Feel-Good Books EVERY Woman Needs To Read

 What Are Feel-Good Books? 

Feel-Good books are heartwarming stories that inspire feelings of joy, hope and delight in the readers. They transcend genres and can range from cozy mysteries to contemporary novels and beyond. In the current age of media, where shock value and gore seem to be ruling the day; some of us can't help but crave for something that is gentle on the soul. Regardless of your reading preferences, it is important to take the time to revel in the slow consumption of books that make you feel alive. While there are tons of recommendations for such books on the internet, I have put this list together specifically for women. 

1. The Moonlight Dreamers, by Siobhan Curham

It is an incredibly charming little novel about the timeless power of friendship and dreams. Amber has dreams that are too big for the world; but she is determined to find other dreamers who understand her. Her efforts unite three other girls who crave adventure just as much as Amber; and together, they embark on a fun-filled journey of fulfilling dreams and breaking social norms. The Moonlight Dreamers is an ode to all the women out there who feel chained to their circumstances. It is a reminder of the fact that no matter how daunting the situation appears to be, there is always a way out. The book also shines a light on the tenacious beauty of female friendships, that are often looked down upon by society. Novels like this write off the assumption that female relationships are toxic; Instead, it emphasizes the empowering nature of such connections. The four members of the Dreamers Club have unique problems of their own, but they manage to wriggle out of them through a blend of wit, courage and each other's unconditional support. If you ever feel held back by societal expectations, or if your dreams seem too outrageous; pick up this book. You will definitely walk away with a newfound zeal for following your heart no matter what. 

2. The Strange And Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender, by Leslye Walton

I never knew a Young Adult novel could read like a modern fairytale rife with rawness, generational agony and above all, hope. Ava Lavender is an anomaly; she was born with wings. However, this doesn't hold her back from wanting to fit in and exploring life on her own. Soon after, tragedy strikes, and the story takes off in an unexpected but beautiful direction. Unlike the title, the book isn't just about Ava. It is, in fact, a family saga comprising the ins and outs of the Roux family. Ava's family have always been victims of love's cruelty, and their woes are tied to their sorry fate; or so they believe. At its heart, this story is about love, or more specifically, about a woman's fierce ability to love so wholly and passionately that it burns her. The novel ventures into love of all forms; romantic, platonic amd familial. The hauntingly exquisite prose only adds to the otherworldly feeling of the book. It is a reflection of love, loss, longing and joy; and of how these emotions culminate to bring families together. 

3. Convenience Store Woman, by Sayaka Murata

It is a short novella that packs an extremely impactful punch. Thirty-six year old Keiko Furukura js perfectly satisfied with her job at a convenience store, but her family doesn't seem to agree. Everyone pressures her into getting married, having kids, finding a new job etc; but Keiko has ideas of her own. Uplifting and brutally honest, Convenience Store Woman takes a critical look at contemporary hustle culture. It also highlights the absurdity of the standards that most people waste their lives trying to live up to. Keiko's unusual but resolute personality serves as a role model for women who are struggling with feeling left behind in life. This 196 pager prompts women to write their own narrative; one that is aligned with their desires and dreams. Keiko presents a refreshingly brave heroine who is neither rude nor out of touch with reality, but one who understands what she wants out of life. The book also normalizes the desire to live a simple life. Not everyone wants to make a statement or accomplish huge milestones, and that is perfectly fine. 

4. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, by Gail Honeyman

I'm not sure weather to describe this book as a comedy or a tragedy. But what I do know for sure is that it's an artistic portrait of an imperfect woman who learns to open her heart up throughout the novel. Eleanor Oliphant feels that her life is totally normal. What she doesn't realize is that her day-to-day activities are mechanical and devoid of any emotion. Change begins to trickle in when she meets this guy named Raymond and becomes friends with him. Eleanor's character is relatable to anyone who has experienced trauma and is trying to bandage their wounds instead of healing the root. Women are often reluctant to open up and be vulnerable because they don't want to be taken advantage of. This book sends out the message that things don't need to be set in stone. They can change for the better, and sometimes the only way to make your life better is to give others a chance. It is a story brimming with hope for a brighter future and the undeniable beauty of a strong friendship. While some parts of the book are depressing, it is ultimately the perfect pick-me-up for women looking to find new beginnings. 

5. Days At The Morisaki Bookshop, by Satoshi Yagisawa

This is the second time I'm recommending this book on this blog. It checks all the boxes of a great feel-good novel; a female protagonist who is depressed at the beginning, the cozy setting of an old bookshop, the joy of rekindling lost relationships and building new ones in the process. The book follows Takako, who has just been through a rough breakup. When she goes to her uncle's bookshop, her broken heart finds solace in the crisp pages of books. As she makes friends with paper and ink, her connection with her uncle also changes for the better. She starts falling in love with the feel of a small-town and begins to forget he old wounds. The book talks about the importance of keeping your head up at all times and not compromising your self-esteem at any cost. It also serves as a beacon of hope for women who feel lost and purposeless. The novel is fairly short, but it says everything that needs to be said.

These are just some of the feel-good books that  I recommend. If you have any similar recommendations, let me know in the comments below. 

Happy reading folks!