Recently, I’ve taken on more than I could chew. Between work, blogging, getting ready to move, and just general life annoyances – it was time to take a break! I felt my time was better spent this week just reading and letting myself relax a bit more than usual. So, after quite a few novels and a couple coloring books, I finally feel inspired to blog again!

The following recommendations are for anyone going through a tough time right now. Be it too much stress, a break-up, or all the crazy things going on in the world  – we can all use a little shelfspiration from time to time! I realize the perfect feel-better read is different for everyone – take my best friend and me for instance, she wants something happy that will make her laugh, while I like to start out with a tear jerker and work my way to the humor. We all find inspiration from different places! I hope you’ll find one or two titles that will make you smile or make your day a little brighter while you read. 🙂

Pure Inspiration – Feel the Power!

Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman by Lindy West

I am absolutely loving her spirit! Not just for the curvy girls like myself, Shrill perfectly encompasses what it is to be a woman. From body issues to love and heartbreak, she covers it all sharing uproarious personal stories that will have you laughing in no time!

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

I’m going to use first names here, after reading Wild and listening to her podcast, Dear Sugar, for so long, I feel like I kind of know her – Cheryl is an amazing writer who brought herself back to life with the help of the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,659 mile long trail across California. Her story is nothing short of amazing. If she can win life, so can we!

For Laughter:

My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows

This novel is a perfect mix of middle grade humor, historical fiction, and YA fantasy. A strange mix, yes, but it totally works! Their retelling of Lady Jane Grey might not be entirely true, but it is definitely entertaining. Told more like a fairy tale, Lady Jane will rise against the conspiracy to save herself and those she loves dear, all while married to a horse. (You seriously have to read this book!)

Anything by Tom Robbins

I’m pretty sure I’ve said this before, but I’ll say it again – Tom Robbins is an absolute literary genius! He’s been one of my favorite writers for several years now, and I don’t see that changing any time soon. He writes between the lines of philosophy and satire that will have you thinking and laughing all the while. Try out Still Life with Woodpecker for a healthy dose of weird, humor, and romance.

The Martian by Andy Weir

Yes, he’s stuck on Mars, but the man is absolutely hysterical! Between the science, near-deaths, and crazy McGyver moves, Watney’s still able to find the humor in his situation. If he can beat the odds and still laugh about it – so can we!

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gayman

I’m currently listening to the audio version, and it was definitely the way to go. Hilarious and down-right ridiculous, this novel is the perfect feel-better novel for me. With the end of the world approaching and a misplaced Antichrist – things are going to get weird!

If You Need a Good Cry:

The Fault in Our Stars by John Greene

I remember reading this with a box of tissues…and then I immediately watched the movie via Amazon to cry even more. If you need a good cry, need to get all the emotions out to move on, this is a safe bet.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

The DVD release date is set for August 30th – you can pretty much guarantee that’s when I’ll be reading this book.

For Distraction:

Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen

Set in a utopia called the Tearling, Kelsea Raleigh must risk it all to claim her kingdom, but once crowned Queen, she’ll inadvertently declare war on the sorceress queen of Mortmesne. Full of intrigue, daring betrayals, treacherous battles, and mystical jewels, The Queen of the Tearling will definitely distract you from your troubles as you try to piece together the mystery that is the Tearling! Bonus: no major romances in the first book!

For Comfort:

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

What’s better than an old childhood favorite to make you feel better!? Every time I read from this series, it’s like coming home to a big hug!

What are your feel-better reads?