Now perhaps more than ever, I find myself reading to escape reality. And when the future is so uncertain, I find myself reaching for books that I know will be comforting.

I’m sure I’m not alone in this, of course. But it’s a great excuse to share some of the books that help get me through rough days.

Recommend books that help with organisation, spirituality, mindfulness, or calming you down*.

*Yes, this could mean your go-to reread fiction book that mellows you out.

This post is part of Bookending Spring 2020, which is organized by Sam & Clo!
Today’s prompt, “Calm Your Soul,” is hosted by Lauren @ Northern Plunder.

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• This Is How You Survive by Lana Rafaela Cindric has definitely already been featured on at least one of my rec lists, but it’s literally the first book I thought of with this prompt. It won’t be everyone’s cup of tea — poetry never is — but it absolutely is mine.
• Gmorning, Gnight! by Lin-Manuel Miranda, as an illustrated collection of uplifting tweets, is particularly fantastic for days when you need a light read. You can flip/skip to any page and get a nice little boost.
• Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell … There’s a reason it finds its way into so many of my posts: I identify so much with Cath, her anxiety, and her love of fandom and writing. Her story gives me hope for my own.

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• Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones is at least as good a book as it is a Studio Ghibli movie. It’s charming and fun, and it’s the first of three. (Though House of Many Ways might be my actual favorite of the trilogy. Just saying.)
• Hungry Hearts ed. by Caroline Tung Richmond and Elsie Chapman probably will not calm your stomach while it calms your soul: the food descriptions are mouthwatering, and the #ownvoices stories are heartwarming.
• All the Crooked Saints is probably one of Maggie Stiefvater’s most polarizing works, and if I’m being honest it’s probably not my favorite of her books. But its themes and progression are particularly comforting, so it’s the one I’ve chosen to include here.

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• Alone Time by Stephanie Rosenbloom was surprisingly educational, but in an interesting way. I’ve always wanted to travel the world to experience different cultures and lifestyles, and this book offers a peek into four of the major cities on my list.
• Hashtag Authentic by Sara Tasker would probably be one of my coffee table books, if I had a coffee table and was inclined to collect books on it. Although it is first and foremost a guide to developing your social media brand (specifically on Instagram), the tips and exercises are thoughtfully designed, and I love the photos that are included.
• The Art of the Wasted Day by Patricia Hampl is a calm, leisurely read that reminds me to slow down, take a breath, and stop worrying so much about being left behind while everyone else hustles.

• What kinds of books do you reach for to calm your soul?
• Have you read any of the books on this list?