If you love reading, you surely know the comfort and joy of a good book. Books can make you laugh, calm your nerves, provide escapism, help make sense of your problems, or generally lift your spirits. In fact, the earliest-known library ‘motto’ comes from Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13^th Century BCE, whose library inscription said ψγxhσ Iatpeion: The House of Healing for the Soul.

To promote these good vibes and healing, we recently asked you – what books put you in a good mood? Here are some of the responses!

Brida/The Zahir – Paulo Coelho

“Both books marked pivotal changes in my life and offer a lot of self-reflection and allow me to befriend myself and my thoughts. These books both make you in tune with yourself and somehow teach you to look to the world and connect at the same time ? No better time than university to experience such a change and I think everyone should absorb them.”

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – JK Rowling

“A classic that many people have probably read, right? It’s a book that reminds me of childhood and one that I really still love. Always a fun and comforting read for me.”

Black Swan Green – David Mitchell

“I read it at the end of a particularly heavy year, found it really helped me deal with the usual ups and downs of being human. It covers a year in the life of a twelve year old stutterer in a small English village in the 80s, dealing with bullies and his parents’ failing marriage.”

The Martian – Andy Weir

“Mark Watney is a super likeable, funny character you can’t help but root for! And the way everyone helps him is great.”

The Perks of Being a Wallflower – Stephen Chbosky

“Although it’s sad at times, it’s one of my all time favs, I keep coming back to it when I’m at my lowest or need comfort. Reading it is like a hug from a stranger, two strangers. Both the author and Charlie, who gets what I’ve struggled with, ‘being both happy and sad at the same time, and…trying to figure out how that could be’.”

Little Women – Louisa May Alcott

“It reminds me about some good things of how a family is supposed to be and makes me feel at home. I keep reading it whenever I miss home, as it gives me a feeling that my mom is talking to me through that book!”

Tuesdays with Morrie – Mitch Albom

“Beautiful book. It taught me about life and so much more. The lessons Morrie taught Mitch were invaluable. And now, as I go through some tough moments, I’ll hold the values I learned from this book close to my heart and live by it.”

The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

“Because it reminds me of the innocence of childhood, teaches some important lessons of life, and it makes me nostalgic whenever I read it.”

“Actually the best book that draws you out of the real world for a short while.”

“Never fails to make me cry a happy tear (or two)”

Normal People – Sally Rooney

“This isn’t a ‘feel-good’ book in terms of plot really, but it’s so well-written that it really made me feel connected to the characters, their ups and downs and their emotions. That sort of connection helps you to make sense of lonely periods I think.”

Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams

“If all else fails. The first sci-fi book I’ve really enjoyed.”

The Little Coffee Shop of Kabul – Deborah Rodriguez

“Good feel-good read and opens your eyes to other cultures ?”

Pride & Prejudice – Jane Austen

“This book is like THERAPY. It’s book equivalent of getting into your pyjamas with a big cup of tea! A perfect mix of satire and sweetness.”

Good Omens – Terry Pratchett

“Feel good with gay undertones ? (amazing show too)”

The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric Carle

“Lots of tasty fruits.”

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind – Yuval Noah Harari

“Because the book talks about the evolution of humans. VERY INTERESTING.”

Outlander – Diana Gabaldon 

“It gives me every kind of feeling possible!”

On The Road – Jack Kerouac 

“The book gave me Goosebumps and courage me to travel a lot and escape my comfort zone.”

The Dragon Keeper – Robin Hobb

“It is adventurous, fun, mysterious and enjoyable to read.”

Bewitched and Bewildered – Alanea Alder

“Always makes me literally laugh out loud, even several re-reads in ?”

The Girl with all the Gifts – M.R. Carey 

“I’m not even finished and I already would recommend it. Really well written and well-paced. A ‘zombie’ story, but makes it intellectual.”

Along for the Ride – Sarah Dessen 

“Cute romance with a protagonist who steps out of her shell and lives life.”

Between Shades of Grey – Ruta Sepetys 

“‘Have you ever wondered what a human life is worth? That morning, my brother worth a pocket watch’. These were the words I saw on the book summary and I knew I would love this book straight away. And I was right, this was a hella good book.”

Into The Wild – Jon Krakauer

“This book feels like a breath of fresh air, and makes me feel like anything is possible. I don’t think that’s the point of the book, as it’s not necessarily a ‘happy ending’…but it certainly promotes introspection and FREEDOM.”

The Picture of Dorian Gray

“Makes me grateful I don’t have a secret portrait that documents all my sins.”