Even the crummiest of days can be improved with a good read. Whether you turn to philosophical contemplation to improve your mood or just pictures of adorable animals, there are books that will make you happy no matter what your mood is like. A brighter outlook may just be a page away.
Classic children’s books, lectures from brilliant professors, and fanciful stories set in Paris all make the list. Whether you’re feeling super lousy or just want to keep your good mood going, these reads can help you out. Although plenty of great stories are really depressing at their core, these books are powerful and positive at the same time.
And even if you aren’t a huge reader, at least something on this list is bound to spark your interest. These books can whisk you off to London and Paris, the middle of the ocean, or the vastness of space. So whether you’re trying to decompress after a particularly rough workday or just maintain your sanity during the morning commute, reading is an easy way to keep you attention focused on pleasant thoughts for a few minutes. By the time the real world intervenes again, you’ll be in the right frame of mind to take it on.
1
'The Little Paris Bookshop' by Nina George
Monsieur Perdu runs a bookstore from a barge on the Seine, and he excels at matching his customers with the perfect read. But can he use his literary skills to heal his own heart? Nina George's The Little Paris Bookshop is a charming story for book lovers the world over.
2
'The Baron In the Trees' by Italo Calvino
If you've every yearned to just run away from it all, this book is for you. The Baron In the Trees follows Cosimo, an Italian nobleman who decides to live in trees for the rest of his life. His outdoorsy existence works, and he even entices lovers to join him among the branches.
3
'The Last Lecture' by Randy Pausch
Although this book's origin is sad — it's a cancer-stricken professor's last address to students of all ages — The Last Lecture is an upbeat message that encourages readers to work toward their dreams.
4
'The Magic Toyshop' by Angela Carter
Imaginative and romantic, The Magic Toyshop will take you to another world. Follow Melanie as she adapts to a new life in London with strange relatives and an unusual toyshop.
5
'Everything Is Going To Be OK' by Brooke Johnson
This book offers you a pint-sized blast of positivity. Everything Is Going To Be OK features cute designs and encouraging words certain to boost anyone's spirits.
6
'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Even if you read it as a child, The Little Prince is worth another visit. The charming story of a crashed pilot, his otherworldly friend, and their search for meaning in the universe is delightful for readers of any age.
7
'Happiness: Essential Mindfulness Practices' by Thich Nhat Hanh
If you're looking for a deeper study of happiness, then this read is perfect. Thich Nhat Hanh's Happiness: Essential Mindfulness Practices will show you the basics of mindfulness practices that can bring peace to your life.
8
'The Elegance Of The Hedgehog' by Muriel Barbery
Beautiful writing and lovable characters make The Elegance Of The Hedgehog an absolutely delightful journey. You'll meet Renée, a Parisian concierge who is more deeply learned than anyone realizes, and Paloma, a twelve-year-old girl who happens to be a genius. They learn to stop hiding their talents in time.
9
'Love With A Chance Of Drowning' by Torre DeRoche
Get swept up in this romantic story. In Torre DeRoche's Love With a Chance of Drowning, a city girl connects with a man who is just about to sail around the world. She joins him on this adventurous voyage.
10
'Puppyhood' by J. Nichole Smith
What's better than a coffee table book of puppy pictures? Nothing. J. Nichole Smith's Puppyhood will have you laughing and smiling in no time. And don't worry, cat fans: there's also Kittenhood.
11
'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist provides a positive look at one boy's search for the meaning in his life. Follow the shepherd Santiago as he discovers wisdom and learns to recognize opportunity.
