Books
OK, so things aren't going your way. Fortunately, the best cure for a bad day is a good book. Whenever I'm in the need of some cheering up, the best thing for me is to curl up in bed with a book and let everything else melt away. Whatever has got you down, I promise a book is just the medicine you need.
These books will make you smile. These books will inspire you. These books will whisk you away from your troubles — if only for the afternoon. There's a little bit of everything on here, from riveting novels that will have you turning the pages long into the night, to uplifting memoirs, to graphic novels. I promise they are all perfect for bad days, tough times, and weeks when you feel like you just can't win.
Anyone who thinks you can't buy happiness clearly has never been to a bookstore. Sometimes life can be really hard, but one of the things that makes reading so magical is how it can bring light into even the darkest times. So set aside your problems for a little while, and pick up one of these fun books instead.
1
'Where the Sidewalk Ends' by Shel Silverstein
It's impossible to read a Shel Silverstein poem and not feel something light up inside you. This classic will take you back to the best days of your childhood.
2
'You Are Here' by Jenny Lawson
This innovative book combines coloring pages with personal stories and life advice to create a truly calming experience. Lawson's writing will lift you up, and her (beautiful) coloring pages are certain to help you relax.
3
'Lumberjanes' by Noelle Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, and Brooke A. Allen
Leave your problems behind and head off into the wilderness at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types. In this graphic novel, you follow five pals as they get into all sorts of fun trouble, from driving their counselor crazy to solving supernatural mysteries. (Lots of girl power in this one!)
4
'Pick Me Up' by Adam J. Kurtz
This book is literally called Pick Me Up — what could be more perfect? This interactive journal will relax you and spark your creativity — all at the same time.
5
'Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?' by Mindy Kaling
Reading this book is one of my favorite acts of self-care. Kaling makes you feel like you're BFF as she takes you through all of the (hilarious) twists and turns of her life.
6
'Carry On' by Rainbow Rowell
This novel (a companion to the also excellent read, Fangirl) is filled with magic, heart-thumping romance, characters you'll fall for, and some laugh-out-loud moments— basically everything every reader could ever want. It's such a treat to read!
7
'Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be your Own Person' by Shonda Rhimes
Yes, that Shonda Rhimes, the creator of Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, and other delicious shows. In this inspiring book, Rhimes tells us about the year in which she decided to say "yes" to everything, and the amazing results.
8
'The Assistants' by Camille Perri
If work's what's got you down, this fun (and smart!) novel will be a great release. It's the satisfying story of what happens when a company's assistants team up together to steal from their bosses in order to pay off their student loans. The perfect revenge fantasy.
9
'Big Mushy Happy Lump' by Sarah Andersen
Sarah Andersen's comics are certain to connect with you. In this book, you'll get a glimpse at all of life's weird little moments.
10
'The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl' by Issa Rae
In this collection of essays, the wonderful Issa Rae recounts stories from her life as an introvert, a cyber pioneer, and a black girl. Honest and hilarious, this book is an absolute gem.
11
'What If?: Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions' by Randall Monroe
From the creator of the popular web comic xkcd, this book dives into real answers to hypothetical questions. Like, "If we hooked turbines to people exercising in gyms, how much power could we produce?" and "What if everyone had only one soulmate?" A fun read that will get the wheels in your head spinning!
