don’t know how or why! I loved watching (well reading about) their relationship flourishing and above all being realistic and so healthy. It honestly feels like you’re reading about real people navigating a real and complex relationship. The Flatshare is a warm blanket of a book. It is touching, heartfelt and a testimony to the healing power of love, both platonic and romantic.

What do you think of cheerful vs melancholy books? Is there one you prefer over the other or do you dabble in both like I do? Either way I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts! Thanks so much for reading another one of my blog posts or if you’re new here welcome! So glad to have each and every one of you. I’m really enjoying writing them, so I hope you’re enjoying reading them too😊

Love, Grace xx