Happy Reads

Lately, with all the doom and gloom brought about by the ongoing pandemic, I think it's more important than ever to do some serious self-care, not only physically but mentally and emotionally. Reading is a great way to relax our minds and focus on something else other than the news.

If you're looking for some books to put you in a good mood and lift your spirits, I highly recommend the following books that are sure to brighten your day:

• A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (Overdrive) A grumpy, lonely old man finds friendship with caring neighbors.
• The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu (RBdigital) Two of the world's spiritual leaders share their experiences and insights on how to find joy in life.
• The Walk by Richard Paul Evans (Hoopla--Audiobook) A man who loses everything--his business, his home, and his wife--sets off on a walk across America to find himself.
• The Little French Bistro by Nina George (Overdrive, RBdigital) Stuck in an unhappy, loveless marriage of over 40 years, a woman leaves her husband to begin anew on the coast of Brittany.
• Anything by Debbie Macomber (Hoopla, Overdrive, RBdigital) These feel-good books follow a familiar formula--characters unhappy with their lives support each other through crises to find their happy endings.
• One Good Deed by Erin McHugh (Hoopla) A bookseller documents her year of trying to do one good deed, no matter how great or small, every day.
• The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick (Hoopla--Audiobook) An elderly gentleman stumbles upon his late wife's charm bracelet, and while learning more about her, he learns to move on and live life fully.

Do you have an upbeat book you'd recommend? Share it with us!

Happy readings from the perch.