February 23, 2021
10 Books That Made Me Smile #TopTenTuesday
What is the last book that made you smile?
I’m linking up today with That Artsy Reader Girl for Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Make Me Laugh Out Loud. (Except that I haven’t read any that actually made me laugh out loud, so I’m tweaking this for books that made me smile!)
It’s posts like these that cause me to realize that the majority of my reading is really intense! I do love Quirky Characters, so mostly quirky characters provide the levity in my reading life.
These are the first ten books that I came across in my Goodreads list that brought a smile to my face. While none are hilarious or laugh out loud funny, each one has some funny or heartwarming moments that make my reading heart light and happy. Obviously, my list is heavily quirky character-driven! (Looking at you Backman!)
See my similar post (with a few different titles) published on July 14, 2020.
*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
How to Raise An Elephant, by Alexander McCall Smith
Kind, gracious, and wise Mma Precious Ramotswe and a cast of quirky supporting characters and the culture of Botswana bring many smiles to my face. This recent release of the No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency had one laugh out loud moment as the guys attempt to transport a baby elephant in Mma Ramotswe’s van. If you are looking for easy-reading, gentle, comfort reads with likable characters and uplifting themes, this series might be a good option.
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
Smart, snappy, and humorous writing with a likable and quirky character will bring a smile to your face. (skip Ch 5 if you are would rather not read crude humor)
Things My Son Needs to Know About the World by Fredrik Backman
If you have children in your life, Backman’s essays on parenthood will bring a smile to your face. My review of Things My Son Needs to Know here.
This Won’t End Well by Camille Pagán
Some snappy writing, a quirky character, and an enemies to lovers trope will bring a smile to your face. My review of This Won’t End Well here.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
In addition to some heart-tugging themes, Backman writes a cast of characters that will provide many smiles. My review of Anxious People here.
Miss Benson’s Beetle by Rachel Joyce
This zany (and at times tragic) story brings its share of smiles, too. My review of Miss Benson’s Beetle.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Curmudgeonly Ove is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face….especially if you have an older Swedish relative!
The Unlikely Adventures of the Shergill Sisters by Balli Kaur Jaswal
Although there are some thoughtful themes, the trip these sisters take in memory of their mom is heartwarming and their adventures will bring a smile to your face. My review of the Shergill Sisters here.
Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman
Have I mentioned that Fredik Backman writes endearing curmudgeonly characters? Earnest Britt-Marie will bring a smile to your face.
The Switch by Beth O’Leary
This life-swapping tale will certainly make you smile! My review of The Switch here.
Bonus! Here’s a picture book that will guarantee a smile!
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
Delightful illustrations and poignant, thoughtful reflections on life (reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh) will bring a smile to your face.
QOTD:
Have you read any of these stories and did they bring a smile to your face?
What is your favorite “book-that-make-me-smile” read?
Happy Reading Bookworms!
“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke
“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes
“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection!
Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text
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Happy Reading Bookworms!
“Ah, how good it is to be among people who are reading.”
~Rainer Maria Rilke
“I love the world of words, where life and literature connect.”
~Denise J Hughes
“Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad ones.”
~Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
“I read because books are a form of transportation, of teaching, and of connection!
Books take us to places we’ve never been, they teach us about our world, and they help us to understand human experience.”
~Madeleine Riley, Top Shelf Text
***Blogs posts may contain affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, I can earn a small percentage of your purchase price. This money will be used to offset the costs of running a blog and to sponsor giveaways, etc.
Unless explicitly stated that they are free, all books that I review have been purchased by me or borrowed from the library.
The book covers and author photos are credited to Amazon or an author’s website.
© ReadingLadies.com
Fredrik Backman is great, isn’t he? I am making a list of funny books today. I just realized that I hardly ever read funny books and everything right now seems so serious. Here’s my list.
Backman fan club here! 🙌😍 I’m sorely lacking in the funny book department as I read primarily histfic. Thanks for leaving your link! Hopping over now.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse always makes me smile, Carol. And I have the Alexander McCall-Smith on my shelf to read. ❤📚
I laughed out loud at the elephant in the van scene! Enjoy!
