I’ve always been a reader. My mom loves to tell the story of my first day of kindergarten when I came home crying because I hadn’t learned to read yet. But no matter how much I love reading, sometimes I get in a funk. These reading slumps are no joke, and I hate it when my TBR list gets so long that I don’t know where to begin.
Often, the best way to choose my next book is not just looking to see what’s trending on TikTok or looking at the NYT’s bestseller list. I’m not always searching for a “good” book or a specific genre. Instead, I really want the right mood or vibe.
So, whether you’re looking for a soft, cozy romance or a more magical, immersive fantasy, this list will hopefully help you find your next perfect read, whatever your vibe may be.
Why Reading By Mood Really is the Vibe
Books are an immersive experience, and it can be more intuitive to select a book by the feeling you’re searching for rather than what is most popular at the moment. For me, it is more enjoyable to read something that feels like it was written for me at that specific point in my life.
I don’t always read things as soon as they come out. Though some books are already on pre-order (ACOTAR 6 & 7, anyone?), I don’t always try to keep up with the latest releases. A book will usually come to me in the moment I need it, and I don’t worry about reading what’s trending.
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Books By Mood
Soft & Comforting (gentle, cozy, low-stakes, warm atmosphere)
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (2020): I will recommend this to everyone I know until the end of my days. It follows Linus, a caseworker sent to inspect and assess an orphanage for magical children. If you love a heartwarming found-family story that feels like a giant hug, this one is for you.
- I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith (1948): This coming-of-age classic is narrated through the charming and witty journal entries of 17-year-old Cassandra as she chronicles her quirky family’s life in a crumbling English Castle. It is funny and poignant, everything you want in a cozy read.
Magical & Escapist Reads (whimsical, immersive, slightly dreamy)
- Uprooted by Naomi Novik (2015): This fantasy novel, inspired by Polish folklore, follows a young woman, Agnieszka, who is chosen by a wizard (the Dragon) to serve him for ten years to protect her valley from a sinister, corrupted Wood. If you’re looking for a fairytale-esque story with a unique magic system, look no further.
- The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill (2016): This YA novel follows Luna, who was accidentally fed moonlight as a baby, which gives her very powerful magic. A witch, a swamp monster, and a dragon raised her. The world-building is so unique and immersive that you won’t be able to put it down.
Atmospheric & Seasonal Reads (moody, seasonal, immersive settings)
- The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (2022): This fantasy novel follows Mika, one of a small number of witches in modern-day Britain, who must conceal her powers to avoid exposure. She is invited to teach three young witches in secret, and her closeness to her newfound family challenges her ideas about the isolation and secrecy that come with being a witch. If you love magical realism with autumnal vibes, this is the perfect cozy read.
- The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden (2017): A historical fantasy novel that draws on elements of Russian folklore to tell a beautiful coming-of-age story. It follows Vasya, a young girl who can see spirits that no one else can. The narrative grapples with the struggle between the old pagan world and the new religious orthodoxy. The lyrical prose in this one is stunning, and its portrayal of medieval Russia is the perfect winter read.
Light & Easy Rom-Coms (fun, comforting, low effort)
- Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake (2022): The first book in the Bright Falls series, this is a queer romantic comedy about a cynical photographer, Delilah, who returns to her hometown for her stepsister’s wedding and falls for Claire, a single mom and bookstore owner. It has it all: humor, love, and a little bit of spice. This trilogy is fantastic, especially if you love love in all its forms.
- Emma by Jane Austen (1815): No list would be complete without a novel by the original Rom-Com queen herself, Jane Austen. This novel is considered a “comedy of manners,” featuring Emma, a witty, matchmaking protagonist. Her romantic follies, witty banter, and the OG “friends-to-lovers” storyline provided the template for modern Rom-Coms. It is a must-read.
A Final Word
Reading should be fun, not stressful. You don’t have to read something from your TBR pile; you have the freedom to choose a book based on how you want to feel rather than reading what is trending or popular. Sometimes, the right book and the right moment can be transformational.
