Hey there, bookish besties! We’ve all been there: those days when life feels a bit too real, like you need a mental vacation or at least a literary hug. That’s where feel-good reads come in! Whether you’re after laughter, inspiration, or just a story that feels like a warm blanket, here are some books that offer a dose of joy and comfort. Ready to turn a heavy day into a heartwarming one? Let’s take a peek at some novels that are sure to wrap you in warmth, lift your spirits, and remind you of the beauty in life’s little moments. These novels are like comfort food for the soul.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
If you’ve ever felt a little out of place, meet Eleanor Oliphant, whose awkward yet endearing ways will steal your heart.
Eleanor is a quirky, socially awkward woman with a routine that keeps her world safe and predictable—until she accidentally befriends a coworker and starts uncovering the life she’s been missing. Honeyman’s writing beautifully blends humor and pathos, making Eleanor’s journey one of healing, friendship, and unexpected happiness. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to reach out, be loved, and let life surprise you.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Grumpy old man meets unexpected friendships—need we say more?
Fredrik Backman delivers a funny, bittersweet story about Ove, a cantankerous old man who just wants to be left alone. But when a lively young family moves in next door, Ove’s rigid world begins to change in the best ways. This novel will have you laughing, crying, and looking at life a little differently by the end. It’s a heartfelt reminder that connection can change even the most set-in-their-ways souls.
A Man Called Ove is now a Major Motion Picture by the similar name, A Man Called Otto.
Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
For a creative spark that’ll lift your spirits, Big Magic is a go-to pick-me-up!
Elizabeth Gilbert’s wisdom on creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s for anyone who’s ever wanted to live life more fully and bravely. She offers a perspective that transforms how we view fear, uncertainty, and the joy of pursuing our passions. This book will remind you that life doesn’t have to be grand to be magical; it just needs a little spark, which we all have within us. Get ready to close this book feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to tackle your own creative “big magic.”
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
For laughs, love, and a protagonist who’ll win you over with his unconventional charm.
Don Tillman is a socially inept professor who decides it’s time to find a wife—through an extremely structured and hilarious questionnaire. Enter Rosie, a woman who doesn’t fit a single one of Don’s requirements but ends up changing his life in the best ways. This rom-com of a novel is feel-good through and through, perfect if you’re in the mood for laughter, love, and a reminder that life rarely goes as planned (and that’s a good thing!).
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The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
Sometimes, all you need to feel better is to know you’re not alone.
What happens when a lonely man starts a notebook, confesses his deepest truths, and leaves it in a café? People from all walks of life begin sharing their own stories, and a community of misfits forms in the most heartwarming way. *The Authenticity Project* explores the power of vulnerability and kindness, showing that sometimes the best way to heal ourselves is by connecting with others. This book is uplifting and charming, reminding us of the beauty in our shared humanity.
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
A book about books and the healing power they bring? Perfect.
Jean Perdu runs a floating bookstore in Paris, prescribing books as if they were medicine for the soul. His book barge is filled with stories that soothe, inspire, and heal, and as he embarks on a journey to find closure for his own heartache, he encounters friends and places that remind him—and us—that life is an ever-evolving story. This one’s for anyone who finds solace in the pages of a good book and could use a gentle reminder that it’s never too late to start anew.
When We Believed in Mermaids by Barbara O’Neal
A deeply emotional tale of family, loss, and rediscovery that’ll touch your heart in all the right ways.
This beautifully woven story follows Kit, a doctor whose sister, long believed dead, is spotted alive on TV. Her journey to confront the past and rebuild her family is heart-wrenching yet filled with moments of healing and hope. O’Neal’s descriptions of family ties, the healing power of the ocean, and the courage to face life’s toughest challenges make this a feel-good read for the soul. It’s a story of resilience, the importance of family, and how we find light even in the darkest of places.
There you have it! Each of these books has something unique to offer—a laugh, a lesson, a bit of soul-soothing storytelling. So, next time life feels heavy, let these feel-good reads be the literary pick-me-up you deserve. They’re here to remind you that no matter how tough things get, there’s always a little light to be found.
If you want to grab a copy of any of these great titles, you can get them here on Amazon. Or get one for free when you sign up for a free trial from Audible.
Until next time, my bookish besties—keep it brash, keep it bookish, and keep it true to you!
