My mother has been diagnosed with hypertension a few days back. She is always the worrier, even before and more than ever now. I told her not to fret over petty things but alas, she rants like a mad woman (sorry ma, it’s true) and worry herself to sleep over things she don’t have any control of and outside her circle of influence.

The doctors advised her to reduce stress in her everyday life. Stop the worry, divert your attention and energy to something worthwhile. Ward off negative vibes. I asked her what she wants to do with that and she asked me she’d like a book. We are so different as I could have asked for chocolate.

She loved Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist a couple of years ago. She loves fiction and have read the Harry Potter books too. So I went to the bookstore and looked around. What would be the best book to give her now?

I have thought of these:

• The Da Vinci Code - but this might be too thrilling for her jumpy nature?
• Sidney Sheldon books - too long? and sometimes too heart racing?
• Love stories - too conventional for her and she might miss my father?

I bought another Paulo Coelho book “By the river Piedra I sat down and wept”. I haven’t read the book. I hope she likes it.

Any other feel good book you can recommend?

I am thankful that my mother, despite her illness has continued to show hope and energy to get better. That she is channeling her time and energy to reading. Reading can open windows inside our minds that transports us to a different world where there is no sickness and pain, takes us on an adventure we might not be able to do when we are in our present state of health.