14 Happy Books to Make You Smile

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Some books make you laugh, others make you cry, while others can do a combination of anything in between.

Because we’re bombarded with bad news everywhere, from TV, radio, and social media, it can be hard to find reading material that actually increases happy hormones.

Although it might seem superficial to expect a book to make you happy, some books really are written to give you an uplifting boost, whether it be through the positive outlook of the protagonist or a conclusion that leaves you feeling satisfied and hopeful at the end.

14 Uplifting Books to Read This Year 

Here are some uplifting books to add to your TBR (To Be Read) pile. 

1. All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot

James Herriot is a young veterinarian who moves to Yorkshire, a rural area in northern England, where he must learn the strange dialect and amusing ways of the locals, as well as master the very old equipment in order to heal the town’s pets and livestock. This heartwarming and witty storytelling details the author’s own personal experiences. 

2. The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank by Erma Bombeck 

This comedic book follows the Bombecks, a family enchanted by everything they hear about the magical land of Suburbia. But what happens when the suburbs aren’t all they expected, and they find stunted trees, cramped houses, and a lawn with no grass? This unique look at suburban life and how expectations compare with reality is sure to make you laugh.

3. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery 

This story features an 11-year-old orphan mistakenly brought to the elderly Cuthberts siblings. Anne Shirley’s innocent, though failed, attempts at being good will surely put a smile on your face. This is the first book in a series that follows Anne all the way to marriage and her own children’s stories, all of which are rich in all the colors of human emotion. 

4. Five Children and It by E. Nesbit 

This children’s book is full of comedic escapades as four children discover a genie-like creature called the Psammead, who willingly grants them one wish a day. The caveat? Their wishes are not exactly what they bargained for, and each day has them hurrying the day to its end so they can go back to normal. 

5. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan 

In 1949, four Chinese mothers meet in San Francisco and start to play mahjong regularly, where they also eat dim-sum and talk about their lives. Instead of wallowing in their loss, they focus on raising their spirits and their financial resources, calling themselves The Joy Luck Club. 

6. The Twenty-One Balloons by William Pene du Bois 

Professor William Waterman Sherman initially plans to take a long balloon ride as a rest from his teaching. His journey brings him to the volcanic island of Krakatoa, where he finds a world of eccentric people, strange inventions, and wealth.

7. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson 

This memoir of Bryson’s personal experiences—or should we say, misadventures?—as he and a friend hike the Appalachian Trail will have you laughing out loud as you read! Plus, you’ll get a closer look at nature that may perhaps inspire you to take a hike yourself. 

8. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George 

Who doesn’t love a bookseller who can recommend the best novels to his emotionally troubled customers? But he can’t prescribe anything for his own heart problems. This novella offers an excellent picture of the healing power of books. 

9. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

This classic tale of how the very opposite Mary and the bedridden Colin are transformed by the power of a secret garden in Colin’s father’s home is a go-to feel-good book. It might even give you insights that will help you find healing for your own depressing thoughts. 

10. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott 

Another classic, this book follows the story of the four March sisters as they try to live up to their father’s encouragement as his “little women” while he’s away serving as chaplain in the Civil War. If you enjoy this book, you also get to have sequels to look forward to: Good Wives, Little Men, and Jo’s Boys.

11. Every Bitter Thing is Sweet by Sara Hagerty

Adoptive mom of four children from Africa, Sara Hagerty shares her experiences in learning to rejoice in her lack and weaknesses as a way to bring her closer to her Creator. She is also very candid about her grief over not being able to bear biological children, making this a poignant yet hopeful look at life.

12. Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder 

This book became the series title, although the series technically starts with Little House in the Big Woods. This enchanting tale of growing up during the pioneer years is a definite feel-good book, detailing daily life from the perspective of the young Laura Ingalls. 

13. Spark Joy by Marie Kondo

Minimalist advocate Marie Kondo shares her perspectives on joy and how to find them in the things you surround yourself with. Not only will you get absolute positive vibes from this book, but it also gives you practical tips to keep yourself surrounded by items that spark joy.

14. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

The author spent a year exploring the simple things in life that make her happy, and chronicles it in this book. She looks at scientific information, ancient wisdom, and even insights from popular culture, and concludes that challenge and novelty are great contributors to happiness, while also debunking other myths about happiness.

Reading Happy Books 

If you usually read sad or terrifying books, consider adding a book or two with an uplifting message, and watch how it makes a difference in your mood!

We hope this list will help you get started in choosing books that are encouraging and give you positive vibes! 

Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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