For a long time, we’ve dreamed about holing up for a few months with a pile of books. We’d be in permanent cozy socks, have endless amounts of tea (and coffee), and be cocooned in comfy blankets. While quarantining is much more stressful and scary than cozy and comfortable — books are giving our brains perfect mental escapes. And as much as we wish we wanted to check off some lengthy books off our bucket list (you know the ones — Moby Dick, Middlemarch, Infinite Jest), we’re craving light-hearted, soul-filling reads that are the equivalent of slinking into a bubble bath.
So if you (like us) want to swap your screens for a good old fashioned book every once in a while, here are 16 books with feel-good vibes keeping our spirits up during quarantine. Because even though we can’t travel the world or meet up with friends in person right now, doesn’t mean we can’t transport our minds to places far away from our living rooms.
16 books with feel-good vibes keeping our spirits up during quarantine
1. How to Make a Plant Love You
Plant parents, this book will nourish your nature-loving soul! In How to Make a Plant Love You, Summer Rayne Oakes shares everything you need to know about bringing the outdoors in and why forming a deeper bond with nature is so enriching. The guidebook also includes tips on how to see the world from a plant perspective and ways to find the right plant species for your home. 🌱
2. HumanKind: Changing the World One Small Act At a Time
Looking for heart-warming stories of kindness and compassion? HumanKind by Brad Aronson was made for you. But the book isn’t only full of uplifting stories that will move you to happy tears, it’s also packed with practical and actionable tips for how to be kinder in your everyday. One thing is for sure: after you put this book down, you’ll feel inspired to do something nice for someone else. And because of that, we think this is one of the best books on the planet!
3. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)
Reading Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling will make you feel like you’re hanging out with a friend — which is something we’re craving a lot right now. Between entertaining college anecdotes and fun observations about life and love, this book is sure to make you laugh out loud as you turn the pages. And once you finish this read by Kaling, check out her other book, Why Not Me? It doesn’t disappoint!
4. The Alchemist
“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.” It’s lines like these that make The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho the ultimate source for lessons in life and love. So if you’re in need of an inspiring pep talk to pursue your dreams and go after what you want, you’ll inhale this book and love every minute of it.
5. Your Brain Needs a Hug: Life, Love, Mental Health, and Sandwiches
Just the title of this book by Rae Earl makes us feel a little lighter. And we don’t know about you, but our brains could definitely use a hug right now. While the book is geared towards teens, we found Earl’s advice to be relevant for all ages — particularly for anyone who struggles with depression, anxiety, social media addiction, and self-esteem issues. TBH, pretty much anyone can benefit from this book!
6. Do Unto Animals
We absolutely DEVOURED this book by Tracey Stewart. Whether you’re looking for tips on how to better understand skunks and squirrels or read your pet’s body language, every page is full of compassionate wisdom about to treat animals in a way that they deserve. Also, the illustrations are absolutely beautiful — we nearly wanted to pet the pages because the animal drawings were so lovable.
7. The Art of Flaneuring: How to Wander with Intention and Discover a Better Life
If you’re dreaming of long walks outside as you stay inside — this book by Erika Owen will surely inspire you. It’s a simple and sweet read that’ll get you excited to wander wherever you are and find a rejuvenated purpose in walking just to walk.
8. Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration
This interactive journal by Meera Lee Patel is full of supportive prompts, inspiring quotes, and cute illustrations. We love it for so many reasons, but it’s especially useful as we’re staying in because it gives us a space to clear our heads and let our imaginations take shape. And there’s something extremely therapeutic about completing all the little activities and reading through the colorful pages.
9. What A Time To Be Alone
If you’re living alone or feeling isolated, we’re begging you to read this book by Chidera Eggerue! You’ll not only find empowerment in loving your own company, but you’ll also find a recharged sense of appreciation for yourself. P.S. Be sure to grab a pencil while you read, you’ll want to underline so much of Eggerue’s sassy wisdom.
10. The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down
The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim is one of those books you’ll want to carry around in your pocket and share with everyone you see. And especially as we’re all navigating our worlds that look a whole lot different right now, Sunim’s words give just the right amount of comfort and optimism.
11. Love for Imperfect Things
Truly, this book is like a cozy blanket and cup of tea for the mind! Another beautiful work by Haemin Sunim is Love for Imperfect Things. Sunhim writes about how to channel more compassion in all areas of our lives — from family dynamics to self-care. We also love all the illustrations that made the pages pop with happy color.
12. Joyful
With a title like Joyful, we knew this book would make us smile. But we didn’t know we’d suddenly feel more inspired to add more colors to everything from our wardrobe to our nail polish! Ingrid Fetell Lee’s book is full of research about why certain things bring us joy (like sunsets and cherry blossoms) and how we can harness our surroundings to live more fully.
13. The Authenticity Project
Fiction addicts, The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley is a must for your TBR list. The story is quirky, uplifting, and positive (without being cheesy)! And the lovable characters come together in a light-hearted, relatable way that made us wish the book never ended.
14. My Not So Perfect Life
This book by Sophie Kinsella is so comforting, feel-good, and fun = exactly what we’re looking for right now! Plus, we love reading anything based in London. Just us?
15. The Jetsetters
Feeling all the wanderlust right now? SAME. The Jetsetters by Amanda Eye Ward will take you to Athens, Rome, and Barcelona with a fun cast of characters that’ll truly make you feel like you’re along for the ride.
16. A Tree Grows In Brooklyn
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith is one of those books that will make you feel like a better, changed person after reading it. Smith’s insights on nature, humanity, and everything from bricks to bathtubs are absolutely beautiful. And while this book is full of incredible hardship, it will also make you laugh and feel soulful warmth.
Want to read more happy stories? Check these out!
