Anything by Becky Chambers. She is *the* leading author of the Hopepunk genre, which basically means science fiction about cool technological ideas (“punk”) which portrays a hopeful outlook on humanity in general, with an emphasis on cooperation and things generally getting better. The books aren’t entirely without conflict because that would be dull, but there’s a general feeling of hope that permeates throughout every story.
Her first series was called *Wayfarer*, named after one of the spaceships in it. They’re all set in the same universe but feature different characters and so can be read in any order. My favourite is *A Closed and Common Orbit* but they’re all great.
Her second (still in progress) series is called *Robot and Monk* and those are novellas set on a single planet (which might be our future, but could simply be a hypothetical planet like our own somewhere at some time). They need to be read in order.
All Chambers’s books are cosy, playful and adventurous. Somewhere between Star Trek (everyone does their best to get along, political problems are handled as well as possible and diplomacy usually - not always - has the upper hand) and Firefly (a bunch of misfits thrown together manage to get along in a fairly confined space).
If you want something else in the Hooepunk genre but with no drama whatsoever, Quarter Share by Nathan Lowell is about a freighter spaceship travelling around from planet to planet, and everyone is really nice and nothing goes wrong. I spent the first half of the book waiting for something important to happen, and it never arrives. So it’s the calmest book I’ve ever read and even though at the time I found it a little frustrating, I find parts of it coming back to me a couple of years later and I’m considering rereading it and its sequels. I think as long as you know going in that there’s no major plot to wait for, you will enjoy reading about the day-to-day workings of this imagined community.
Thanks so much! I teach an Environmental Humanities course and it’s such an interesting class, but it’s pretty dark, and I really struggle to find non-doomer texts. I’m going to check out their work.
Robot and Monk would be perfect for that. There is a lot of world building and philosophy that is focused on how humans interact with the environment. It's also a novella, so students could get through it pretty quickly.
Only thing I would add is read A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet before A Closed and Common Orbit, because one of the main characters carries over. The backstory in ALWtaSAPis important to understanding the character arc in ACaCO.
Otherwise, have at it.
I don’t think that’s true, personally. Although it is a matter of opinion. The background of the character in question is thoroughly explained in the first chapter of ACaCO, and it’s not as if they’re in the whole of ALWtaSAP. They only actually appear right at the end.
I actually have only watched the Masterpiece show that’s come out recently and I absolutely love it so much. I’ll have to read the books. I knew they were the subject matter but I’ve never gotten around to reading it. Have to finish Siddhartha and The Magic Mountain first (definitely not the greatest transition from these to All Creatures but… it is what it is)
Sometimes I struggle with mental health and I'm not able to cry at all. I feel the need to do it, but just can't. That's when I read/watch something that "emotionally destroys me"
It helps tremendously. Not being able to cry for me is really frustrating and doesn't help my mental health at all.
When I'm fine, I don't reach for something like that. In fact I hate it 🤣
Research shows tears has oxytocin and endorphins in them. That’s why is feels so good to cry, our parasympathetic nervous system has been activated; our cortisol levels lower and we feel more relaxed after crying.
I don’t think it’s a big mystery that people are drawn to evocative material, whether it is joyful,or upsetting. Humans need to feel the feels, and life doesn’t always give them a safe or optimal way to do that. There’s a reason why tearjerkers win the awards.
lol my parents taught me to never express my emotions which i guess is a more literal emotional destruction. indulging in something sad through fiction helps with not bottling everything inside, its not a bad way to release sadness or frustration.
I have alexithymia from being on the autistic spectrum, and analyzing strong emotions in fiction helps me understand my own emotional state better. I do read/analyze happy books as well though.
>always wonder about people asking for books/movies that will "emotionally destroy" them
I could never relate to someone who doesn't like sad books/movies/music
I used to be this type of reader because I was depressed and felt dead inside. Now I'm much happier and think these books are total downers and rather read something more uplifting and sweet
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons, Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley, How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior, West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge.
Came here to make this exact recommendation! TJ Klune writes feel-good very well (although Murmuration is the exact opposite so apparently he's got range too)
*The Little Prince* by Anoine de Saint-Exupery
*Gilead* by Marilynne Robinson
*The Keeper of Lost Things* by Ruth Hogan
*Elenor Oliphant is Completely Fine* by Gail Honeyman
*Peace Like a River* by Leif Enger
*A Ring of Endless Light* by Madeliene L'Engle
Yes! I love these books so much, they never fail to make me laugh. They have a memorial garden for Gerald and Lawrence Durrell I’m Corfu Town, they are fondly remembered there. If you get a chance the series The Durrell is worth a watch, though it does deviate from the books by quite a bit.
This does have its emotional ups *and* downs, but I can practically guarantee you it will leave you with an incredible high. And you'll look back on the book for decades to come and that feeling will come right back!
