Books are a brilliant way to take a break from the real world. Whether you're looking for comfort, a laugh, or just a moment to switch off, getting lost in a good story can lift our day and transport us to new worlds. Besides, life as an adult can be a lot; work, chores, and somehow deciding what to have for dinner every single night. At the same time, we can also feel like we are drowning in negative, upsetting news headlines. It’s no wonder we sometimes feel a bit worn out. 

This is where books can make such a huge difference. The right read can lift your mood, give you a fresh perspective, or simply let your mind wander somewhere new for a little while. Some stories make us feel seen, others fill us with hope, and the very best ones leave us smiling by the end. This is why I read, and “feel good fiction” is my absolute favourite genre. 

So, here are my top “feel good” reads to pick you up when you need it most. If you want more information on any of these books, click on the cover image to go to their Goodreads page.

Disclaimer: This article started as my “top 5” and it just keeps growing! Come back in a month to see my “top 50” list, as I will undoubtedly keep adding to it! 

1. “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman

This book is perfect for anyone who feels different, like they don’t fit the mould, or often finds themselves on the outside looking in (which, I fear, is most people most of the time!). It’s a title that has been around for a while, having been published in 2017, and has been a firm favourite for many book club discussions. 

This novel tackles tricky topics like mental health, loneliness, resilience, emotional and personal growth, neatly brought together with a plotline focusing on human connection and the kindness of strangers. But the main reason this book has made it onto my list is the feeling it left me with. This book made me want to be kinder, as well as giving me hope that others in the world hold this important quality. It has also made me more understanding and accepting of people’s differences. I still think of the FMC today, after reading this book many years ago, and often see her qualities in myself and others.

2. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama

When life feels difficult, we often look for comfort in people we trust, admire, or relate to. This is why autobiographies can be so powerful. They show us real-life stories and clear evidence that tough times make tough people. This can then provide us with hope in the face of our own challenges. 

Obama’s autobiography is gritty. It takes us back to her childhood and talks frankly about the journey it took her to become the woman she is today (hence the title!). Despite her life potentially feeling far removed from us “ordinary” people, she covers topics many of us have experienced, including impostor syndrome, vulnerability, ambition and finding purpose. This book is ideal for anyone looking for the motivation to climb an uphill, uncertain battle as it provides buckets of positivity and hope. 

3. “All The Lonely People” by Mike Gayle

I have been a big fan of Mike Gayle’s easy-to-read writing style for a while now, and this was the first of his novels that I picked up. I was immediately drawn in by the adorable and warm MMC; the whole book just feels like a warm hug. 

The reason this book has made it onto the list is because it revolves around exactly the topic I am writing about - the main character is going through a tough time, which we learn more about as the book progresses. At the same time, we see a beautiful community gather around him to provide joy, hope and meaning in his life again. For anyone else struggling, for whatever reason, this book is the perfect reminder that there can be light in even the longest and darkest of tunnels. 

4. “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig

I could have picked any one of Matt Haig’s beautiful novels for this article and they would have fit the criteria. Uplifting, thought-provoking and hopeful novels are Haig’s speciality, and he does it so well. I chose “The Midnight Library” because, I feel, it has some of the most beautiful imagery he has ever written. This novel is also a crowd pleaser; it is loved by fantasy readers, contemporary fiction readers, romance readers and those who love time-travelling in their books. 

The main question running through this novel is “what makes life worthwhile?” as the FMC, stuck between life and death, experiences her life in alternative realities. The themes include choice, regret, second chances and self-discovery as the main character finds her purpose in life again. This book left me pondering some big questions about my own life and I still think about it, years after reading the final page. 

5. “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” by Rachel Joyce 

Of all the books on this list, this is the one I have read most recently. It was recommended to me by a friend, who knows I love uplifting reads, after she found this book at an important time for her. It’s a stunning novel with a surprisingly simple plotline.

This book focuses on a retired MMC travelling to visit a dying friend. His journey isn’t a typical one but, along the way, we are treated to humour and emotional insight, loss and forgiveness, and a reminder of the importance of kindness and hope. It is uplifting and powerful, as it focuses on a journey of self-discovery and the hidden strength we all have within us. It’s a reminder that we all need once in a while! 

6. “The Authenticity Project” by Clare Pooley 

This is my “go-to” recommendation when anyone asks me for an easy, uplifting read - I have lost count of the number of people I have told to read this! I adore all of Clare Pooley’s books, thanks to her witty and humorous writing style, but this one is by far my favourite thanks to its beautiful messages and lovable characters. 

Much like the title suggests, it focuses on authenticity and, in doing so, brings together a mismatch of beautiful characters. These characters, who are brought together via a notebook, each have their own story with its own key theme, including community, redemption, self-acceptance and isolation. For me, one of the most important themes it explores is something many of us face on a daily basis; the idea of image versus reality, especially in relation to social media. It manages to cover so much, but does it in an uplifting and positive way. 

7. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear

Self-help books are like Marmite - people either adore them or avoid them entirely. Personally, I have found great value in the support and inspiration they can provide. I rarely re-read books, but Atomic Habits is one I come back to time and time again when I feel like I need to get back on track with my habits and goals. 

Clear’s only book focuses on tools for making and sticking to good habits as well as breaking bad habits. But it is so much more than that - it’s an uplifting reminder that change doesn’t need to be huge or take a mammoth effort. Instead, it teaches us small, digestible and achievable steps we can all take today. It’s a self-help book that doesn’t feel like a chore, which is so important when life is already feeling difficult. 

BONUS: “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” by Charlie Mackesy

Unlike the other books on this list, the beauty of this novel comes from the illustrations just as much as the words. Charlie Mackesy is one of those frustrating people who is talented in so many ways, as showcased in this novel. This book is also suitable for people of all ages and the story can resonate with a wide audience, adding to its power. 

It is not a long book, but it is packed full of philosophical questions and lessons, celebrating all the things that are important during tough times; friendship and loyalty, kindness and empathy, vulnerability and tenderness. A large part of what makes this book so enjoyable is exactly what makes it different. The minimal text but stunning visuals really help to transport you, whilst also allowing you to fill in any gaps yourself, making the messages and stories truly relevant to anyone who picks this up. 

I hope this list has given you some inspiration for tackling difficult times and coming out the other side stronger. If anyone reading this is facing hard times, please remember the wise words of Winnie The Pooh: “You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” 

Happy reading, everyone!