by Tina

Several weeks ago, I offered to write a blog post on “feel-good” books. I hadn’t selected any titles, but I was imagining books that were on the lighter or more distracting side: a beach read, maybe a not-too-sappy inspirational book, or a great suspense novel. I asked my library colleagues for their suggestions. I did get a few titles that would fall into that category, but what surprised me was how many of their choices involved characters facing adversity. And it actually makes perfect sense. We are in challenging times, and it is inspiring to read about people overcoming obstacles and finding meaning.

Emily is a tremendous fan of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, and I agree. When German soldiers occupy the island of Guernsey, the local people can only meet under the cover of a book club. Told in the form of letters written by the society members, this is a deeply engaging story of life under occupation.

Leah recommended one of my all-time favorite titles: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. If by any chance you have not read this captivating novel about a Russian aristocrat under house arrest in a hotel in Moscow, I want to put the book in your hand and insist that you read it. Count Rostov exemplifies grace, integrity, and lightheartedness.

Erika recommends The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay: “an uplifting story about a little British boy navigating through life in South Africa during WWII and the power of positive thinking.”

One of my recommendations is A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby. A disparate group of people show up the same tall building on New Year’s Eve intending to kill themselves. Instead, they end up ordering pizza…and getting all up in each other’s business – in a good way.

Some people chose nonfiction. Lisa enjoyed Becoming by Michelle Obama, and Tara recommended You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero.

Several of our staff members chose children’s and young adult titles. Fiction is a great way for young readers to learn about dealing with adversity, but these are wonderful choices for adults as well.

One of Leah’s top picks is The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak: “Even though it is set during the Holocaust, there is also something joyful and inspiring about the characters…it actually had me feeling hopeful for humanity.”

This recommendation from Danielle is definitely on my “To Read” list: Front Desk by Kelly Yang. Mia is a ten-year-old girl whose family has emigrated from China to the United States. She has to learn to survive in school and help her family operate a rundown motel. Mia and her family find ways not just to endure, but to prevail.

Danielle also recommends Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper, and this book sounds amazing. Melody can’t talk, write, or speak because she has cerebral palsy. But inside, she is brilliant and determined to find a way to let people know this.

I don’t think anyone would choose adversity, but generally we can’t avoid it. I do feel inspired by book in which there is hope, or people are trying to set things right, or behaving like decent human beings in the face of great difficulty.

More feel-good books to come!

Happy Reading,

The Book Goddess