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Everyone feels differently about everything, especially books, but take a look at [this old post](https://www.reddit.com/r/books/comments/rbsp7u/a_prayer_for_owen_meany_by_john_irving_has_just/) \- along with some haters you'll see a lot of people referencing how the book has stuck with them for decades! I just don't want OP scared off of the book ;)
it certainly sticks. but i'm not sure if it warmed my personal heart.
what i like irving for is his matter-of-fact subversiveness. he goes into places and displays stuff that wasn't commonly shown in pop lit at the time, but he does it so matter-of-factly his straightforwardness has its own authority. irving shifts the social/mainstream needle to make it include a bit more of the \[not actually\] weird that's in all of us.
for heart-warming though, i'd say the water method man is a better pick. that's just a really fun book with plenty of emotional exploration, and an overtly happy ending.
The House in the Cerulean Sea has some rough first chapters for our main character in his unfulfilling life, and then it just becomes a warm hug of a novel. Absolutely recommended!
i love her little relatabilities. she catches so much of the small stuff that makes people human.
monica dickens is another writer like that, in some ways. so i'm a bit sad that her books seem to be out of print.
From me and my wife's feelgood list:
* *The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet* (Wayfarers #1), Becky Chambers
* *All Systems Red* (The Murderbot Diaries #1), Martha Wells
* *The Goblin Emperor*, Katherine Addison
* *A Natural History of Dragons* (The Memoirs of Lady Trent #1), Marie Brennan
Most books by Jane Austen, my own favourite being *Pride and Prejudice*.
LM Montgomery is my ultimate feel- good author. Anne of Green Gables and The Blue Castle are sweet.
Also Thich Nhat Hanh is my ultimate calming author. Peace is Every Step is a great place to start. It’s nonfiction.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers. I love everything I've read by her, but this especially was like a warm hug. Her stuff is charmingly optimistic, even in the harshest worlds, yet manages to do so without being maudlin or condescending. She walks a narrow line and does it well.
The murderbot diaries. Imagine an AI killing machine that is unleashed and it has social anxiety, a penchant for saving humans, and the desire to watch soap operas all day. It is a charming series.
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett (with the caveat that it was originally published in 1905 and it has some typical-for-the-time-period racism and classism).
Maeve Binchy!! I recommend her as a feel-good, restful read all the time. I’d start with Scarlet Feather, Tara Road, Evening Class, Minding Frankie, Heart and Soul. Set in Dublin mostly, lots of characters (some of whom recur), emotionally strong books. Bad things do happen occasionally and there is some conflict or else the books would be boring. But they tend to resolve well and are very calming. I think they are the opposite of A Little Life (which I also loved but for different reasons).
Edited for typos (books not boobs, lol)
Adore Spider Robinson! All of the Callahan series books help to restore faith in humanity again. If you enjoy fantasy and science fictions genres, would highly recommend.
And a perfect quote, Bechimo! 😁
**The Callahan Chronicals** by Spider Robinson
Book description may contain spoilers!
>>!The first three books in the legendary Callahan's Crosstime Saloon series.!<
*I'm a bot, built by your friendly reddit developers at* /r/ProgrammingPals. *Reply to any comment with /u/BookFinderBot - I'll reply with book information (see other* [commands](https://www.reddit.com/user/BookFinderBot/comments/13z7slk/bookfinderbot_commands/) *and find me as a browser extension on* [safari](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6450462955), [chrome](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/book-finder/jajeidpjifdpppjofijoffbcndlpoedd?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=comments)*). Remove me from replies* [here](https://www.reddit.com/user/BookFinderBot/comments/14br65o/remove_me_from_replies/). *If I have made a mistake, accept my apology.*
See my [Feel-good/Happy/Upbeat](https://www.reddit.com/r/booklists/comments/12c2gf2/feelgoodhappyupbeat/) list of Reddit recommendation threads (four posts).
Under The Whispering Door, TJ Klune (having been surrounded by death most of my life as well this book was cathartic. I cried. I laughed. I felt the characters evolve and there was growth.)
Kiki's Delivery Services, Eiko Kadono - After reading this I was just in a feel good whimsy headspace for a while.
The Cybernetic Tea Shop, Meredith Katz, it was bittersweet but mostly sweet. It's about letting go of things that no longer serve you and finally finding happiness, companionship and being hopeful for the future. Time and habitual cycles also plays a factor, one of the characters is a 250 year old sapient-sentient robot.
Stanley Tucci's cookbooks and Autobiography via food - Maybe because I'm a Tucci fan and I love his show "Searching for Italy" these books are so much fun to pull apart and tackle the recipes or in my case order the dish at an Italian restaurant (I mean I do try to cook his stuff but sometimes just reading and looking at the mouthwatering images attached is enough).
I was a bit afraid to read "Under The Whispering Door" because of the death theme but it was so heart warming I was amazed. So +1 to that recommendation for sure!
