The world we live in can be a scary one, filled with what can seem like endless trauma and fear. This is just one of the many reasons why books are so important. There is a certain power that comes with reading. The simple act can instill knowledge, create and change emotions, and immerse us in a world unlike our own. As an avid reader, I have taken Potions Class with Harry at Hogwarts, had countless adventures in 1940’s Manhattan with Vivian and have “rocked out” at The Six’s concerts in LA. To me, the most powerful aspect of reading is that the reader can make the decision about which world to visit next.
These days, between the stress of graduate school and wedding planning, I find myself gravitating towards happy or upbeat books that will immediately put a smile on my face. At PPL, we have been noticing that a lot of our community members are looking for just that: a smile. Here are some titles that are guaranteed to fit the bill:
Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal by Amy Krouse Rosenthal – Part memoir, part collection of observations, Rosenthal and the reader go on a journey of discovery together to relish in what it means to be truly alive in this world.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – The story of Santiago, a shepherd boy on a journey to find a lost treasure. Encountering numerous obstacles and a wonderful cast of characters along the way, Santiago soon finds that the treasure was within him all along.
Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson – In her memoir, Lawson details her struggle with depression and anxiety in the most hilariously, wonderful way. Determined to not let her mental illness control her, Lawson sets out on a quest to be “furiously happy” in life.
My Man Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse – The first book in the series about Bertie Wooster and his valet, Jeeves, Wodehouse’s wonderfully witty play on words is sure to delight any reader.
365 Thank Yous: The Year A Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life by John Kralik – Down in the dumps during the lowest point in his life, Kralik decided to focus on the positives instead of the negatives by penning a thank you note each day. These notes, to anyone and everyone, miraculously turned his life around and gave him the greatest gift of all.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman – Eleanor lacks the appropriate social skills and nothing interrupts her regimented routines…until she meets Raymond. Eleanor, Raymond and an elderly gentleman named Sammy become fast friends who save each other from their otherwise lonely lives.
For more books to make you smile, fiction or nonfiction, visit the booklists on our website or ask a staff member at any service desk!