Four Books To Soothe Your Soul

I’ve taken a long blogging hiatus because of illness, which I will go into in another blog post. For now, I’ll take you through some books that have really soothed me this past year and have made the perfect books to read before bed.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

After loving the Netflix film adaptation I decided to listen to this YA romance on audio-book.

The story follows Lara Jean, who never tells anyone how she feels until her secret love letters somehow get sent out to her crushes. At times I found the plot a little rambling and cliche but on the whole, this was a sweet and endearing story.

Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman

There is nothing more relaxing than revisiting a book from your childhood.

Northern Lights is the first in the His Dark Materials trilogy. Set in a parallel world where all humans have an animal-shaped daemon, the story follows Lyra and her daemon on a quest to the North to discover the meaning of Dust.

It’s no secret that Northern Lights has been very influential to me. It is both cosy and exhilarating, familiar and fascinating and just perfectly paced with imaginative characters. Plus the settings are so immersive and beautiful. It’s just the perfect escape.

Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig

You might not think nonfiction would be soothing but this book definitely is.

Notes on a Nervous Planet explores in depth the link between modern life and rising incidences of stress and anxiety. Drawing on his own experiences as well as studies and anecdotes, Matt Haig encourages us to put down our phones, free ourselves from consumerism and focus on our wellbeing.

This book made so much sense to me and upon finishing it I felt empowered to reduce my anxiety levels.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

This book is about a lonely woman who insists she is completely fine. She struggles with social interaction and exists on a tight schedule, punctuated by phone calls with her frightening mother. Her life changes when she meets IT guy, Raymond, who helps her heal from her past and realise life can be more than just fine.

It’s a heartbreaking novel but also a heart-mending one that celebrates genuine human connection through beautifully observed moments of intimacy. I cried multiple times but was left feeling touched, uplifted and hopeful. Definitely one for your TBR.

Hopefully, these recommendations have not only provided you with some calming books to read before bed, but also reminded you to take some quality time for yourself to escape from the stresses of the world. Happy reading!