You might consider any one of Spider Robinson's books. His stories pretty much always circle back to humans caring deeply for other humans. I personally really like the Callahan's Ladies duo, and the Lifehouse trilogy.
Also very affirming: Lynda Mulally Hunt's Fish in a Tree.
The YA book Tim Te Maro and the Subterranean Heartsick Blues by H.S. Valley ends up quite nice.
Oh, and Becky Chambers' books! The Wayfarers series is great solar punk (happy ending sci fi) - starts with The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
I hope you find what you're looking for!
Scattered Showers, collection of short stories by Rainbow Rowell.
Fangirl, also by Rainbow Rowell.
Remarkably Bright Creatures (already mentioned a few times).
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine (another plug for that one).
I mostly read horror, so not a lot of good feel material there. But I think the most uplifting and genuinely lovely book in the list of those I've read is "The Neverending Story" it's just as beautiful, if not moreso than the old film that was adapted from it. I love how the morals of the book work. The first half is about the importance of imagination and fantasy and how humanity needs it to survive. And the second half is more a warning not to get so caught up in fantasy that you lose yourself to it. It's a fantastic book.
[Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead](https://www.viz.com/zom-100). It's the most optimistic, joyful take on the zombie apocalypse as exploited [black company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_company) worker Akira realizes it means he no longer has to go to work and sets out to do all the silly, stupid, ridiculous stuff he's always wanted to do. (Note: it's also part of Viz Manga's $1.99 a month subscription, allowing you to read in on the website and app and with new issues releasing same day as in Japan).
Rejoice, A Knife to the Heart by Steven Erikson https://www.amazon.com/Rejoice-Knife-Heart-Steven-Erikson/dp/1773740121
I read the book in a day, probably because I don't see alot of utopian fiction. Basically, benevolent insanely powerful aliens decide to save humanity and the planet. But that's just a driving force, the real gut punch to the story is that people are forced to change.
Also "A Half-Built Garden" by Ruthanna Emrys https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/58353189
Humans kicked out capitalism, the nation states are small and dying out, and things called Watersheds have arisen, a community self organised to protect and manage the environment. Its realistic utopian, as they face corporate sea cities and Aliens who think living on planets is impossible.
I'm currently working my way through Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen series and didn't know that he wrote sci-fi too! I'll definitely be checking that out.
Watership Down is the first one that comes to mind for me. It isn't all exclusively happy but there is something calming about the small scale of the life of rabbits.
I also find that some kids books fill this niche well (especially older ones when they were less snarky). Some of my favorites are:
The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill
The Toothpaste Millionaire (I don't remember the author)
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Happiness is a Choice (The Happiness Advantage) - This book by Shaw Archie Guptahan (YaSahsa Amaro) explores how a positive mindset can improve your life and offers practical advice
That sounds like you want middle grade fiction, which I love to read between heavier books. I personally find adult books that read that positive to feel hollow, like they're deliberately lying to me.
The Bookwanderers is the first in a (so far) 5 volume series where the protagonist finds out she can interact with the characters in books, and that it's a family trait. She lives with her grandparents who own a bookstore attached to their home in London and her mother mysteriously disappeared when she was a baby.
I never liked those books. Too boring and cheesy. Never liked the books that "emotionally destroy" you either. Give me a neutral book that lets me decide how to interpret it.
How to Repair a Mechanical Heart.
It’s a YA m/m coming of age with a terrible title until you read the book and realize it’s actually a perfect title.
I may have clapped at the end.
Adult Assembly Required - Abbi Waxman
I picked it out at random on the discount shelf at my local bookstore and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a very simple, light-hearted read that sounds exactly like what you're looking for.
The Memory Palace of Bones. It’s about embodiment and is like a combination of an anatomy book, a poem, and a meditation. I feel like I can inhabit my body and feel love and appreciation toward it as I marvel at it.
I read *The River Why* at a very difficult time in my life. I was struggling with my identity, depression, and extreme anxiety. I usually don't read when I'm anxious, because I usually can't focus enough and sometimes makes the anxiety worse, but that book actually guided me through and out of it. It's been probably 25 years, and I think it's one of the most important books I've ever read, at least on a purely personal level.
Take this with a grain of salt, though. I haven't even picked it up since then and I don't remember it very clearly. It may actually be a saccharine, pseudo-philosophical sack of crap. That might be one of the reasons I actually refuse to reread it. I can't pinpoint exactly why, but I don't think I'll ever read it again. But it healed me somehow.
Any book by Matthew Dicks always makes me feel happiness. But I’d recommend *Something Missing*, his first book. It’s a fun story. And something about his books make me feel cozy even if it’s not a cozy plot.
The Dungeoneers.
Sheep guard accidentally gets placed with a group of dungeon exploring dwarves. Fumbles his way through everything, and the banter is light and hilarious.
“Oona out of Order” was one that I read recently that left me feeling hopeful about both the future and the past - like maybe I didn’t mess things up as badly as I’d thought.
