An English teacher once told me that a book didn’t count unless it had literary merit. it was not worth reading unless it contributed something to the global canon of literature. that thought has stayed with me not because it inspired me but because it offended me so much. literature is a confused hybrid of art and entertainment that finds a home with people in both extremist camps. as I’ve gotten older, I’ve only doubled down on my opinion that snobbery and shame only serve to discourage people from reading. I believe that books can comfort, transport, entertain and distract in the best way. Just as HBO showed the world that television could be done well and be culturally valuable, books that amaze the intelligentsia continue to serve their purpose in society. most people most days look for books to be captivated.
I dedicated my career to engaging with literature on a critical level, but when I graduated, the first books I bought to read for the sheer joy of it weren’t the ones my teacher would have approved of (and I enjoyed them all along). more for that reason).
You are reading: Books to make you feel better
Recently, I found myself looking at my bookshelves, running my fingers down the spines of old favorites and wishing I could read them again for the first time. Books like Pride and Prejudice seem more valuable to me now than ever. it’s been done ad nauseam, it’s a mind-blowing cliché, and yet it’s one I’d return to as an old friend at this point. I know it will keep me company and take me through the English countryside, familiar characters and true love. it’s like my mom’s macaroni and cheese in book form.
I would encourage everyone who stays at home to reread a novel from their childhood or reread an old book to feel good. Canada’s independent bookstores are implementing curbside delivery services to stay in business. why not choose a beautiful edition of a family history? receiving a package just for the sake of comfort and company is the ultimate self-care.
If you run out of ideas, here are some book recommendations that will make you feel good:
24 hours of darkness bookstore
This evocative book could be set in your favorite overly cramped and dusty used bookstore, if the store also housed coded tombs that a cast of quirky characters are obsessed with. Brilliant Silicon Valley tech meets old world coding in this short and fun mystery.
the amazing adventures of kavalier & clay
This Pulitzer Prize-winning fiction feels even more relevant now than it did on its 2000 release thanks to the renewed fervor of the Avengers superheroes and their ilk. This humorous look at the American dream through the eyes of two Jewish cousins creating comics in Brooklyn before, during, and after World War II is a delightful adventure.
See Also: The 18 Best NLP Books (to Read in 2022) | UpJourney
the night circus
If a neo-noir fantasy romance set in the 1920s had pages, it would be this novel. the writing is slow, casting its spell with beautiful prose and images. the motto of this book is magic, set in time and space with a mysterious circus that unites everything.
the bees
Told from the perspective of a bee throughout its life, this novel is surprisingly scientifically accurate as well as a poignant allegory for overcoming differences and obstacles in the face of adversity from nature and humans. companions.
good wishes
two of the best modern fantasy writers come together to create a “what would you do if it were the end of the world?” scenario narrated from the double perspective of an angel and a demon, two unlikely friends who have become very fond of the earth. The book is packed with personality, humor, and all the hallmarks of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s writing. it’s just a romp, really.
the princess bride
This fake book within a real book that inspired a classic movie is the pinnacle of an adventure novel. William Goldman takes all the existing tropes established by Treasure Island and others in the genre and evokes an out-of-print imaginary classic that includes all the conventions with commentary provided throughout.
See Also: Jules Verne – Book Series In Order
jitterbug perfume
This 1985 cult classic is easy to read and just plain magical. Intertwining stories set in ancient Eurasia and the present day, Jitterbug perfume is an epic of magical realism, alchemy, fragrance, and the quest for eternal life.
the art of creating memories
meik wiking, CEO of the happiness research institute in denmark, introduced hygge to the rest of the world and taught us how to make our homes as welcoming as possible. This book on memory is the ultimate comfort reading for difficult times because it provides hope for our sanity and, ultimately, our happiness. can also give you some ideas on how to create lasting moments of happiness during the pandemic.
how to be idle: a slacker’s manifesto
This is a good candidate for anyone feeling guilty about not starting that big project while in isolation. it is difficult to live in these conditions, and this case of slow life is one to consider now that we finally have the time to do so.
the rosie project
any chick would fit this list. the genre is the perfect palate cleanser, striking a balance between real world settings and impossible scenarios. You’re almost guaranteed a happy ending, and that’s what we all need right now. the rosie project is a good choice because of its humor, heartwarming, and the least amount of cheesy embarrassment (in my opinion).
________
never miss a story. sign up for nuvo’s weekly newsletter here.
See Also: 20 Best Zombie Audiobooks to Satisfy Your Cravings | Audible.com