I am looking for some suggestions for light hearted/inspirational short stories or children's books. Emphasis on short, three hundred page novels won't work for my needs. They will end up as audiobooks so good art work is wasted on me.

Its for my mom who has breast and bone cancer. She has had a lot of chemo and radiation to her head and now has a very hard time getting out of bed or concentrating for any period of time. Furthermore, English isn't her first or second language so heavy material is just going to confuse her.

I don't think she will be interested in any like "chicken soup for the cancerous soul" or blatent self help books. She has enough of those. And they don't have to focus on overcoming cancer. I am hoping to find some titles that will comfort and make her smile. She is so bored being bed all day and I want her to have some small comforts to raise her spirits.

Something akin to the short stories by Robert Munch or 'Alex and the Amazing Lemonade Stand' is what I hope to find more of. Though I am hoping to find some that aren't written specifically for children. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

I had a very good friend who was dealing with that, and towards the end, she couldn't read anything "heavy"... So I just dug out loads of lovely children's novels for her which seemed to hit the spot..

For example:

* The Secret Garden - Frances Hodges Burnett (I think)
* Ann of Green Gables (and the following books)
* Diary of a Provincial Lady (light and funny, but not a kids' book)
* One Hundred and One Dalmations - Dodie Smith
* Any of LM Montgomery's later works (like The Blue Castle, perhaps)

Perhaps she might like a sweet and gentle read, perhaps something by Miss Read? She wrote a bunch of novels about life in an english coutry village being the school teacher... Or about James Herriott? His vet books have quite short chapters, and lovely and sweet, and each chapter is a story in itself... Good for when attention is down?..

Wind in the Willows is a lovely short chapter book about some animals who live in a little field place in England. It sounds awful, but it's very sweet...

I will try and think of some more. Your mum is lucky to have someone like you in her life... I hope she has a good day...

liz

Don't forget to take time for you so you can look after your mum.

Caregivers sometimes get forgotten but play a vital role.

Although this is not exactly a book, when my Dad was stroked out and lived with me for years, I found that the audio tapes of PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION really made him happy. He loved not only the folksy stories but also the beautiful music and songs. The humor is delightful and the entire show moves along at a nice clip.
It might be something you Mom would enjoy.

Another suggestion may be some of Paul Gallico's works, such as Coronation or the Mrs. 'Arris books.

You might try a collection by David Sedaris. Or one by Amy Sedaris for that matter. And what about Dave Barry?

Rosefolly

Thinking good thoughts for you both
liz

I'm a big Calvin Trillin fan, too. His sense of humor might bring a smile to your mom's face.

A wonderful children's book I love is "The Polar Express." While it does have a good deal of artwork, the story can be read on its own.

And just a thought: Maybe a Kindle or Nook with some old-time comedy shows loaded on it? Quick 30-minute bursts of laughter!

My mom lives in the philippines and is old fashioned. She spent lots of time teaching and helping others as a social worker so maybe those 20th century country tales so I appreciate your suggestions Liz and Yoyobon.

Thank you Ccrdmrbks. I am trying to relate to how my mom is feeling right now but I can't imagine it. We just celebrated my eldest sister's marriage last week so I think her emotions must be quite a mixture as well. Miss Read sounds promising.

A friend highly reccomended Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe a long time back simply as a read to enjoy but I haven't gotten around to it. Anyone know if it would be appropriate for the situation?

Comedy is an interesting idea. Though it may be hard to find something she relates to. I'll ask her and see if she has any favourites.

Thank you all again so much, I've got all the titles written down and am going to do some research now! Take care and God bless! : )