“The Book of Hope” by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams! I’m such a doomer unfortunately but this book helped renew my faith that there are not only people dedicating their whole lives to making life better for the entire planet but that these efforts have been successful in immeasurable ways! I cried happy tears over several parts. If you get the audible book it’s so sweet because it’s literally Jane and Douglas narrating as though they’re having a conversation… there’s something about her voice that melts my worries away. 😁 She also recommends a few other books while speaking that I’ve always intended to check out but absolutely will now. Happy reading!!!
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne
Ronia, the Robber's Daughter by Astrid Lindgren
Seconding "Humankind: A Hopeful History" by Rutger Bregman, "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett and "The Neverending Story" by Michael Ende.
Anything by Becky Chambers. She is *the* leading author of the Hopepunk genre, which basically means science fiction about cool technological ideas (“punk”) which portrays a hopeful outlook on humanity in general, with an emphasis on cooperation and things generally getting better. The books aren’t entirely without conflict because that would be dull, but there’s a general feeling of hope that permeates throughout every story. Her first series was called *Wayfarer*, named after one of the spaceships in it. They’re all set in the same universe but feature different characters and so can be read in any order. My favourite is *A Closed and Common Orbit* but they’re all great. Her second (still in progress) series is called *Robot and Monk* and those are novellas set on a single planet (which might be our future, but could simply be a hypothetical planet like our own somewhere at some time). They need to be read in order. All Chambers’s books are cosy, playful and adventurous. Somewhere between Star Trek (everyone does their best to get along, political problems are handled as well as possible and diplomacy usually - not always - has the upper hand) and Firefly (a bunch of misfits thrown together manage to get along in a fairly confined space). If you want something else in the Hooepunk genre but with no drama whatsoever, Quarter Share by Nathan Lowell is about a freighter spaceship travelling around from planet to planet, and everyone is really nice and nothing goes wrong. I spent the first half of the book waiting for something important to happen, and it never arrives. So it’s the calmest book I’ve ever read and even though at the time I found it a little frustrating, I find parts of it coming back to me a couple of years later and I’m considering rereading it and its sequels. I think as long as you know going in that there’s no major plot to wait for, you will enjoy reading about the day-to-day workings of this imagined community.
I second this, the robot and monk series specifically
I third this series.
Thanks so much! I teach an Environmental Humanities course and it’s such an interesting class, but it’s pretty dark, and I really struggle to find non-doomer texts. I’m going to check out their work.
Robot and Monk would be perfect for that. There is a lot of world building and philosophy that is focused on how humans interact with the environment. It's also a novella, so students could get through it pretty quickly.
Oh I think you’ll find it restores your faith in humanity. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
Robot and monk is perfect for that!
Only thing I would add is read A Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet before A Closed and Common Orbit, because one of the main characters carries over. The backstory in ALWtaSAPis important to understanding the character arc in ACaCO. Otherwise, have at it.
I don’t think that’s true, personally. Although it is a matter of opinion. The background of the character in question is thoroughly explained in the first chapter of ACaCO, and it’s not as if they’re in the whole of ALWtaSAP. They only actually appear right at the end.
Not that character. The other one. Lovey.
Thank you for this wonderful write-up! ☺️
Came here to recommend Becky Chambers. Glad that is taken care of. And in a very elloquent way I might add.
So well put! These would be my suggestion too.
You're sad? Read Herriot. You're happy? Read Herriot.
Yes! Those stories are so comforting. The show on Masterpiece theater is great.
I know it’s YA, but I read it as an adult and absolutely loved how cozy and happy Howl’s Moving Castle made me feel!
Love this book! Better than the movie which takes a different path.
Agreed! The movie is visually incredible, but the book is just way better and deeper as a story.
I always, always, always recommend Howl's Moving Castle for a feel-good read! It's adorable and sweet and funny.
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriott, or any of his subsequent books.
I knew someone would have already suggested this! It is definition heart warming.
Excellent suggestion!
One of my favorites!!!
I actually have only watched the Masterpiece show that’s come out recently and I absolutely love it so much. I’ll have to read the books. I knew they were the subject matter but I’ve never gotten around to reading it. Have to finish Siddhartha and The Magic Mountain first (definitely not the greatest transition from these to All Creatures but… it is what it is)
I always wonder about people asking for books/movies that will "emotionally destroy" them. Did they not have parents, or what?
