The books to make you happy this winter, according to shop owners

When days start to get shorter, and the weather takes an unwelcome turn, the promise of a good book can provide us with something to really look forward to. Just look at the establishments they are sold in.

There’s something about the hum of bookshops: They’re quiet but alive, soundtracked by the rhythm of the cash register, the gentle stir of conversation, and the comforting turning of pages as customers search thoughtfully for their next title.

They’re warm – both in terms of heating and hospitality, with that phenomenal smell of ink, paper and glue. Time is stretched, if not paused altogether, allowing patrons endless hours to browse, read, or buy; hundreds of stories waiting to be discovered. Other worlds from the minds of acclaimed writers.

When the weather turns cold, the cosy rows of stacked shelves turn all the more inviting, and it turns out that bookshops are effective for boosting visitors’ moods as the days get darker, too.

In fact, a huge 90 per cent of people who visit bookshops noticed a positive impact on their wellbeing, according to a new poll conducted by YouGov and the Booksellers Association, commissioned for World Mental Health Day and Bookshop Day, which came on 10 October.

Meanwhile, 78 per cent of people said visiting bookshops helped them to switch off from social media and screen time, which has long been proven to diminish anxiety and mental overload, as well as increase concentration and encourage deeper thinking.

So, in case you’re looking for a boost this winter, here are the books that are making the people behind the counter smile right now – from timeless fiction by recognisable names like Francis Hodgson Burnett to the books blowing up on TikTok for a whole new generation.

‘What You are Looking For is in the Library’ by Michiko Aoyama

Sayuri Komachi is no ordinary librarian; she has the uncanny ability to know exactly what every soul who walks through her door needs. She listens and bestows upon them the one thing that will turn their life around for the better. What You are Looking For is in the Library is a celebration of books, kindness and community, and a reminder that sometimes the story you need most is the one you never expected to find.

Natalie Walsh, assistant manager at House of Books & Friends in Manchester

‘There Are Places in the World Where Rules Are Less Important Than Kindness’ by Carlo Rovelli

Carlo Rovelli is a physicist, so this may not feel like a natural “wellbeing” choice but the title is explanation enough, isn’t it? Simply having it on my bookshelf, with its bright yellow cover and bold title, makes me happy. It is an essay collection covering weighty subjects like physics, philosophy, history and politics but with humanity and warmth. With reflections on borders, nationalism and human connection it is thought-provoking, in a kind way. The word kind is underrated and underused. Let’s spread the word!

Jo Coldwell, shop manager at Red Lion Books in Colchester

‘The Grand Hotel of Feelings’ by Lidia Branković

I find joy in any books that are written beautifully, have some meaning to them and can perhaps help others along the way. One of the books that recently brought me such joy is not an adult book, although I think adults would do well to read it too. It’s a children’s picture book called The Grand Hotel of Feelings by Lidia Branković and, as the title would suggest, it uses a hotel as a metaphor for how we can understand our feelings. The reader acts as a hotel manager and welcomes all feelings, both positive and negative but understands that, like guests, they are just passing through and that no emotion or feeling is ever permanent. It also teaches us that each emotion has a specific need and behaves in a unique way and everyone could do with this fun and joyful education on feelings and emotions.

Sara Asma, founder of Drawn to Books in Lewes

‘The Secret Garden’ by Francis Hodgson Burnett

I find defining a book as one that that brings me joy difficult, as there are so many books to try in the world; the ”to be read” is never-ending. However, one book from my childhood that always brings a smile to my face is The Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett. This book means a lot to me due to the memories it holds in relation to my grandma who recommended I read it as a child, which sparked my love of reading. The Secret Garden shows how people can grow, the impact of finding your people, the right people, and I now hope to do the same for others via The Quill & Quiver bookshop. For that reason, I feel like everyone should read it at least once in their lifetime.

Carrie Lawson, owner of The Quill & Quiver in Corby

‘A Court of Thorns and Roses’ by Sarah J Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses reignited my love of fantasy. I’d loved fantasy when I was younger, but somewhere between growing up, having children and life becoming busy, I’d drifted away from it. ACOTAR reminded me what it felt like to completely disappear into another world and become ridiculously invested in fictional characters again. More importantly, it opened the door to an entire community of romantasy lovers. That rediscovery eventually inspired me to start writing and publishing romantasy myself and now I have 2 books on the shelves, currently writing a third. Today I get to spend my days in an independent bookshop talking to other readers about the stories they love. So much of my life now revolves around books, and in a strange way, I can trace a little of that back to picking up ACOTAR.

Lauren Gross, The Quill & Quiver in Corby