The past few weeks have been a little hectic and overwhelming for me, and books are my escape! So I started thinking about what books I would recommend for anyone who needs something light, hopeful or uplifting.
These books are good for the heart and soul. Some of them do cover intense topics, but they are all incredibly heartwarming and don’t leave you with those heavy, suffocating feelings. Many of them are sweet and simple – books to turn your brain off for a little while. They let you linger on beauty and love and humour and wonderful stories.
This list is mostly made up of short books. Sometimes I need a little pick me up, but the thought of starting a long book feels daunting. The other great thing about these books is that they are timeless. I have read many of them more than once. I know what to expect, and that familiarity is so comforting. It also allows my anxiety of the unknown to dissipate. I know that I’m going to feel good reading them and that I’ll be filled with a bit of hope.
1) Anything by Jenny Colgan! I especially love The Bookshop on the Corner series and the Little Beach Street Bakery series. The great thing is that she has so many books! Her series are short (usually 3 books) or you can choose to read them individually. The characters stay with you, so you can pick up the rest of the series at a later date. https://amzn.to/3KXYRqE https://amzn.to/43IhoOy
2) The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. This book captured my heart right away. Not only does it have letters, which I love, but it has a beautiful love story and quirky, kind, loyal characters. https://amzn.to/3PfBTxG
3) The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. This became my favourite book when I turned 16, and I’ve read it several times. I remember completely immersing myself in it and feeling such a connection to the characters. I cry every time I read it, but I also find that it brings a lot of healing, no matter what you’re dealing with in your own life. It makes me feel less alone and connected to something bigger. https://amzn.to/3p4wa2U
4) The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter by Susan Wittig Albert. These are adorable little mysteries that are written from the perspective of both humans and animals! They are based loosely on the life of Beatrix Potter, who is one of the characters, and they can be read in order or as stand alone books. There are continuing stories throughout, but each one has its own mystery and will bring you back to your childhood reading Peter Rabbit. It makes me want to wander around in the woods or garden, or snuggle up in my hammock with some iced tea and my book. Reading outside can also be incredibly soothing and comforting. https://amzn.to/3N9BPgb
5) Whiskey in a Teacup: What Growing Up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love and Baking Biscuits by Reese Witherspoon. Something about the south is so homey: the food, the music, the garden parties, the people. https://amzn.to/3JgvNJx
I recommend the audiobook for this one. I don’t listen to a lot of audiobooks because my mind wanders when I don’t have a physical book in front of me. But Reese has such a warm and friendly voice, you can’t help but feel like you’re right in her living room chatting with an old friend.
5) Anything by Brene Brown. These are more for when you want to feel validated and hear some inspiring words that will make you feel connected and loved. They can be “work” if you want to really get into them (I’ve read them slowly while taking notes and really reflecting on myself) or they can be read quickly. Again, I’ve reread most of her books because they truly speak to and inspire me. I Thought It Was Just Me truly reminds you that you aren’t alone in feeling overwhelmed or shamed or judged. https://amzn.to/3NhUPt8
6) Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Okay, this is one of the longer books on my list, but it’s not a challenging read. It takes me back to my childhood and sometimes I feel like I’m part of their family. I definitely get emotional while reading this book, but it’s nostalgic and I don’t feel “down” afterwards. https://amzn.to/3JhePum
7) The Vintage Teacup Club by Vanessa Greene. I stumbled on this one at the library and have been wanting to read more from this author. Just a quick, sweet read about unlikely friends who bond over a vintage tea set. https://amzn.to/3XpsxBD
8) Seriously… I’m Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres. Again, this one is great as an audiobook because you get to listen to Ellen! “I think we need more love in the world. We need more kindness, more compassion, more joy, more laughter.” Enough said. https://amzn.to/3NhVc70
9) Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Another classic that I’ve loved since I was a little girl. You can read the first one or the whole series, depending on your mood. The setting, the characters, the stories, everything about it makes me feel so much better about life. https://amzn.to/3qHgKC9
“Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it.”
10) Aprons and Silver Spoons: The Heartwarming Memoirs of a 1930s Kitchen Maid by Mollie Moran. This one reminds me of Downton Abbey, has plenty of humour, and takes you right back to a to the 1930s. I love the storytelling in this book and found it entertaining and enjoyable.
I hope you find something here that speaks to you and fills up your cup a little!
Just since writing this post, I’ve already thought of 10 more books to add. I have SO many suggestions for books, and I love putting them in quick categories so people kind of know what they’re getting, and what kind of mood they need to be in to enjoy them. Keep an eye out for more of these posts in the future 🙂
Happy reading!