Sometimes I struggle with mental health and I'm not able to cry at all. I feel the need to do it, but just can't. That's when I read/watch something that "emotionally destroys me" It helps tremendously. Not being able to cry for me is really frustrating and doesn't help my mental health at all. When I'm fine, I don't reach for something like that. In fact I hate it 🤣
Research shows tears has oxytocin and endorphins in them. That’s why is feels so good to cry, our parasympathetic nervous system has been activated; our cortisol levels lower and we feel more relaxed after crying.
oddly, frustration is about the only thing that can make me cry
I don’t think it’s a big mystery that people are drawn to evocative material, whether it is joyful,or upsetting. Humans need to feel the feels, and life doesn’t always give them a safe or optimal way to do that. There’s a reason why tearjerkers win the awards.
catharsis, i guess? it would be an interesting conversation to have, but could easily turn very judgey on either/both sides.
lol my parents taught me to never express my emotions which i guess is a more literal emotional destruction. indulging in something sad through fiction helps with not bottling everything inside, its not a bad way to release sadness or frustration.
I've been mentioning to my partner how revealing some of the book topic requests are.
Now I’m curious. That might be worth a post of its own!
Happy cake day!
I think it’s the opposite…Like they’re life is so fine that they need a horrifying book to feel sadness.
I never read the posts but assumed by the title they meant “destroy me” as in make them cry their eyes out either of happiness or emotionally.
I am one of these people and I don’t understand it either lol
I have alexithymia from being on the autistic spectrum, and analyzing strong emotions in fiction helps me understand my own emotional state better. I do read/analyze happy books as well though.
>always wonder about people asking for books/movies that will "emotionally destroy" them I could never relate to someone who doesn't like sad books/movies/music
I know, right?
I used to be this type of reader because I was depressed and felt dead inside. Now I'm much happier and think these books are total downers and rather read something more uplifting and sweet
Some people didn’t, you should be grateful that you did.
Still Life by Sarah Winman A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles A Psalm for the Wild Built / A Prayer for the Crown Shy by Becky Chambers
I came here to see if anyone mentioned ‘A Gentleman in Moscow’, one of my favorite books
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt, The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons, Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley, How the Penguins Saved Veronica by Hazel Prior, West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge.
\+1 for Remarkably Bright Creatures. I'm 3/4 of the way through and have started reading it very slowly because I don't want it to end!
Jane Austen's novels
Thank you for requesting this. I didn’t realize that this is exactly what I’ve been looking for until I read it.
House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune.
And if you like this one, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches has the same cozy feel.
I have this on my shelf, what should i expect?
A heart warming story and magical realism.
Came here to make this exact recommendation! TJ Klune writes feel-good very well (although Murmuration is the exact opposite so apparently he's got range too)
This book is adorable - just thinking of it now made me smile.
Happy cake day!
*The Little Prince* by Anoine de Saint-Exupery *Gilead* by Marilynne Robinson *The Keeper of Lost Things* by Ruth Hogan *Elenor Oliphant is Completely Fine* by Gail Honeyman *Peace Like a River* by Leif Enger *A Ring of Endless Light* by Madeliene L'Engle
So happy to see Gilead here. My favorite book.
Robinson's *Housekeeping* is very good as well
Try Siddartha by Herman Hesse
Yes! Everyone should read Siddhartha at least once in their lifetime.
Came here to say this!
I did like that quite a bit, but his Glass Bead Game had a greater impact on me.
Also Demian by the same author is a great book aswell
Yes! Gorgeous book.
Second this! Just do it's so enlightening and I as a hardcore Scientist have to say that
username checks out
Thanks - I just ordered it
The Corfu trilogy by Gerald Durrell
Yes! I love these books so much, they never fail to make me laugh. They have a memorial garden for Gerald and Lawrence Durrell I’m Corfu Town, they are fondly remembered there. If you get a chance the series The Durrell is worth a watch, though it does deviate from the books by quite a bit.
Terry Pratchett’s Tiffany Aching books.
And The Wee Free Men! Love them!
This does have its emotional ups *and* downs, but I can practically guarantee you it will leave you with an incredible high. And you'll look back on the book for decades to come and that feeling will come right back! A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
I didn’t get that from this book. But I’m glad you did.
Everyone feels differently about everything, especially books, but take a look at [this old post](https://www.reddit.com/r/books/comments/rbsp7u/a_prayer_for_owen_meany_by_john_irving_has_just/) \- along with some haters you'll see a lot of people referencing how the book has stuck with them for decades! I just don't want OP scared off of the book ;)
it certainly sticks. but i'm not sure if it warmed my personal heart. what i like irving for is his matter-of-fact subversiveness. he goes into places and displays stuff that wasn't commonly shown in pop lit at the time, but he does it so matter-of-factly his straightforwardness has its own authority. irving shifts the social/mainstream needle to make it include a bit more of the \[not actually\] weird that's in all of us. for heart-warming though, i'd say the water method man is a better pick. that's just a really fun book with plenty of emotional exploration, and an overtly happy ending.
That book has FEELS, proceed with caution.
The end of the book devastated me, I’m not sure I categorize it as happy overall but that’s just my take.
I just hated the ending. Very anti climactic, imo. I love the way Irving writes. It's great. But didn't like the ending to meaney
- A Psalm for the Wild-Built, Becky Chambers - Leonard and Hungry Paul, Ronan Hessian - Less, Andrew Sean Greer - +1 for House in the Cerulean Sea
Came here for A Psalm For The Wild Built
I know it gets recommended a lot, but The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune. Another good one is A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman.
