May 2026
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    Please can you suggest me a positive book? I’ve read a lot of quite dark and depressing books lately and my TBR pile looks like more of the same. I really need a palate cleanser. It can have dark moments, but I need something that’s positive overall. Books like this I’ve enjoyed fairly recently are The Bean Trees, The Correspondent, Tom Lake, and Romantic Comedy – so I’m looking for something along those lines. Thank you!

    by Specialist-Web7854

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    1. Honeyful-Air on

      If you liked *The Bean Trees* you’ll probably enjoy *Prodigal Summer* also by Barbara Kingsolver.

      *Plainsong* by Kent Haruf is uplifting without being overly sentimental.

      I liked *Caramelo* by Sandra Cisernos. There are some serious themes but it’s ultimately a positive story about identity and family.

    2. Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. Some dark spots, as you say but leaves you with a good feeling.

    3. Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson

      Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons

    4. thedalahorse on

      Uplifting/ultimately hopeful, but well written? I’ve got you:

      “This Time Tomorrow,” by Emma Straub.

      “Just Kids,” by Patti Smith (if you’re in the mood for memoir).

      “Tell Me Everything,” by Elizabeth Strout. (Maybe go for the OG “Olive Kitteridge” first?)

      “Margot’s Got Money Troubles,” by Rudi Thorpe (and funny to boot!).

      “The Memoirs of Stockholm Sven,” by Nathaniel Ian Miller.

      “A Gentleman in Moscow,” by Amor Towles. Truly a treat.

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