Here at Edinburgh University Press it’s safe to say that we love books. And we love books that make us feel happy! Therefore, what better way to celebrate International Day of Happiness than to tell you which books bring a smile to our face.
You can follow International Day of Happiness on Twitter using the hashtag #InternationalDayOfHappiness
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
‘Jane Eyre brings a smile to my face because the protagonist has a pretty rough start in life but still manages to retain her fiery spirit; she’s emotionally resilient, able to stand on her own two feet, and comes out with plenty of witticisms during her verbal sparring matches with the dashing Mr Rochester. Brontë fills the book with passion, drama and intrigue; I can read it again and again and never get bored of it.’
– Avril Cuthbert, Sales and Distribution Manager
I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts On Being a Woman by Nora Ephron
‘I choose I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman by Nora Ephron. Nora was a master of insightful cultural commentary, self-deprecation and subtle, cutting wit, and this book – like most of her work – delivers plenty of all three.’
– Jenny Daly, Commissioning Editor
The Spider’s Palace and Other Stories by Richard Hughes
‘From the pen of Richard Hughes, author of A High Wind in Jamaica, comes this collection of latter-day children’s fairytales – actually first published in the 1930s – which covers a diverse range of subjects, all with a distinctly off-the-wall take on conventional Western early-twentieth-century life. A child and dog live inside a whale. A boy radiates darkness the way a lamp gives off light. A maid, while clearing up, finds Nothing in the middle of the table and has to deal with it. A girl, bored at home, transports herself to (and usually back from) people’s houses via phone lines. A town’s entire population (excepting the local schoolmistress) is inspired to march through the streets incanting ‘Pink and green silver paper toffee paper’ . . . Think Enid Blyton meets Ivor Cutler. It is a rewarding experience for readers of all ages, a bizarre collection – and hilarious.’ 
– Eddie Clark, Desk Editor
Life on Air by David Attenborough
‘While I would find it too difficult to pick a favourite book, there is one gem on my bedside table at the moment that is certainly bringing a smile to my face. David Attenborough’s autobiography Life on Air. Beautifully written and understated, you can’t help but beam when reading about his extraordinary adventures. It’s also fascinating to see how David and his colleagues had to approach television production in the 50s and 60s when technology was limited and how things have developed since then. And to top it all off he started out working at a publishers. There’s hope for us all yet!’
– Emma Rees, Marketing Manager
The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien
‘Perhaps an obvious choice but the first part in the Lord of the Rings trilogy always brings a smile to my face. Arguably the most ‘light-hearted’ of the three novels it is full of detail and characterisation. It is a genuine joy to delve inside the world of Hobbiton and follow the lives of Frodo and the other Hobbits before they embark on their perilous adventure!’
– Katherine Marshall, Marketing Manager