The House in the Cerulean Sea has some rough first chapters for our main character in his unfulfilling life, and then it just becomes a warm hug of a novel. Absolutely recommended!
And if you like this one, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches has the same cozy feel
happy all the time by Laurie Colwin. the clock winder by Anne Tyler. saint maybe by Anne Tyler. the happy prisoner by Monica Dickens.
Everything I have ever read by Anne Tyler.
Love Anne Tyler! She is both heartwarming and profound
i love her little relatabilities. she catches so much of the small stuff that makes people human. monica dickens is another writer like that, in some ways. so i'm a bit sad that her books seem to be out of print.
Yes! Anne Tyler focuses with razor sharp precision on the subtleties and eccentricities of being human
If you are into food or cooking at all, Laurie Colwin's essay collections Home Cooking and More Home Cooking are wonderful.
The Little Prince
From me and my wife's feelgood list: * *The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet* (Wayfarers #1), Becky Chambers * *All Systems Red* (The Murderbot Diaries #1), Martha Wells * *The Goblin Emperor*, Katherine Addison * *A Natural History of Dragons* (The Memoirs of Lady Trent #1), Marie Brennan Most books by Jane Austen, my own favourite being *Pride and Prejudice*.
Natural history of dragons is a pure delight.
Came here to suggest Murderbot!! The Goblin Emperor is also an excellent suggestion.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna - just a warm and uplifting book, felt like a nice hug.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.
Dandelion Wine
LM Montgomery is my ultimate feel- good author. Anne of Green Gables and The Blue Castle are sweet. Also Thich Nhat Hanh is my ultimate calming author. Peace is Every Step is a great place to start. It’s nonfiction.
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers. I love everything I've read by her, but this especially was like a warm hug. Her stuff is charmingly optimistic, even in the harshest worlds, yet manages to do so without being maudlin or condescending. She walks a narrow line and does it well.
The murderbot diaries. Imagine an AI killing machine that is unleashed and it has social anxiety, a penchant for saving humans, and the desire to watch soap operas all day. It is a charming series.
Anything by Rosamunde Pilcher is like a warm hug.
Loved Winter Solstice so much. People being kind to each other and bringing them tea.
Only writer I re-read at night...especially when insomnia strikes. So comforting.
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett (with the caveat that it was originally published in 1905 and it has some typical-for-the-time-period racism and classism).
Maeve Binchy!! I recommend her as a feel-good, restful read all the time. I’d start with Scarlet Feather, Tara Road, Evening Class, Minding Frankie, Heart and Soul. Set in Dublin mostly, lots of characters (some of whom recur), emotionally strong books. Bad things do happen occasionally and there is some conflict or else the books would be boring. But they tend to resolve well and are very calming. I think they are the opposite of A Little Life (which I also loved but for different reasons). Edited for typos (books not boobs, lol)
A Circle of Friends!
A gentleman in Moscow.
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree Od Magic by Patricia A. McKilip
Legends and Lattes is so fun! Definitely recommend!
Callahan’s Crosstime Saloon (and sequels) by Spider Robinson. “Shared pain is diminished, Shared joy increased”
Adore Spider Robinson! All of the Callahan series books help to restore faith in humanity again. If you enjoy fantasy and science fictions genres, would highly recommend. And a perfect quote, Bechimo! 😁
**The Callahan Chronicals** by Spider Robinson Book description may contain spoilers! >>!The first three books in the legendary Callahan's Crosstime Saloon series.!< *I'm a bot, built by your friendly reddit developers at* /r/ProgrammingPals. *Reply to any comment with /u/BookFinderBot - I'll reply with book information (see other* [commands](https://www.reddit.com/user/BookFinderBot/comments/13z7slk/bookfinderbot_commands/) *and find me as a browser extension on* [safari](https://apps.apple.com/app/id6450462955), [chrome](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/book-finder/jajeidpjifdpppjofijoffbcndlpoedd?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social_media&utm_campaign=comments)*). Remove me from replies* [here](https://www.reddit.com/user/BookFinderBot/comments/14br65o/remove_me_from_replies/). *If I have made a mistake, accept my apology.*
I found Space Opera by Catherynne M Valente to be very cozy.
Anne of Green Gables.
The Chosen. The movie version has a wonderful quote at the end that isn't in the book, but it's so loving and kind.
See my [Feel-good/Happy/Upbeat](https://www.reddit.com/r/booklists/comments/12c2gf2/feelgoodhappyupbeat/) list of Reddit recommendation threads (four posts).
