Anna Maria Richards
Books can serve as incredible learning tools that help us better understand ourselves and the world we live in. They can provide valuable knowledge through practical information or compelling stories that spark our imaginations and broaden our horizons. But this doesn’t necessarily have to be the case with every book you read.
Sometimes, there’s nothing better than a well-crafted story that simply makes you feel good. Whether it’s due to a string of witty punchlines, a wholesome ending, or sheer absurdity, there are bound to be some feel-good reads for you to indulge in when you need a mood booster. Here are some great books to get you through 2020.
Bossypants by Tina Fey
Tina Fey’s work on the likes of 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live has cemented her reputation as a comedic legend. Knowing this, one can’t be surprised that Bossypants is an instant classic. The comedian’s memoir packs moments of tenderness with the occasional nugget of wisdom to make a hilarious recollection of her rise to fame, ensuring that you’ll remember the book long after you’ve had your last laugh.
Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple
In Where’d You Go Bernadette, the former TV writer of shows like Ellen and Arrested Development delivers a hilarious story about a married couple planning a trip to Antarctica for their daughter. Of course, the plan quickly devolves, turning this family drama into a twist-and-turn hunt for dearest Bernadette.
Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
You wouldn’t typically head to the sci-fi section for a feel-good read, but Cat’s Cradle strikes a giggle-inducing balance between thought-provoking and comically bizarre. With a signature presence of irony and dark humor, Kurt Vonnegut provides a fascinating insight into his fatalistic vision of the future.
Hour of the Lion by Cherise Sinclair
Like any genre, trashy romance novels can be hit-or-miss, but Cherise Sinclair’s first entry into the Wild Hunt Legacy series is a definite hit. Hour of the Lion tells the story of a covert ops agent tasked with uncovering the truth about a mystical group of creatures known as animal-shifters. Expect intrigue, humor and of course, plenty of passion as you page your way through this paranormal romance.
We Are Never Meeting in Real Life by Samantha Irby
This rip-roaring compilation of essays includes blogger Samantha Irby’s take on issues such as weight, race, and illness in a comedic and relatable tone. If the smart and edgy style tickles your fancy, the writer’s first book, Meaty, is also a worthy addition to your reading list for the year ahead.
Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
A loose adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, Bridget Jones’s Diary is about a single woman trying to make it in London while also attempting to find love. The story unfolds in tell-all fashion, often leading you to question whether you should really be laughing at the character’s pitfalls. Comforting and entertaining, this is one story you won’t want to miss.
With books like these, you can rest assured that even your worst days in 2020 will be promptly cured with a hilarious story. There are plenty more books out there to discover, so don’t hesitate to find your own feel-good reads once you’re done paging through our recommendations.
