In a week that should have been filled with fun and good times, I actually found last week to be a bit overwhelming and at times chaotic, for reasons that were beyond my control. Without going into detail about the ups and downs of it all, I ended up eating too much comfort food for my own good. I also happened to be reading a very uplifting book last week and it was a shame to come to the end of it.
As writers we all hope for an audience for our words and how wonderful to think that someone could read something of mine and have it turn a chaotic or overwhelming day around. Even if it was for an hour. And that’s why I write what I do.
Fiction can serve as a sanctuary. It can offer solace, inspiration, escape, and, well the list goes on. Feel good fiction, in particular, has emerged as a genre dedicated to uplifting spirits and spreading positivity. In this newsletter I’d like to look at the essence of feel good fiction, compare it to uplift fiction, and explore titles that critics promise will warm your heart and brighten your day in 2024.
Definition of Feel Good Fiction:
Feel good fiction, as the name suggests, is a genre of literature aimed at evoking positive emotions in its readers. These stories typically feature heartwarming narratives, endearing characters, and uplifting themes that leave readers feeling optimistic and uplifted long after they've turned the final page. While the plots may vary widely, from romance and friendship to personal growth and overcoming adversity, the common thread is the overall sense of joy and hope that permeates the storytelling.
Comparing Feel Good Fiction and Uplift Fiction:
Feel good fiction and uplift fiction are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle distinctions between the two. Uplift fiction, while also focused on inspiring readers, tends to emphasise personal triumph over adversity or social injustice. These stories may tackle heavier themes such as poverty, discrimination, or illness, but they ultimately leave readers with a sense of empowerment and resilience.
On the other hand, feel good fiction prioritises the emotional experience of the reader, prioritising warmth, comfort, and positivity. While it may touch on challenges faced by characters, the emphasis is less on overcoming obstacles and more on the innate goodness of humanity and the joys of everyday life.
Top 5 Uplift Fiction Books for 2024:
The Bright Side of Darkness by Jennifer Anne Davis - A poignant tale of resilience and hope, following the journey of a young woman who finds strength in the face of adversity.
The Power of One Smile by Sarah Jio - A heartwarming story that explores the transformative power of kindness and connection in a world filled with uncertainty.
Rising Above the Storm by Lisa Wingate - A gripping narrative of survival and redemption, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
Finding Home Again by Catherine Ryan Hyde - A touching tale of love and forgiveness, as two estranged siblings come together to rebuild their fractured family bonds.
The Sun Will Rise Again by Louise Penny - A moving exploration of grief and healing, set against the backdrop of a close-knit community coming together to support one another through life's challenges.
Top 5 Feel Good Fiction Books for 2024:
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin - A delightful journey of self-discovery and personal fulfillment, as the author embarks on a year-long quest to find happiness in everyday life.
The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking - An enchanting exploration of Danish coziness and the art of creating joy and contentment in the simple pleasures of life.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman - A charming and poignant story of loneliness and redemption, as an eccentric young woman learns to open her heart to friendship and love.
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley - A heartening tale of connection and community, sparked by a shared journal that brings together strangers in unexpected ways.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig - A captivating exploration of regret and second chances, as a woman discovers a magical library that allows her to explore the infinite possibilities of her life.
The above was a result of a pretty random search. Interestingly, I have read most of the books in the list of Feel Good Fiction compared to none of the ones in Uplift.
And now I’m off the write my manifesto on why reading feel good fiction serves as a better source of comfort above unhealthy, calorific comfort food. It will include arguments like ‘a beacon of light in times of darkness,’ ‘offers readers a much-needed escape into worlds filled with warmth, kindness, and hope.’
If you haven’t started reading my feel good novel, The Wee Small Hours, here’s a chance to catch the first instalment!