Anyone else looking to get a whole lot of reading done in the next few weeks? I know I definitely am! I wanted to do a little round-up of books I’ve read over the years that I’ve absolutely LOVED and I think are the perfect “vibe” for this strange strange time we’re experiencing.
My main criteria for these picks:
- has to be a book I LOVED
- has to be a book that’s overall pretty uplifting
- and has to be a book that’s not too dystopian. Although if reading a dystopian novel right now is your jam I highly recommend Followers by Megan Angelo.
Happy Reading 🙂
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Uplifting Books to Read Right Now:
If you can’t stop talking about Love is Blind: 
Playing with Matches by Hannah Orenstein
Everything about this book was totally my jam. It’s a charming rom-com with an intelligent female lead. She’s got a super interesting job as a matchmaker. AND she’s an NYU alum. There are SO many “insider” references to the NYU experience and living in the Village. But even if you’re not a New Yorker or NYU alum you’ll still love this book.
I read this book in ONE DAY. It’s something I’ve only done once, and that my friends was with this book. In my opinion, an absolute must-read if you’re looking for something light but juicy to read.
And BTW, Hannah’s second novel Love at First Like is equally delightful.
If you’re already missing your daily SoulCycle fix:
Fitness Junkie by Lucy Sykes and Jo Piazza
This book is a delicious satire of the NYC fitness scene — from ClassPass to SoulCycle to even Goop, this book makes reference to all of that and more. The novel does touch upon some fat-phobic statements as a heads up, but overall is more focused on poking fun at the absurdities of the wellness world.
If you’re looking for a good laugh:
Candy Girl by Diablo Cody
You probably know Diablo Cody as the BRILLIANT writer behind Juno. Ugh, I still love that movie SO MUCH. What you might now know is that before she became an Academy Award winner she worked as a stripper to make ends meet. I read her autobiography a few years ago after my BFF David highly recommended it. I remember it being both hilarious and also a super fascinating look at what it looks like to be an unlikely stripper.
If you’re a fan of both beachy reads and Big Little Lies:
The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand
This book will totally suck you in. Like most of Hilderbrand’s books, this one takes place in Nantucket. I’ve never been, but reading so many of her books makes me want to go SO bad.
It’s more than just a cutesy beachy read, though. On the morning of the Otis-Winbury wedding, a body is found in Nantucket harbor. Suddenly all guests of the wedding festivities become suspects as the police try to figure out exactly what happened.
This book is the perfect mix of beachy fantasy but also the same suspense that I loved in Big Little Lies.
If you’re looking for a YA series to fall in love with:
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
I totally fell in love with the main character Lara Jean and all three of the books in this YA series.
You’ve probably heard plenty about these books (and the Netflix movies!) but I’m just going to say that they really are so good. At first, I wasn’t sure — YA can be kind of hit-miss for me. Sometimes it’s too cutesy. But this book totally nailed it and nailed what it’s like to be 16. I felt like I was completely transported to that time in my life. That overwhelming feeling of what it’s like to have a new crush. And of course all the awkwardness of growing up.
If you’re looking for the coziest of cozy rom-coms:
One Day in December by Josie Silver
I talked about my absolute love of this book a few weeks ago and it’s definitely worth talking about here again. I read this book over the span of 3 days while curled up on my couch drinking homemade chai lattes. This book is that exact kind of vibe, so get ready to curl up with a hot beverage and enjoy.
While the book does start in December, don’t feel like you have to wait 10 months to enjoy this British rom-com. The book takes place over a few years and isn’t just about December or the holidays. Promise 🙂
If you’re a recovering perfectionist:
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
Another book I talked about recently but cannot recommend enough. If you’re feeling super anxious right now, this might not be the book for you. But if you’re looking for a book that’s totally addicting about what happens when your 5-year plan goes to shit, then please please please read this ASAP.
I related to the lead character of this book A LOT. It’s not me right now but was definitely me a few years ago when I thought I had everything perfectly planned.
I gotta say this book also really got me thinking about my own 5-year plan (or lack thereof lately…) If I was part of a book club this would be a must to discuss.
If you’re looking to better yourself (and your life!):
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
I tend to read and recommend newer releases, but this one is an oldie (okay like 10 years old!) but a goodie. I’m thinking I might be overdue to reread this book in the next few weeks.
Hear me out: this book changed my life. I read it during the summer before senior year of college. I’m fairly convinced that it’s one of the reasons I ended up having the best summer of my life and how I ended up dating my former boyfriend for 8 years. Break-up had nothing to do with us being unhappy, for what it’s worth 😂
This book completely changed my perspective on life and how to lead a life with a bit more positivity. It might feel like a weird thing to think about right now with everything happening, but if you’re craving a bit of personal growth this is the book for you.
If you’re looking for a super fun rom-com:
My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren
This book is the perfect rom-com, in my professional rom-com opinion. It’s light, it’s fun without being too dumb, it’s not too cringe-worthy, and all the characters are delightful. I love a BFF’s turned potential lovers story and this one also had a fun side of dating app twists and turns.
I’ve loved just about everything I’ve read by the writing duo behind Christina Lauren, but this one is still my absolute favorite.
✨✨✨
GIMME YOUR BOOK RECS: What uplifting books should I read in the next few weeks?
My Dark Vanessa is timely – with regard to #Me Too
The Happiness Project- and Gretchen Rubin in general- is def one of my favs! Love that you included the book in this list. A Day in December is also definitely one that will remain on my Fav of All Time list too.
I’m long overdue to re-read The Happiness Project for sure.