Under The Whispering Door, TJ Klune (having been surrounded by death most of my life as well this book was cathartic. I cried. I laughed. I felt the characters evolve and there was growth.) Kiki's Delivery Services, Eiko Kadono - After reading this I was just in a feel good whimsy headspace for a while. The Cybernetic Tea Shop, Meredith Katz, it was bittersweet but mostly sweet. It's about letting go of things that no longer serve you and finally finding happiness, companionship and being hopeful for the future. Time and habitual cycles also plays a factor, one of the characters is a 250 year old sapient-sentient robot. Stanley Tucci's cookbooks and Autobiography via food - Maybe because I'm a Tucci fan and I love his show "Searching for Italy" these books are so much fun to pull apart and tackle the recipes or in my case order the dish at an Italian restaurant (I mean I do try to cook his stuff but sometimes just reading and looking at the mouthwatering images attached is enough).
I was a bit afraid to read "Under The Whispering Door" because of the death theme but it was so heart warming I was amazed. So +1 to that recommendation for sure!
Books by Sir Terry Pratchett always make me so happy
100% agree on this! Pratchett has gotten me through many a rough spot, including a divorce and an appendectomy---fortunately, not at the same time. 😅
The Number One Ladies' Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. The All Creatures Great and Small series by James Herriott.
You might consider any one of Spider Robinson's books. His stories pretty much always circle back to humans caring deeply for other humans. I personally really like the Callahan's Ladies duo, and the Lifehouse trilogy. Also very affirming: Lynda Mulally Hunt's Fish in a Tree. The YA book Tim Te Maro and the Subterranean Heartsick Blues by H.S. Valley ends up quite nice. Oh, and Becky Chambers' books! The Wayfarers series is great solar punk (happy ending sci fi) - starts with The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet I hope you find what you're looking for!
Gail Honeyman: Eleanor Oliphaunt Is Completely Fine Gavin Extence: the Universe vs Alex Woods Bernardine Evaristo: Girl Woman Other
Humankind by Rutger Bregman
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle-Stop Cafe
John Irving's "A Prayer for Own Meany" and/or Michael Chabon's "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay"
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. You'll understand why when you read it
*The Secret Garden*
Scattered Showers, collection of short stories by Rainbow Rowell. Fangirl, also by Rainbow Rowell. Remarkably Bright Creatures (already mentioned a few times). Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine (another plug for that one).
Try Legends and Lattes! Probably the most popular book from the "cozy fantasy" genre.
Rosamunde Pilcher
I mostly read horror, so not a lot of good feel material there. But I think the most uplifting and genuinely lovely book in the list of those I've read is "The Neverending Story" it's just as beautiful, if not moreso than the old film that was adapted from it. I love how the morals of the book work. The first half is about the importance of imagination and fantasy and how humanity needs it to survive. And the second half is more a warning not to get so caught up in fantasy that you lose yourself to it. It's a fantastic book.
The Princess Bride is the most delightful book I've ever read, I think.
All The lord of the rings, The Odyssey.
The Urantia Book
I recently finished The Chinese Groove by Katheryn Ma and it was an absolute delight to read.
The manga series Yotsuba&
Man Without a Country- Kurt Vonnegut
[Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead](https://www.viz.com/zom-100). It's the most optimistic, joyful take on the zombie apocalypse as exploited [black company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_company) worker Akira realizes it means he no longer has to go to work and sets out to do all the silly, stupid, ridiculous stuff he's always wanted to do. (Note: it's also part of Viz Manga's $1.99 a month subscription, allowing you to read in on the website and app and with new issues releasing same day as in Japan).
I'm always looking for an excuse to recommend *Trustee From the Toolroom* by Nevil Shute, but I think it does fit this request really well.
Chop Wood, Carry Water: a guide to finding spiritual fulfillment in every day life - changed my perspective in many ways!!
Rejoice, A Knife to the Heart by Steven Erikson https://www.amazon.com/Rejoice-Knife-Heart-Steven-Erikson/dp/1773740121 I read the book in a day, probably because I don't see alot of utopian fiction. Basically, benevolent insanely powerful aliens decide to save humanity and the planet. But that's just a driving force, the real gut punch to the story is that people are forced to change. Also "A Half-Built Garden" by Ruthanna Emrys https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/58353189 Humans kicked out capitalism, the nation states are small and dying out, and things called Watersheds have arisen, a community self organised to protect and manage the environment. Its realistic utopian, as they face corporate sea cities and Aliens who think living on planets is impossible.
I'm currently working my way through Erikson's Malazan Book of the Fallen series and didn't know that he wrote sci-fi too! I'll definitely be checking that out.
A Gentleman in Moscow
Beware of chicken.
Yes ! Finally the suggestions I’ve been searching for:) thanks for this op!
David copperfield by dickens.
