A thoroughly good read, perfect for summer.
I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read and one that I would recommend. The fantastic character of Nancy Ellis Hall was my favourite and very well written.
What a heartwarming exploration of identity and love in all its forms.
When you’re trying to write a love story, maybe the best way is to live it!
I thoroughly enjoyed The Forgotten Guide to Happiness. I loved the plot and although it’s relatively simple it is so satisfying to read because not only does it have a lovely romantic heart, the conceit of writing as a catalyst for the book is perfectly handled, so that it is actually a very useful book for aspiring writers as well as a warm, compassionate and engaging story.
Lana is a hugely appealing protagonist. She is flawed, insecure and totally human. Once or twice I found myself telling her ‘No! Don’t DO that’ because I cared about what happened to her.
However, it is Nancy who steals the book for me. Sophie Jenkins has shown so realistically and sensitively that those suffering dementia are still people and Nancy embodies true identity through her confusion, her larger than life personality and her love of colour. Her speech adds such humour too so that whilst I felt sorry that she was suffering the disease, I felt uplifted and positive too. What is so cleverly done is the message that Nancy can remember what really is important in life whereas those not suffering her dementia don’t always have the same skill of recollection.
The Forgotten Guide to Happiness is a lovely book. It has unexpected depth as well as a lightness of touch so that it’s a perfectly balanced and wonderful read.
A great summer read that I know you'll come back to again and again.
This is the story of Lana, a writer looking for inspiration for her second novel. After her first draft is canned by her agent, she faces a dilemma - find a new story or a different career. Then she meets Jack - a hero looking for a story, and Lana's life changes once more. Accepting a teaching post at a Literary Society and moving in with Jack's novel writing, dementia suffering step mother we are swept along with Lana on the winds of change from 'dates that aren't dates' to fireworks in the park and fighting off social workers.
Just as life starts looking up a face from the past throws a giant spanner in the works and we wonder whether anyone will be happy again.
A great summer read that I know you'll come back to again and again.
A cracking read dipping it's toe into the many complex aspects of life and relationships. Very approachable and hugely enjoyable. You are willing Lana to see what we as the reader can see from the start!
Sophie writes with candor on many areas of friendship and family. It knits together very well. It was intriguing using elements regarding advice on writing a book along with the narrative of the story. I felt I learnt things as I was reading and how a book is structured. Brave to do when your own book can be under scrutiny... Sophie was not frightened to tackle subjects such as dementia either. Nancy brought light and clarity to the book. A thoroughly enjoyable read. One to curl up on the sofa with a extra large mug of tea.