I am sorry to hear about your mum's health.

I had a very good friend who was dealing with that, and towards the end, she couldn't read anything "heavy"... So I just dug out loads of lovely children's novels for her which seemed to hit the spot..

For example:

* The Secret Garden - Frances Hodges Burnett (I think)
* Ann of Green Gables (and the following books)
* Diary of a Provincial Lady (light and funny, but not a kids' book)
* One Hundred and One Dalmations - Dodie Smith
* Any of LM Montgomery's later works (like The Blue Castle, perhaps)

Perhaps she might like a sweet and gentle read, perhaps something by Miss Read? She wrote a bunch of novels about life in an english coutry village being the school teacher... Or about James Herriott? His vet books have quite short chapters, and lovely and sweet, and each chapter is a story in itself... Good for when attention is down?..

Wind in the Willows is a lovely short chapter book about some animals who live in a little field place in England. It sounds awful, but it's very sweet...

I will try and think of some more. Your mum is lucky to have someone like you in her life... I hope she has a good day...

liz

I forgot to add this:

Don't forget to take time for you so you can look after your mum.

Caregivers sometimes get forgotten but play a vital role.

Bless you for being such a loving, caring daughter.

Although this is not exactly a book, when my Dad was stroked out and lived with me for years, I found that the audio tapes of PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION really made him happy. He loved not only the folksy stories but also the beautiful music and songs. The humor is delightful and the entire show moves along at a nice clip.
It might be something you Mom would enjoy.

I would second the Miss Read and Herriot books. They are both told in vignettes, so that they can be picked up and put down at will. They have gentle and kind characters doing normal day to day things-what I call slice of life stories-that are entertaining but not mind-straining. In fact, the Miss Read series (there are two: Thrush Green and Fairacre) are what I read in the month between my mother's sudden, unexpected death and my only daughter's wedding. My emotions, as you can imagine, were all over the place, a cocktail of intense grief and joy and the craziness of any family pre-wedding-and Miss Read was a still, quiet center.

Here is a link that might be useful: Miss Read series lists in order

How about the Cranford books by Elizabeth Gaskell? I read them after enjoying the Masterpiece Theater series so much.

I'm not sure this is light-hearted enough, but Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg springs to mind. This book is easily read in small bits and the story is very compelling with lots of humor even though it has some dark moments (like life). One character die of cancer, which may or may not be a problem.

Georgette Heyer's romantic comedies may work for you, and her collection of short stories, Pistols for Two, is being re-printed next month.

Another suggestion may be some of Paul Gallico's works, such as Coronation or the Mrs. 'Arris books.

Amazon lists a book called Best American Humorous Short Stories. I haven't read it myself, but it sounds like exactly what you are looking for.

You might try a collection by David Sedaris. Or one by Amy Sedaris for that matter. And what about Dave Barry?

Rosefolly

Bill Bryson might also be good - his nonfiction is easy to pick up and put down, and he writes with a great deal of humor.

Another thought might be to try audio books - that way your mum only has to lie there (if she gets tired)? When I was very sick, audio books would have been great. (I have a very lovely mum who read to me so I was very lucky.)

Thinking good thoughts for you both
liz

Maybe Woody Allen's "Without Feathers"? I found it quite funny.

I'm a big Calvin Trillin fan, too. His sense of humor might bring a smile to your mom's face.

A wonderful children's book I love is "The Polar Express." While it does have a good deal of artwork, the story can be read on its own.

And just a thought: Maybe a Kindle or Nook with some old-time comedy shows loaded on it? Quick 30-minute bursts of laughter!

Thank you everyone for all your support. I am very happy to have spent the time asking the question. There are lots of titles listed that I completely overlooked and many that I will have to look into.

My mom lives in the philippines and is old fashioned. She spent lots of time teaching and helping others as a social worker so maybe those 20th century country tales so I appreciate your suggestions Liz and Yoyobon.

Thank you Ccrdmrbks. I am trying to relate to how my mom is feeling right now but I can't imagine it. We just celebrated my eldest sister's marriage last week so I think her emotions must be quite a mixture as well. Miss Read sounds promising.

A friend highly reccomended Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe a long time back simply as a read to enjoy but I haven't gotten around to it. Anyone know if it would be appropriate for the situation?

Comedy is an interesting idea. Though it may be hard to find something she relates to. I'll ask her and see if she has any favourites.

Thank you all again so much, I've got all the titles written down and am going to do some research now! Take care and God bless! : )