General fiction - UpLit - Christchurch City Libraries
Perfect for those times when you need a bit of a lift, some empathy, and some warmth in your heart. These charming stories often feature characters that are slightly outside of the mainstream - they have experienced some adversity and dark times but have come through the other side, hopeful of a bright future.
This inspirational sequel to 'The Lido' takes us to rural Somerset, where Kate is struggling to settle down after a rushed move from London. Here she meets Phoebe, an overwhelmed mental health nurse, who also lacks meaningful friendships. Both women…
In a small Seoul neighbourhood there is a warm welcoming bookshop, owned and operated by Yeongju. She defies the demands of her family and society enjoying her life as a divorced bookseller. This novel is a careful exploration of Korean burn out…
Carl has always loved his work, hand-delivering books to loyal customers. However, when his job is threatened, he finds help in unexpected places - making new friends and learning about himself in the process. Translated from the original German,…
If you are after a coming-of-age novel with flawed and loveable characters, look no further. 'Joe Nuthin's Guide to Life' explores the day-to-day challenges of a young, neurodivergent man navigating the world. His worrisome mother writes notebooks…
Clover feels more at home with the dying than the living, which leads her to become a death doula, guiding people through their final moments. But when a dying woman’s last wishes send her on a life-changing journey across the country, Clover…
In this vivid, hopeful, and upbeat novel, we meet Amy Ashton – a woman who has faced her fair share of tragedy, leading her to collect objects rather than invest in people. When a couple and their two fun-loving boys move in next door, Amy's…
A wholesome and heartfelt story about bees, mohawks, and most importantly, unexpected friendship and creating one's own family. Three unlikely strangers that are struggling with their own personal battles and circumstances, meet upon happenstance,…
An endearing and emotive tale about an unlikely but beautiful friendship between an elderly woman and young girl. Eudora has lived her life well, but has also seen the indignities and sufferings that old age brings, and is now ready to accept death…
Norman and Jax believe they are the next big comedy duo making a five year plan to perform at the Edinburgh fringe. However, life had other plans with Jax's untimely death and Norman wants to honour his memory by performing at the Fringe. With the…
Anxious People' is an uplifting, offbeat story about ordinary people and a crime that didn't go according to plan. A failed bank robber holds an apartment full of people hostage, this story will have you laughing, crying, and thinking about it long…
Big-hearted Germaine loves numbers, order and adhering to strict rules and regulations. When she loses her job at an insurance firm, she finds work answering calls for the council's senior citizens' helpline. The job quickly becomes complicated when…
Set in a cozy bookshop, this endearing and moving tale follows Loveday Cardew, a sarcastic bibliophile who prefers books to people. Haunted by a dark past, she finds solace in escaping into the world of books – until mysterious deliveries start…
In this deeply touching story, we meet Tom, a single father and the manager of a tiny local theatre. On the same day each year, he and its colourful cast of part-time actors stage a fantastical production to create a moment of magic just for his…
A smart, warm, and uplifting tale of weirdness and learning to let your defenses down. Through a chance meeting, the lives of three quirky and isolated people are impacted forever as they begin to heal from past traumas. Funny yet sad, touching yet…
On the eve of his fiftieth birthday, Arthur Less (a struggling novelist) receives an invitation to his ex-boyfriend's wedding. What does he do? Accepts all the literary invitations that have been sitting on his desk, resulting in a whirlwind trip…
The first novel by Australian author Graeme Simsion, published in 2013 before UpLit became popular. Always struggling to get past a first date, genetics professor Don Tillman decides creating a ‘Wife project’ questionnaire will result in finding the…
Seventy-nine-year-old Missy has always strived to do the right thing, but when facing loneliness, she discovers that stepping outside her comfort zone has its own rewards. With a cast of authentic characters, this feel-good novel has deeper themes…
