Sometimes, we all need a little pick-me-up, and reaching for a feel-good book can help. If you’ve exhausted your TBR pile or just want to try something different, check out this list of options. It includes classics, modern novels, deep meaning, and light-hearted fun.
No matter what your mood or tastes, you can discover a tale that takes you away from the stresses of life for a little while.
The House in the Cerulean Sea
Mix magic, found family, a unique battle fought and won, and exceptional writing by author T.J. Klune, and you have a feel-good book you can’t put down. The House in the Cerulean Sea is a Lambda Literary Award winner, and that’s just the start of the long list of recognitions it’s earned.
Anne of Green Gables
Anne of Green Gables book follows the tale of an orphan girl with a flare for the dramatic and a gift of gab who comes to live with a lonely brother-sister duo on Prince Edward Island. L. M. Montgomery weaves a tale that will bring all the emotions to the surface, but ultimately delight your heart and spirit.
The Midnight Library
As you know, the opportunity to visit an infinite library beyond the universe is an intriguing prospect, especially when the books include stories of all possible lives. Matt Haig’s award-winning novel The Midnight Library follows the main character in this magical library and through a fantastic realm of possibilities. Consider checking out our latest blog post featuring more books by Matt Haig.
The Thursday Murder Club
Can a book with ‘murder’ in the title really be a feel-good story? When you read Richard Osman’s cozy mystery The Thursday Murder Club and get to know the retired friend group that solves crimes together, you discover the answer is unequivocally yes. The friendship between the unlikely foursome will keep you smiling.
Get a Life, Chloe Brown
Get a Life, Chloe Brown transcends the sappy and steamy by immersing you in the tale of a chronically ill woman who writes her bucket list of adventures. A rough yet artistic motorcycle-riding handyman becomes her target of interest and, ultimately, her life partner. This book has won numerous ‘Best Romance’ titles since its publication.
A Gentleman in Moscow
This humorous historical novel by Amor Towles dives into the sequestered life of Count Alexander Rostov, who was sentenced to stay in his attic rooms during the upheaval in 1920s Russia. While A Gentleman in Moscow has many deep, and thought-provoking themes, the diverse cast of characters will keep readers engaged on every page.
Little Women
Follow the lives of four sisters who find their unique ways through life in this classic romance book by Louisa May Alcott. This feel-good story blends everything readers look for into a treat filled with love, intelligence, adventure, and grit. Little Women is considered one of the finest works in American Classic Literature. This book is definitely worth a read.
Pollyanna
The titular character in this classic piece of literature is so positive, uplifting, and good that her name has become synonymous with this type of attitude. A young girl, Pollyanna, who decides to be glad no matter what teaches a whole town and generations of readers about life.
The Rosie Project
An intelligent and humorous look into a professor’s quest for a wife blends the scientific method with plenty of feeling in The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. Together, the pair discovers that love isn’t something you can measure in a beaker or track on a chart, but instead grows naturally over time.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – the first part of the world-famous book and movie series by J. K. Rowling introduces a young boy with a significant role in the magical world. Friendship warms the heart as good works hard to triumph over evil and wins. Nostalgia may play a role in the enjoyment of this book and may inspire you to finish the entire Harry Potter series one more time. Interesting fact, the first edition of this book is recognized as one of the Most Expensive Rare First Editions.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
This classic science fiction book by Douglas Adams explores the quirky side of the universe with unique characters, existential humor, and lots of action and adventure. Ultimately, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy has a heart-warming tale at its core, which has intrigued readers for decades.
Mornings With Rosemary
This feel-good tale focuses on the friendship between a lonely young reporter and an octogenarian who has amazing insights into life and love through the years. Although Mornings With Rosemary explores bittersweet topics, the end leaves you wrapped up in warmth and understanding.
Anxious People
Troubled characters with tricky pasts find each other, intriguing events, and happiness in this bestselling novel by Fredrik Backman. Laughs, tears, and heartwarming satisfaction blend together beautifully in Anxious People.
All Creatures Great and Small
This amazingly heart-warming tale of a remote Yorkshire veterinarian has kept readers entranced for decades. James Herriot wrote All Creatures Great and Small with a wonderful depth of realism, compassion, and gentle humor throughout.
Project Hail Mary
This Hugo Award finalist novel by Andy Weir follows a lone astronaut through perilous missions on his quest to save humanity. Introspection and discovery balance the action quite well, and readers are left with a warmth they might not have expected from a science fiction story. Project Hail Mary is definitely a must-read book for your vacation.
Legends & Lattes
One of the books that launched the cozy fantasy subgenre, Travis Baldree, created a welcoming world for readers to relax in. In Legends & Lattes book, an ex-warrior orc opens a coffee shop while meeting interesting friends and building a new type of life together.
Howl’s Moving Castle
Read the source for the Academy Award-winning animated feature movie in this Diana Wynne Jones novel Howl’s Moving Castle. Magical puzzles, threats, and triumphs fill the pages of this enchanting, feel-good story for every age group.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
A reclusive witch finds a quirky family of her own through mentorship and romance in this heart-warming, magical novel, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches. The charm of Nowhere House balances with trouble and unique characters.
Dandelion Wine
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury transports readers to the everyday magic of times long past in the mind of a twelve-year-old boy. Nostalgia for a 1920s world many readers never knew fills this feel-good novel.
While feel-good books are perfect for lifting your spirits, sometimes readers seek an emotional journey that dives into deeper, more heart-wrenching stories. For those moments, check out our list of sad books that are guaranteed to evoke powerful emotions.
