I was destined to become an English major. Sure, I’ve also attached French to my diploma, but if there’s one area of study that I identify with most, it’s the field of books, always read literature enthusiast. Maybe it’s the sense of possibility I always feel when I walk into the library, or the palpable warm feeling on the shelves of my favorite bookstore. Whatever it is, my head into one of my happiness books is the best place to stay.
I am fortunate to be surrounded by countless sharers my love read (and its physical representation too – new book smell, anyone?). I met my best friends at book clubs, bond with strangers about our appreciation for the classics, and I’m more inspired every day by the recommendations shared by my celebrity Camille Styles. Seriously — we have a dedicated Slack channel for summaries and kick off every editorial team meeting to reflect on what we’ve read. We are obsessed with it.
To help you get on with your literature, we’ve rounded up our Goodreads and rounded up the books we reach and read. (and re-read) whenever we need a mood boost. While the list includes books that you wouldn’t immediately label “happy books,” they all inspire us to love deeper, laugh more, and live each day to the fullest. Now that I think about it, isn’t that happiness?
Featured image of Michelle Nash.
Ordered
Let’s make it a reality.
Get my FREE Vision Workbook to your inbox. A resource to help you purposefully set (and actualize) goals in six changeable areas of your life.
Thank you for registering!
Oh!
Looks like you registered or your email address is not valid.
Oh!
Looks like you unsubscribed before click here to re-register.
8 happiness books to inspire personal growth
Great magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Same author of Eat and pray for love and Signature of all things wrote her first non-fiction book on the creative lifestyle. You can get a physical copy, but I recommend buying an audiobook for this one. I’ve heard this book many times over the past few years, turning to it whenever I need more encouragement or wisdom. – Nihel, Social Media Manager
A gift from the sea by Anne Morrow Lindberg
While this is not a book that will make you laugh out loud or smile with its funny, clever quotes, it does. To be a beautiful piece that contains resounding obviouss about what it means to be a woman, to be a woman to live a life that is true and true to you. If you read A room of my own in college and immediately feel the need to push with strength and independence, consider this a softer statement — but a statement nonetheless.
Lindberg’s writing will inspire you not only to create space for yourself every day, but to obsessively write down half of the book’s sentences and post affirmations around your house. I am speaking from personal experience.
My favorite quote (and perhaps the most famous quote of the book): “The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. To dig for treasure shows not only impatience and greed, but also a lack of faith. Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, empty, choiceless like a beach — waiting for a gift from the sea. ” – Isabelle, Managing Editor
Mountains are you by Brianna Wiest
I can’t get enough Brianna Wiest. I started reading one of her other hugely popular books (and for good reason), 101 essays that will change the way you think, and my life was forever changed. Her mastery recently blew me away in Mountains are you, a book about why we can’t get rid of our most toxic habits and how we must step out of our own way to reach our potential. It’s a reference book for life—one you’ll want to start your day off and give to all your closest friends. – Edie, healthcare collaborator
Coporation, group by Christie Tate
At first glance, you might think: hmmm, a summer of reading feels interesting? But believe me when I tell you that this page turner has inspired me and I hope that with enough perseverance and a lot of hard work, we all really possible live our best lives. Although sometimes the paths we take may not be what we dream of, there is still beauty to be found in the unexpected. – Anne, contributing editor
Guernsey Literary and Potato Pie Association by Mary Ann Shaffer
For this one, I watched the first movie. (It’s on Netflix—You must see!) On a rare occasion, I loved the movie and the book equally. Summary: A London writer bonds with the colorful residents of Guernsey as she learns about the book club they founded during the German occupation during World War II.
If you love trivia like “family found” and “small city fiance-hunk-make-big-city-big-city-big-city-to-beore,” this book is for you. is for you. It is told in letters, which I find very creative and engaging. I thought it might take away some of the focus and details of the story, but it’s quite the opposite. It’s a quick read and while some of the plot lines are heavy, they’re handled with flair and care. I also like the ending. – Brittany, Content Marketing Manager
A short guide to a happy life by Anna Quindlen
This is one of my all time favorite books. I keep it by my bed so I can pick it up and read a random chapter whenever I need something uplifting. I cry every time I read it, but in a nice way that makes me want to hug all the people I love and never take them for granted. Bonus: You can read this book from beginning to end in about an hour. – Camille, Editor-in-Chief
Everything and Everything by Fannie Flagg
Why do you recommend it: You may have heard her name associated with the famous movie, Fried green tomatoes at Whistle Stop cafe. But trust me: Flagg has a lot of good things to come. At the age of 77, she has 11 books (written between 1981 and 2020). Each book features lovable, lovable, and quirky characters who find themselves winning various challenges (often involving Epic stories and journeys). While you should definitely start diving right away, I recommend slowing down your engagement with my favorites: Standing in the rainbow and I still dream about you. – Isabelle, Managing Editor
The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff
If you want to know about Taoism through witty and intelligent dialogue, look no further Dao of Pooh. This beautiful, easy-to-understand book shares real life lessons that can help lead you to your own personal code of ethics. Think of this less as an introduction to religion and more as a guide to finding happiness, fulfillment, and purpose through identifying what’s important — and ignoring the rest. – Brandy, Motherhood Contributor