I will thanks Carol. ❤📚
I am really loving seeing everyone’s lists for the prompt this week because everyone’s idea of a book that made them laugh is so different and I am seeing so many great recommendations!
TTT blog hopping is so fun! …..and dangerous for the TBR!
How to Raise an Elephant looks like a fun read!
My post: https://lydiaschoch.com/top-ten-tuesday-books-that-made-me-laugh-out-loud/
It’s a lovely quiet read! I’m hopping over now to read your post.
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill sounds interesting! Here is my Top Ten Tuesday. Thank you!
I think you’d enjoy Nina Hill! I’m hopping over now to read your post! Thanks for commenting!
What a lovely list you have! Why have I never heard of How to raise an elephant? I need to read that! Aaah Miss Benson’s Beetle was such a lovely and enduring book. Britt Marie also made me chuckle at a few places. I need to read more books by Fredrik Backman, I’ve only read two so far.
Happy TTT!
Ten Feline Book Titles that made me laugh out loud
Thanks Mareli! Lighter reads have been more fun (and more needed) during this pandemic than ever before! I’m hopping over now to read your post!
I’ve never read Fredrik Backman and A Man Called Ove sounds like it’ll be up my alley!
Ove is one of my fav characters! I think it’s because he reminds me of a few older relatives!
Loved The Switch Carol and think it maybe time for a re-listen!
A relisten would be fun Nicki!
You seem to be a fan of Fredrik Backman. I’ve heard a lot of good things about his work, but not tried it yet. Looks like something I need to correct! I read The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse in January, and it was so full of feel-good it was the perfect start to 2021. Thanks for a great list, and Happy TTT
~Top 10 Tuesday Post @Lexlingua
Thanks for stopping by and commenting! I love Backman and work him into every list possible! 😂 I’m hopping over now to read your post!
Anxious People was actually hilarious in several spots. I wasn’t expecting that, but loved it.
Backman is great that way! I’m happy to hear we both loved Anxious People!
Love seeing so many Backman books on your list. He is my favourite author.
I’m so happy we share the Backman love! 😍🙌
I’ve read all of Backman’s books and put exactly none on my list this week, how did I forget that? Happy reading! My TTT https://readwithstefani.com/books-that-made-me-laugh-out-loud/
I love Backman’s characters! Thanks for commenting! I’m hopping over now to read your post!
Love all the Backman on your list, and Abbi Waxman, too! I got to meet Backman in person, on a very hot day in a very hot un-airconditioned church. Fun…and sweaty! Hahaha. Here’s my list: http://www.literaryquicksand.com/2021/02/top-ten-tuesday-books-that-made-me-laugh-out-loud/
How fun to meet Backman in person! I’ve been able to attend a couple of his online author events. Thanks for commenting Joli and I’m hopping over now to read your post!
Lots of Backman (I agree!) and The Switch had me laughing out loud.
We’ve needed lighter reads during the pandemic more than ever!
I don’t think I smiled once before I DNF Ove! Life of Pi is brilliant though, that’s my current book and its hard not to smile especially on the audio version!
I know you don’t like Ove! Sorry to hit you with it again! Thanks for the Life of Pi rec!
❤️ Life of Pi – I read it when it was first released… I should probably read it again
I’m reading Prepped by Bethany Mangle right now and there have been some laugh out loud moments 😅
That’s great! Thanks for the rec!
Anxious People also made me smile a lot! I love that Fredrik Backman is so present in this post.
Thanks! I’m happy to know we’re both Backman fans!
I love quirky characters and funny banter. Great list!
Thanks Kym! Quirky characters steal my heart every time!
See lots of Fredrik Backman here!! Love his books too. We’re reading Anxious People for Lit Group this month– love all the unexpected twists in this book!!
Happy to hear you’re enjoying Anxious People!
Reading childhood favorites always makes me really happy and gives me all the nostalgic feelings.
So true!! 🙌
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[…] wrote a post similar to this in February of 2021 and in 2020, so I’m revising those lists today to add some new selections. I think that […]