5 Feel-Good Book Recommendations

Cha Bar, Oxford Bookstore

When life’s trials and tensions get to you, there is no better way to destress than reading a good book. Usually, people choose more thrilling or twisted stories. Reading a classic whodunit and trying to guess the ending before the big reveal is undoubtedly a great pastime. However, in recent months with life itself taking a dark turn, it is now time to put away the crime thrillers. A happy book feels like a warm blanket on a chilly evening. Feel-good books help you find solace and construct an imaginary world full of light and laughter.

Here is a list of feel-good book recommendations:

Anxious people – Frederick Backman

A book about a bank robbery gone wrong, then it is a book about a hostage situation, again gone wrong. Somewhere in there, it is also a book about a bridge and a group of people just trying their best. The writing style is comedic even without trying. The book deals with issues like depression, suicide, and anxiety. All in a way that makes the reader aware without feeling gloomy. With eight characters in the mix, each character has their space and growth. The theme is: nobody is perfect everybody is just trying to stay afloat and doing their best. This book will be your comfort book no matter what you’re going through.

Tuesdays with Morrie – Mitch Albom

It is a story about Mitch reconnecting with his college professor Morrie during the last months of Morrie’s life. After finding out that his beloved professor is dying of ALS, mitch decides on meeting Morrie every Tuesday for the rest of his days. These sessions turn into the last class that Morrie takes, in which he teaches lessons on life and the art of living. What makes the book interesting is Morrie’s distinguished outlook on success, fame, and love. This book will surely make you laugh, cry and think about life’s fleeting beauty.

The namesake – Jhumpa Lahiri

The novel follows the story of Ashok and Ashima, a newly married couple that moves to America from their quaint life in Calcutta. Here they start their own family with a boy and then a daughter. The namesake deals with first-generation American children and the differences between them and their parents. A family divided by world views but united by their love for each other. For most of the novel, Ashok’s son has a problem with his given name, only finding acceptance in later stages of his life. A must-read for some light-hearted family bonding, teaching us the importance of each moment.

P.S. I Love You – Cecelia Ahern

Holly and Jerry are a happily married couple whose life turns upside down when jerry gets diagnosed with brain cancer. Deeply moved by her husband’s death, Holly turns to her friends and family for support. She finds twelve letters left behind by her husband, one for each month! What begins next is Holly’s quest for finding her new self, independent and not hung up on the past. The ending will have you crying happy tears for Holly.

Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda – Becky Albertalli

How can this list be complete in pride month without an LGBTQ novel? An honest coming-of-age story about Simon who finds himself falling for a boy he has only met through emails. Navigate high school with Simon and his group of friends while guessing who his secret love might be. It is a beautiful, happy, and light book that will leave a lasting smile on your face.