The situation most of the world is dealing with right now can be hard on everybody. Filling all this time at home can also get difficult as weeks go by, but for some people, books are a safe space. They are a place we can go to if we want to escape from our minds—and the constant information we receive from media platforms—even if it’s just for a few pages. It really is the best form of escapism! That’s why today we’ve decided to share with you some books that will make you feel happy and brighten up your days. Something very much needed at the moment.
The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
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This novel written by Beth O’Leary follows the story of Tiffy and Leon who become flatmates and even share the same bed, but they have never actually met. Leon has the flat during the day and Tiffy in the evening. That’s why they start to communicate through post-it notes that they leave around the flat for each other. These characters are adorable, Tiffy is strong and goofy and Leon is caring and serious and soft. The Flatshare is a very heart-warming and sweet story with a little taste of British humour. You will definitely have a good time reading it.
It’s perfect for rom-com fans, and it’s easy to devour in one or two sittings! However, there must be a tiny trigger warning since there’s a subtle but honest discussion about some serious topics: mainly emotional and psychological abuse, and manipulation. But this is handled really well and appropriately for the story.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
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This novel feels so young and fresh, McQuiston managed to create an alternate reality that feels plausible and that has a great mix of fluff and heavy topics. It’s a story that will suck you in and won’t let you go. The 400 pages fly by thanks to the chemistry and the banter shared by the main two characters, Alex and Henry, as well as the different events they go through.
The story follows Alex Claremont-Diaz first son of the female president of the United States and Prince Henry of England, both have always been “enemies”, but after an incident, they must pretend to be best friends, for the good of international relationships between the two countries. But they start to become real friends and eventually develop feelings for each other. It’s the perfect book for those who love the enemies-to-lovers trope. The characters are funny, sassy, and smart. It just has the perfect amount of fluff and drama. Another good thing about this book, besides the relationship between Alex and Henry, is the friendships they share with the side characters, who are also a great part of the story and very well written too.
The pop-culture references, the witty humour, the portrayal of motivated, and smart young adults who also have struggles… Everything feels so real and along with the fast pace of the prose, it’s what makes this book enjoyable whilst also sharing an important message. You will turn the last page with a great amount of warm and fuzzy feelings that will stay with you for a while.
Radio Silence by Alice Oseman
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We couldn’t forget about Alice Oseman on a list like this. This is a book that captures in a very authentic and raw way what it is like to be a new adult in this generation. It focuses on the struggles of new adults, academic pressure, and fandoms, as well as friendships. Nowadays, there is so much pressure about having to go to college when maybe, that just isn’t the path for everyone and this is what the main character Frances goes through. She is smart but wants to follow an art career, something that society mainly sees as a hobby. On the other hand, we have Aled, who on top of the college struggles, also deals with depression and is the creator of a famous podcast: Universe City. The portrayal of mental illness is realistic and relatable to so many young people.
One of the main focuses of the book is the purely platonic relationship between Aled and Frances, it shows that two people can love each other without having to be partners. The friendship they share with each other and with the other side characters will definitely make your heart grow bigger. Also, these are all very diverse characters, almost all of them are LGBT+ so you can expect a lot of representation in this book.
You could say this book is a giant love letter to creators and artists, it celebrates art and creativity and it shows that it is valid to want to pursue your dreams. But overall, Radio Silence is also about living your life for you. It’s about becoming who you want to be, even if you don’t know who that person is yet. It is also a book about what it is like to live with a mental illness, the plea to have someone listen to you, and the importance of found families. When you turn the last page of the book, you will feel lighter, valid, loved, and empowered —because the potential of anything already exists in you.
Gmorning, Gnight! Little Pep Talks for Me & You by Lin-Manuel Miranda
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Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the musicals Hamilton and In the Heights, is also known for publishing tweets of encouragement and hope each morning and evening. Some days they’re light-hearted and funny, and other days they’re more inspirational and poignant. This book is a compilation of all these insightful tweets, accompanied by wonderful illustrations made by Jonny Sun.
Reading a couple of pages from this book each morning or night will definitely make you feel a bit better in these trying times!
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
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Fangirl is an acclaimed YA classic —and for good reason. It hits close to home for those of us who consider ourselves fans of something. You all probably know what this one is about but in case you don’t, Fangirl follows a socially anxious girl who is about to move to college and who writes fanfiction about a very well known book. It mainly focuses on fandoms and hidden identities and it also has good mental health rep as well as wonderful character developments. The main characters, Cath and Levi, are adorable and lovable and will make their way into your heart. It’s a very sweet and cute book.
It’s a quick and easy read that will most likely make you feel warm inside, whether you’re reading it for the first time or just rereading it. Even though it was published years ago, Fangirl still holds up to this day. The characters feel realistic and the focus is on fandom which is something that many people can relate to, everyone has that one thing they love with all their heart. If you’ve already read this, a reread is recommended, especially now, because going back to things we already know will make us happy is really helpful when life feels overwhelming.
