Books are a fantastic way to expand your imagination and forget about life's worries. They come in fiction, non-fiction and poetry and can bring joy, laughter and tears to the reader.
Read what some staff members enjoy reading and borrow books this World Mental Health Day, we have provided a short list of books at the end. Some are feel good, others uplifting and some funny!
I am a Poetato : an A-Z of poems about people, pets and other creatures
By John Hegley
Alison, Slough Libraries and Culture Staff member, endorses I am a Poetato as her moodboosting book.
"Even the title of this book cheers me up. I admire the poet’s audacious word play and his sense of fun. Many of these poems have hilarious punchlines that take you by surprise. A book you can dip into and pull out a smile every time."
Staff member Kausar recommends Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig
"In these exceptional times or any other time for that matter, reading this book will most probably be good for our mental health.
In this book Matt Haig deals with different aspects of our lives such as work, sleep, social media and addiction.
He writes that the internet is influencing our minds and we are very dependent on it.
In this book, he looks at everyday life in which we spend too much of our time on our phones and social media, how our lives seem to revolve around technology. He makes us question, what will happen if we put all these things aside, step away from them and look at how we need to change our behaviour.
He states that we will feel happier, calmer and more satisfied with life if we do that. His book is thought provoking and his honest approach to dealing with issues which we face in our everyday life, will make us question and change the way we spend our time.
A must-read book which will undoubtedly make you smile and relate to."
Another one of Kausar's favourites is Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
"Everyone’s life is touched by mental illness, if we do not suffer from it ourselves, then we have a friend or a loved one who does.
It is a meaningful book about depression, anxiety, and reasons to stay alive.
It is an exploration of how to live better and feel more alive, It is a book about making the most of your time on earth.
It's a series of thoughts and reflections that the author has, the writing style is simple and accessible. No matter who the reader is, it will touch you and make you feel. It does not sugar coat anything, it is honest. It makes you understand how depression works and how you feel when you are going through it.
This book has really gripped me and quite honestly, I didn’t want to put it down. It’s cleverly written to give an insight into how depression can affect us, but despite it being a very serious subject, it has been done with humour.
This book is his journey through depression and coming out on the other side."
Staff member Natalja has created a moodboosting calendar! She has chosen the book A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled by Ruby Wax and quoted a positive message from the book for everyday of the month. What a delightful way to remember the content of the book with uplifting quotes!
Here is a selection of Moodboosting Books available to borrow through Slough Libraries
The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine by Alexander McCall-Smith
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan
The Lido by Libby Page
The Stranger on the Bridge: My Journey from Despair to Hope by Jonny Benjamin
Six Foot Six by Kit De Waal
Dear Mrs Bird by A J Pearce
Reasons to be Cheerful by Nina Stibbe
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Some Kids I Taught and What They Taught Me by Kate Clanchy
The 24 Hour Café by Libby Page
This Too Shall Pass: Stories of Change, Crisis and Hopeful Beginnings by Julia Samuel
I Was Told it Would Get Easier by Abbi Waxman
A Patchwork Family by Cathy Bramley
You can come into your local Slough Library and browse and issue books Mon-Fri 10am-4pm and Sat 10am-2pm for 15 minutes. Just bring your Library card and facemask.
Alternatively, request through Click & Collect, you just need your Library card number and PIN:
Moodboosting image courtesy of The Reading Agency
Comments