Best Books To Read When You’re Feeling Down

First off, I’m sorry you’re feeling sad. I have those days too – when everything just feels like an uphill battle and like the sun isn’t really shining anymore. It’s tough. But, one of the best ways to block out the noise in my head or distract me from whatever might be going on, is by escaping into a good book.

Don’t worry – I’m not about to recommend a bunch of self-help books.  I used to read those and would be left feeling worse than I did before. Sometimes they have a few good takeaways, but for the most part I find them to be full of toxic positivity and that pisses me off.

So,I compiled a list of books I’ve read, and a couple that are highly recommended, that will help get you out of your funk. You can click the link to buy the book from Amazon, but if you can, head to your local bookstore instead.

Here are some of the best books to read when you’re feeling sad.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Kline

This uplifting fantasy is about Linus Baker, a caseworker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. Linus is sent on a top-secret mission to evaluate an orphanage on a magical island, where six dangerous, enchanting children live under the care of a mysterious caretaker named Arthur. As Linus grows close to the children and Arthur, he questions the rules he’s always followed and learns about embracing differences, love, and the power of chosen family.

I really enjoyed this book and the themes it covered. It is touching and a really good book to read if you’re feeling lost or left out.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

The Midnight Library follows Nora Seed, a woman who finds herself in a magical library after attempting suicide. Each book in the library represents a different version of her life, showing what might have happened if she’d made different choices. As Nora navigates through these alternate lives, she learns about regret, resilience, and what it means to find fulfillment.

The first half of this book was perfection – but it lost its luster toward the end. I still recommend it to people who are feeling lost of like they aren’t sure they made the right choices, but for me the ending was life changing as I hope for. Then again, I did read it while I was in a sad girl phase, so that probably didn’t help.

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Everyone knows the story of Alice in Wonderland, but did you know that it’s a really good book? It’s a nice change from books written today! If you don’t know the story, it’s about Alice who falls down a rabbit hole in a fantastical world with some eccentric creatures.  She meets the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts – among others. Alice learns to navigate the silly rules and strange landscapes while becoming more confident in herself.

If you’re a book annotator like me, you’ll be busy with this one – there’s a lot of deeper meaning in the characters and situations which makes it even more of a good book to read when you’re sad.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine Gail Honeyman

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine  tells the story of Eleanor, an eccentric and socially awkward woman who leads a lonely, routine-driven life. She struggles with past trauma and keeps everyone at a distance. Eventually, she becomes friends with a coworker named Raymond. After the two of them help an old man, Eleanor starts to come out of her shell and begins to confront her past.

I’m kind of embarrassed to say how much I could identify with Eleanor. Overall, this book touches on loneliness and resilience and is a good book to read for all my girls out there who think they’re fine.  

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

For something a little more intense – Dark Matter by Blake Crouch is a good book to read when you just want to get lost. The book follows Jason Dressen, a physics professor who is abducted and wakes up in a parallel universe. In this alternate reality, he’s a celebrated scientist who has achieved incredible breakthroughs—but he’s lost his family life. As Jason desperately tries to find his way back to his original life, he discovers some unsettling truths about identity and the multiverse.

This book moves pretty quickly and is a good book to read when you’re wondering what life could have been like if you had made some different choices in life. Some of the situations Jason gets put in really made me stop to reflect my own choices and make me grateful for where I am.

The Master and Margerita by Mikhail Bulgakov:

I haven’t read this one yet, but a friend recommended it to me and we usually have similar reading tastes. The main characters are the devil who pretends to be a magician and a theater group in Soviet Moscow. It sounds like there are a lot of layers to this book, and some pretty ridiculous scenarios – but isn’t that what you want when you need something to distract you from real life?

Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan

Ok – hear me out – I know this is a young adult book – maybe not even young adult, I think 10 year olds can read this.  But it’s a really fun story! It follows Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old boy who discovers he is a demigod and the son of Poseidon. Percy is taken away to Camp Half-Blood, a training ground for young demigods. He makes friends with Annabeth and Grover who help him confront mythical monsters and gods.

Since this book is aimed at younger readers, it’s just fun and light while still being exciting. It’s also part of a series – so you can stay entertained for weeks to come!

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

If you like reading memoirs – here’s a good one. Wild tells the story of Cheryl Strayed’s journey of self-discovery and healing. After her mother’s death, a divorce, and struggles with addiction – sheesh – she decides to hike over a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail alone. Cheryl had no hiking experience, but went anyway and was able to grieve both her losses and mistakes.

This story is raw and inspiring and a good book to read if you’re feeling a sense of regret or if you’re struggling with loss. The way Cheryl eventually finds peace will bring you hope during this tough time.

Just For The Summer – Abby Jimenez

I don’t read many romance novels, but I liked this one.  It’s a fun, easy read to keep you preoccupied if you’re feeling down. Just For The Summer is about Justin and Emma who meet thanks to a Reddit post. They agree to a summer fling that quickly becomes more complicated.

This novel is funny, sweet, a little cheesy, and a lot predictable – but it’s still one I would recommend. Not every book has to be some deep, life altering read – you know?

Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Now, for everybody’s favorite coming of age novel – Perks of Being a Wallflower! The novel is presented in the form of letters written by Charlie, a shy and introspective high school freshman. Charlie is struggling with the recent loss of his best friend and dealing with his own mental health issues. We get to see Charlie take part in new experiences with new friends and learn about the importance of connection.

I read this a long time ago – when I wasn’t too much older than Charlie and it has stuck with me. I re-read it recently and I still think the themes exploring trauma and the challenges that come with growing up still resonate. It’s a bittersweet story that will make you stop and reflect – and those are my favorite kinds of books.

Everything I Know About Love Dolly Alderton

And finally, my last recommendation for a good book to read when you’re feel sad is Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton.  This is another memoir, but this one is more humorous and deals with self-discovery and friendship. Alderton shares her transformation from being a young, naive, and in love to discovering the reality of adult relationships. She shares heartbreak and growth and it’s written in a way that sounds like you’re listening to a friend.

This is a good book to read after a breakup or if you’re having a hard time with your friend group. It’s a really relatable story that will make you smile but also feel a little sad too.