Ten uplifting reads to end the year with a mood boost

Hannah Stephenson shares her pick of uplifting books, the perfect mood-boosting reads to settle into over the festive period after a difficult year.
This book celebrates the world’s best adventures. Picture credit: DK Eyewitness/PAThis book celebrates the world’s best adventures. Picture credit: DK Eyewitness/PA
This book celebrates the world’s best adventures. Picture credit: DK Eyewitness/PA

There’s a plethora of heart-warming stories, real-life triumphs and mood-boosting escapism out there for readers to fill their stockings with after a challenging year. We take a look at some of those worth gifting or delving into this festive season.

1. Nala’s World by Dean Nicholson. Dean Nicholson set off from Scotland to cycle around the world to experience a different life. Three months in, he came across a bedraggled, abandoned kitten who seemed determined to follow him. So he put her in a basket on the front of his bike, continued his journey and they became inseparable. Discover in this book their tale of friendship and adventure.

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2. Bond Cars: The Definitive History by Jason Barlow. They may have put the brakes on releasing the new James Bond movie this year, but this book about his cars should be zooming into Christmas stockings. Written by motoring journalist and broadcaster Jason Barlow, it’s packed with anecdotes, facts, and exclusive assets – such as original call sheets, technical drawings and story-boards, and previously unpublished photography.

Dan Walker's book celebrates remarkable people. Photo: Headline/PA.Dan Walker's book celebrates remarkable people. Photo: Headline/PA.
Dan Walker's book celebrates remarkable people. Photo: Headline/PA.
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3. Let’s Do It: The Authorised Biography Of Victoria Wood by Jasper Rees. For anyone who loved the late, great comedian, actress and writer, you won’t find a more meticulously researched account of her life, written with the approval and help of her family and closest friends including Julie Walters, Celia Imrie and Dawn French. Rees charts Wood’s childhood and her slow climb to becoming one of the all-time comedy greats.

4. Play by Rankin. Considered by many to be Britain’s most successful fashion photographer, Rankin has photographed countless iconic musicians. The book collects nearly 200 of Rankin’s favourite images of the most influential artists of the last three decades, from David Bowie and Elton John to Pharrell, the Spice Girls, Grimes, and Bjork.

5. My Life In Red And White by Arsene Wenger. In this autubiography, the world-renowned football manager Arsene Wenger charts his life and career, wins and losses. He also recalls vivid tales of guiding Arsenal to unprecedented success.

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6. Cook, Eat, Repeat by Nigella Lawson. She’s already had us salivating over her recipes in her latest TV series, but now we can follow these deliciously indulgent food escapes in Nigella Lawson’s accompanying book, making the most of her favourite ingredients and featuring chapters on family dinners, plus new ideas for Christmas.

7. Remarkable People by Dan Walker. The BBC Breakfast and Football Focus presenter has compiled this ultimately uplifting collection of stories of remarkable people and random acts of kindness, which he has collected from around the world during the course of his career. They include a woman who opened an orphanage for children in a South African township and heroism in Camp Bastion.

8. Unforgettable Journeys by DK Eyewitness. Think an epic bike ride along the ancient Silk Road, interrailing through Europe, driving Route 66, cruising around Antarctica, or a train journey in Zambia. Organised by modes of transport, this book celebrates the world’s best adventures from the big-hitters to off-the-beaten path highlights.

9. Songteller by Dolly Parton. This hefty look back at Dolly Parton’s career spanning six decades features lyrics from more than 175 of her songs, all with short introductions which offer an insight into her inspiration and where she was in her life when she wrote them.

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10. Between The Covers by Jilly Cooper. Jilly Cooper’s latest book is a collection of her most-loved journalism showcasing her trademark irreverence and caustic humour. Subjects include sex, socialising and survival, the stress of hosting dinner parties and the descent into middle age.

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