This Soothing Quiz Will Tell You What Feel-Good Book To Read

As people around the world come to terms with the long-lasting consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety and stress are hard to avoid. That stress can have unexpected consequences on everything from sleeping habits to mental acuity to physical health. The CDC has recommendations for those experiencing stress and anxiety related to COVID-19. If you’re feeling stressed, they suggest taking a break from the news and social media, taking care of your physical health, connecting with others, and unwinding with activities you enjoy.

Of course, my personal favorite tactic for fighting off stress and anxiety is reading. But your mileage may vary; many readers are having difficulty focusing or finding energy to pick up a book. Fellow contributor Sheila Loesch recently suggested tips for those struggling to read right now, including listening to audiobooks or podcasts.

As for me, I’m finding great comfort in books with a guaranteed happy ending. Cozy mysteries, romance, and light-hearted essay collections all promise engaging stories that will leaving you feeling a little better than when you started. Feel-good books can be an excellent tool for relieving stress. Unfortunately, they are sometimes judged as having less value or literary merit than high-brow fiction or educational nonfiction.