Books for different reasons

I read an article recently about finding a book where nothing bad happens. The writer basically concluded that it was impossible, but it got me thinking that books can be a balm for all sorts of ailments. At the moment, the corresponding emotions are likely to need three remedies: embrace the sorrow and have a cathartic sob, try and forget about events completely and be transported, or lift your mood with a laugh.

Here are some suggestions for all three:

Books to transport you to another place or time

• The Neopolitan novels Elena Ferrante
• Captain Corelli's Mandolin Louis de Bernieres
• Life of Pi Yann Martel 
• Into the Wild Jon Krakauer
• My Side of the Mountain Jean Craighead George
• The Railway Children E. Nesbit
• Anything by Enid Blyton 
• Life after Life Kate Atkinson
• East of Eden John Steinbeck
• I Capture the Castle Dodie Smith

Books for when you need a good cry

• Flowers for Algernon Daniel Keyes
• Everything I Know about Love Dolly Alderton
• Dustbin Baby Jacqueline Wilson
• Dear Mrs Bird A.J  Pearce
• One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest Ken Kesey
• Maus Art Speigelman

Books for when you need a good laugh

• Don't be a Dick, Pete Stuart Heritage
• The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, aged 13 3/4 (and subsequent sequels) Sue Townsend
• Queenie Candice Carty-Williams
• Me Talk Pretty One Day David Sedaris
• Three Men in a Boat Jerome K Jerome
• I, Partridge Alan Partridge

I would love to hear any recommendations in the comments :)