Finding Comfort in Fiction: 5 Heartwarming Books

Do you ever crave an escape to a more comforting and heartwarming world, away from all the hubbub and stress of daily life? A good book can offer the perfect escape haven and instantly elevate your mood. Here’s a list of books that feel like a warm blanket on a chilly evening :

The House In The Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Linus Baker, a 40-year-old man, lives a solitary life. He is a caseworker in the Department in Charge of Magical Youths and his job is to oversee the well-being of magical children in orphanages. However, his whole world turns upside down when he is given an assignment to visit an orphanage on a remote island where six dangerous, magical children live. He finds himself unexpectedly drawn to the orphanage’s enigmatic caretaker, who will go to any lengths to keep his wards safe.

The assignment forces him to reevaluate his outlook on life and irrevocably changes him. This enchanting story full of endearing characters tells the tale of finding an unlikely family in an unexpected place.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

The story unfolds as we delve into the life of a grumpy old man called Ove. He prefers an isolated life but his whole world changes when a noisy young family comes to live next door. Ove is perceived as a cantankerous man who is unhappy with everyone around him. But behind his stoic exterior, there is tenderness and a story.

This novel shows how healing can occur with the unlikeliest people. This heartwarming novel is infused with humor and also evokes a deep sense of sadness and empathy as Ove’s story unfolds.

Anne Of Green Cables by L.M. Montgomery

“Dear old world,” she murmured, “you are very lovely and I am glad to be alive in you.”

This quintessential heartwarming novel chronicles the adventures of Anne, an 11-year-old girl, who has been adopted by two middle-aged siblings living in the fictional town of Avonlea, after spending her childhood in orphanages and foster homes. Anne is instantly drawn to the new place and excited to have a first real home, however, her fantasies are quickly crushed when she discovers that she was sent there by mistake at the orphanage, as the siblings had originally intended to adopt a boy to help with their farm, Green Cables.  Anne is eager to please and soon wins them over with her charm, leading them to let her stay.

This charming novel is an effortless read as we see the world through the eyes of Anne, a red-haired, imaginative, and dreamy girl who talks nonstop about her fantasies.

My Neighbour Totoro: The Novel by Tsugiko Kubo and Hayao Miyazaki

A must-read for fans of Studio Ghibli, this book is an adaptation of the beloved movie “My Neighbour Totoro” by Hayao Miyazaki, the renowned Studio Ghibli director. The story begins when a young girl named Satsuki and her playful little sister Mei move to the countryside to be closer to their ailing mother in a hospital. They discover a forest spirit named Totoro in the woods behind their old and spooky house, who is a friendly and large furry creature. One day, when Mei gets lost, she seeks Totoro’s help to find her.

This book also features original illustrations by Hayao Miyazaki, which enhances the overall reading experience. Although a children’s novel, this is a simple and whimsical story that appeals to adults as well.

 Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Alex Claremont-Diaz is the son of the first female president of the United States. When he is sent to attend a British royal wedding, he also encounters his nemesis, Prince Henry there. Tension arises when both of them get involved in a confrontation and fall on the cake, creating a PR Fiasco that threatens to ruin British-American relations. To make things right, they are forced to stage a fake friendship and spend time together.

As they learn to tolerate each other, they soon develop a bond that gradually turns into something more. This engaging book with quirky characters is a treat for the hopeless romantics and will leave you swooning, laughing, and excited, all at once.

If you’re a reader who’d like to watch heartwarming stories with bookish characters on your screen, consider reading Discover The Must-Watch Cinematic Gems For Book Lovers.