I really wasn’t sure how I’d get on reading a book about reading. I’ve been reading for over 50 years; surely I know everything there is to know about reading? How wrong I was. This is a true gem of a book! I’ve read it cover to cover - and yes sometimes through misty eyes - and it’s a book I know I’ll return to, not just for its reading recommendations, but for the honest reflections on life. In each chapter, Daisy shares times in her life (often challenging) when books have helped her process or take a break from her emotions. She writes honestly about how it is often so difficult to step away from our screens and the constant stream of information, in order to engage in a story, in another place, other people. She makes us realise how valuable that space for focus, quiet and empathy can be, so that when we step back into our lives, we have the bandwidth to deal with all that life can throw at us. She discusses everything from grief, to comedy, to endless doomscrolling, families and the pandemic. At a time when we all feel the constant pressure to improve ourselves, it’s great to be encouraged to read within our comfort zones when we need to and to return to the books of our childhood for the genuine fun and warmth they can bring. Daisy also writes about building stamina to read challenging books - be they from other cultures, continents or times - and how these can foster empathy and gratitude. This year, I’d set myself the challenge of reading 25 ‘serious’ books - and yes, even with that modest target I’m already behind! After reading Daisy’s book, I’m officially abandoning my challenge and embracing the freedom of reading whatever I fancy. Rather than looking at another item on my to do list, I’m now going to source a copy of The Secret Seven! Book provided by The Reading Agency and DK

Daisy Buchanan is convinced that reading can help you in most situations and I must say I agree. The conditions the author has picked out include the need to be calm, brave, and romantic. Each chapter talks about the author's own experiences and comes with a reading list at the end of each chapter. I have added a Jilly Cooper book to my own reading list influenced by the Buchanan's own enjoyment of the books. I really enjoyed this book. The tone the author takes is encouraging but never proscriptive. There is no book that you 'must' read but rather suggestions for ones that the author enjoyed in such circumstances. There is however a constant call to get reading which as a dyed in the wool reader (and bookseller) I agree with wholeheartedly. Thank you to the publisher for a review copy of this book.

"Read Yourself Happy" is an engaging and positive book that offers a very different way of approaching self-help and personal growth. The author, Daisy Buchanan, has crafted a collection of delightful literary insights — from insightful poems and short stories, novels, and personal essays—these are definitely aimed at making you feel uplifted. This book is so different because Buchanan's thoughtful writing and compilation, with every chapter grouped into thematic insights, such as "Comfort," "Laughter," and "Escape," make it easy to find the perfect text to suit your mood or needs. I really loved Buchanan's personal reflections on each piece; this gives depth and resonance, encouraging readers to connect with the book. I have personally connected with"Read Yourself Happy" as a source of inspiration and happiness to help life tick along smoothly. The most inspiring advice I have learnt from reading generally, and “Ready Yourself Happy” cements this for me is that we're never alone; however tough times can get, there is a way to work through the tough times. Someone somewhere has experienced whatever we are going through and written about it. During those tough times, a book is the most forgiving friend we could hope to find. This book about a book is a comfort book in itself, filled with more recommendations that have hugely increased my 'to read' lists. Also, “ Read yourself Happy” doesn't solely focus on books that ease anxiety - it includes chapters on reading for fun and laughter, books to make you cry and support you through depression and grief, reading to feel relaxed, or loved up, reading to understand family dynamics, reading for freedom from unhealthy addictions, reading to learn how to write stories, reading to learn and stretch your imagination, reading for courage, and reading for adventure and world travel. I definitely would recommend “Read yourself Happy” for any book lover, and it would also make a great gift for anyone looking for some personal support!

Reading has been with me when I've been happy , sad , grieving , tired , ill or just relaxing , reading has taught me and comforted me , supported me and healed me. Daisy Buchanan has written the ultimate guide to all of this. This is a book packed to the brim with the love of books and those who write them. Interviews that actually say something giving the reader insight into why and how we read. Daisy gives us permission to put down a book we aren't yet ready for even if it's considered the worlds greatest it might not be the right moment for you to read it. She sends us running , skipping and falling into the world of the written word. Where we find the balm to sooth us and the joy to inspire us . Maybe i'll write after reading this book , maybe i'll read one of the the many books Daisy Buchanan recommends in these pages. I'm so glad I picked up the proof copy we had in our staff room , because my passion , love and belief in reading have been completely reaffirmed in the pages of this more than inspiring book.

I love reading about other people's love of books, their favourite books and all the minutiae of their bookish lives. This is a delight. Daisy tells us how she reads and what it does for her and invites us to explore and build on our own reading practices to calm, soothe and expand in the gentlest of ways our overstretched minds. There is no should here and no exhortation to do it this way or that way or else. There is simply the planting of some thoughts about how to incorporate reading into your life and unlock a little joy and a little time in your day. There are, much to my great delight, examples of Daisy's reading habits and the books she loves. Thankfully I have already read quite a few of them myself or my to read pile would be creaking even more than it does now, but there are a few gems that I haven't come across and which I am already anticipating finding the next time I browse the shelves of my local store. I wish this book had been longer. I wanted more.