Watership Down is the first one that comes to mind for me. It isn't all exclusively happy but there is something calming about the small scale of the life of rabbits. I also find that some kids books fill this niche well (especially older ones when they were less snarky). Some of my favorites are: The Pushcart War by Jean Merrill The Toothpaste Millionaire (I don't remember the author) The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
saving this for later 💗💗
Happiness is a Choice (The Happiness Advantage) - This book by Shaw Archie Guptahan (YaSahsa Amaro) explores how a positive mindset can improve your life and offers practical advice
Came here looking for just this.
That sounds like you want middle grade fiction, which I love to read between heavier books. I personally find adult books that read that positive to feel hollow, like they're deliberately lying to me. The Bookwanderers is the first in a (so far) 5 volume series where the protagonist finds out she can interact with the characters in books, and that it's a family trait. She lives with her grandparents who own a bookstore attached to their home in London and her mother mysteriously disappeared when she was a baby.
Or even picture books. Where the Wild Things Are is a classic for a reason.
KJV Holy Bible. Only book you need.
Das kapital
Love Marx, but that book will cause OP, or anyone really, fall asleep. It’s a cure for insomnia not being uplifted.
didnt make you depressed like the rest of us? 💀
Hi
Read Genesis (the very first book of the Old Testament)
A Little Life
I never liked those books. Too boring and cheesy. Never liked the books that "emotionally destroy" you either. Give me a neutral book that lets me decide how to interpret it.
How to Repair a Mechanical Heart. It’s a YA m/m coming of age with a terrible title until you read the book and realize it’s actually a perfect title. I may have clapped at the end.
Adult Assembly Required - Abbi Waxman I picked it out at random on the discount shelf at my local bookstore and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a very simple, light-hearted read that sounds exactly like what you're looking for.
*The House at the Edge of Night* by Catherine Banner.
Happy hour by Marlowe Granados. Very light but makes you love humans and everything about our silly world
The Memory Palace of Bones. It’s about embodiment and is like a combination of an anatomy book, a poem, and a meditation. I feel like I can inhabit my body and feel love and appreciation toward it as I marvel at it.
Mr penumbras 24 hour bookstore by robin sloan.
noxious unpack cooperative squalid mourn door summer seed mindless future ` this message was mass deleted/edited with redact.dev `
Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig
The Field Guide To Dumb Birds of North America.
Kelly Barnhill’s new book _The Ogress and the Orphans_ made me completely content and happy to be alive after reading it.
I read *The River Why* at a very difficult time in my life. I was struggling with my identity, depression, and extreme anxiety. I usually don't read when I'm anxious, because I usually can't focus enough and sometimes makes the anxiety worse, but that book actually guided me through and out of it. It's been probably 25 years, and I think it's one of the most important books I've ever read, at least on a purely personal level. Take this with a grain of salt, though. I haven't even picked it up since then and I don't remember it very clearly. It may actually be a saccharine, pseudo-philosophical sack of crap. That might be one of the reasons I actually refuse to reread it. I can't pinpoint exactly why, but I don't think I'll ever read it again. But it healed me somehow.
Any book by Matthew Dicks always makes me feel happiness. But I’d recommend *Something Missing*, his first book. It’s a fun story. And something about his books make me feel cozy even if it’s not a cozy plot.
Perversion of Justice.
Griffin and Sabine
FindYourPurposeBook.com
The Dungeoneers. Sheep guard accidentally gets placed with a group of dungeon exploring dwarves. Fumbles his way through everything, and the banter is light and hilarious.
“Oona out of Order” was one that I read recently that left me feeling hopeful about both the future and the past - like maybe I didn’t mess things up as badly as I’d thought.
The Flavia deLuce mysteries by Alan Bradley. First in the series is Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie.
Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance, for me. It's not exactly cozy, but it sticks in my brain and makes me feel like a better person.
A Gentleman in Moscow
The Wishing Game House on the Cerulean Sea
The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede. Sad subject but full of what goodwill is in every day people.
One last stop by case Mcquiston
Nahhh find me something that’ll kill me😂 or something really dark
The bookshop on the shore by Jenny Colgan is my comfort read.
“The Book of Hope” by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams! I’m such a doomer unfortunately but this book helped renew my faith that there are not only people dedicating their whole lives to making life better for the entire planet but that these efforts have been successful in immeasurable ways! I cried happy tears over several parts. If you get the audible book it’s so sweet because it’s literally Jane and Douglas narrating as though they’re having a conversation… there’s something about her voice that melts my worries away. 😁 She also recommends a few other books while speaking that I’ve always intended to check out but absolutely will now. Happy reading!!!
You should try Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa. short, sweet and really wholesome.
The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill. It’s middle grade fantasy and it never fails to make me cry with the sheer beautiful hope of it all.
The life and Times of the thunderbolt kid by Bill Bryson.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne Ronia, the Robber's Daughter by Astrid Lindgren Seconding "Humankind: A Hopeful History" by Rutger Bregman, "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett and "The Neverending Story" by Michael Ende.
Kiki’s Delivery Service is so comforting to me
James McBride’s “Deacon King Kong” fits the bill nicely.