Books for Studio Ghibli Lovers ✨ wholesome fantasy and cottagecore

[@caricanread]

Just posted a review of the book Miyazaki is basing his last Studio Ghibli film on :') kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXfKlIqMq7xsq8k

[@leech1355]

“We have Sophie and we have Howl and Calcifer - all the characters we love” *Michael has left the chat*

[@StrawberryMad6]

Michael is very different in the book. Not really comparable imo.

[@swag3650]

hes tall in the book :)

[@StrawberryMad6]

@@swag3650 lol yes, taller, older, an orphan, a pretty decent wizard, and courting Sophie's sister. I.e. a lot more depth to his character.

[@Isabella-bq4ut]

i hadn't watched the movie in forever but rewatching it i forgot he was so young in the film!

[@defaulthand8488]

I always thought he was named Markle

[@aquariumfullofbread4778]

Me looking at my copy of Howl's Moving Castle sitting on my bookshelf: oh hey, she's talking about you!

[@mattakubodimasen10]

This is somehow so adorable for me! Thank you for this cute comment!

[@lynette6897]

this comment is so cute

[@j.ou.d.f]

me lmao

[@sin3358]

Me looking at my different covered Howl's moving castle: Ya know, you look like you need a brother or a sister. How about we buy you a twin who looks slightly more different than you? Hm?

[@milky.x.]

Man finally iam not the only one who talks with my books 💀✨

[@illchangemyusernamewhenith9130]

INKHEART is sooo Studio Ghibli-esk, its an easy read, but yet so enjoyable to me as an adult because it just has so many cozy vibes!

[@caricanread]

Omg YES! Cornelia Funke is a god!!

[@bookoffholicbookwart5945]

Inkheart is epic

[@sarahsophielange6817]

I loved it as a child and still come back to her books with that nostalgic/magical feeling 😍✨

[@molang0394]

Thats one of my favorites!!!!

[@fairyfarms]

Ah, thanks for a recommendation!!!

[@cookiejar.mp3]

One of my favorite gentle fantasy books is a graphic novel called "The Tea Dragon Society". Very much Ghibli vibes! ❤️

[@caricanread]

the title alone is giving me good feels!

[@cattrickie]

i love that book!! try reading aquicorn cove, it's by the same artist

[@cookiejar.mp3]

@@cattrickie I've read it!! I love her art ❤️

[@alenemarie1726]

Yes! I highly recommend "The Tea Dragon Society" it is so lovely and beautiful and wholesome and gives you such warm fuzzy feelings, so lovely and nice.

[@clarissagutierrez5015]

i literally just added that to my tbr!!!

[@jivanthika.n]

Finally someone talks about my heroine Anne Shirley ❤ The most wholesome book ever. Anne with an E was so unfairly cancelled by netflix and I'm still salty about that. Now that I think about it you do have the vibes of Anne 👼🏽 Anne of green gables is my cozy read when I want to forget about the tomorrows and just live the present. I will love her forever. Sorry for the rant. I'm so grateful that you included it

[@theartisan7]

Anne with an E Season 4 was recently green lighted!

[@theartisan7]

@@panfuckinfry Oh dear, I misread the headlines. The buzz has been around this August but you're right, it has not been renewed. Sorry for the false hope! 😭

[@myangimeowgi]

I agree. THAT WAS ONE OF MY FAV NETFLIX SHOWS. IT DESERVED MORE 😭

[@applebrush7600]

If you love Anne of Green Gables, then give The Story Girl by the same writer a try.

[@codyclaeys2008]

I love Anne of green gables and I want to jump on Anne with an E train but stuck on a Megan follows untouchable performance Imo

[@youandwhatarmy635]

Highkey finding someone who will marathon some studio ghibli films with me is a life goal 💯

[@caricanread]

the top requirement of friendship!!

[@MrBezazel]

Some friends of mine have been streaming movies to each other twice a week! We started with all the Marvel movies (we're almost done) and, when we found out one of our friends has *never watched a Ghibli movie before*, we're gonna be doing Ghibli after! :>

[@youandwhatarmy635]

Jun Lanrete That sounds so fun!! (And that’s so cool that you have a friend group that can get together so often!)

[@MrBezazel]

@@youandwhatarmy635 It's through Discord since because of the virus we can't really be together! One of us has Prime, so they can stream at high quality. :> Hello from one fellow ARMY to another btw!

[@inksandtomes]

I will always associate the Secret Garden with A Little Princess, and that always gives me magic ghibli-esque vibes too

[@thebookhousebrownie]

I'd actually love to see a Ghibli Secret Garden or A Little Princess. I read A Little Princess about a hundred times growing up. Definitely a favorite.

[@PrakashGS-jg3ls]

And some parts of little women

[@LyraB-qy9st]

Oh my god, a Ghibli version of Secret garden would be absolutely perfect 🥺

[@pauieeepau]

You all should check out the Little Princess 80's anime and the Secret Garden 90's anime. I grew up with them. My country was obsessed with Little Princess/Princess Sarah, and a lot of classics-turned-anime aired here. Just fyi.

[@vikki237]

"the studio ghibli films are so wholesome," grave of the fireflies: ;)

[@krispy777]

“When Marnie Was There” also destroyed me. Slightly more wholesome but damn.

[@alisa-cu8mq]

stop it

[@happyjellycatsquid]

Theses two movies came for my wig, snatched it, then burned me alive 🙃

[@vikki237]

@An An "is the wind still rising, Japanese boy?"

[@aren8902]

I know it’s a classic, but I’d also suggest The Hobbit!! It’s sweet in the beginning, dark and exciting throughout, and never fails to be as mysterious as possible when it comes to magic and adventure. However, it keeps the sweetness in the back of your mind throughout, and although you want the characters to complete their quest, you want that sweetness to return more than anything, and you get that in the end. You can’t help but take all of Tolkien’s stories to heart.

[@bellecanread]

i read howl’s moving castle this year, and i really loved seeing how the book differed from the movie! and the graveyard book is hands down one of my favorite books! one of my favorite quotes from the book is “everywhere you go, you take yourself with you” 😅 definitely going to be reading the books i haven’t already 😄

[@caricanread]

🥺🙏

[@AllDaGoodUsernamesWereTaken]

OMG YES THE GRAVEYARD BOOK IS AMAZING

[@xlbdc4139]

some others: - the never-ending story by michael ende - momo by michael ende - the binding by bridget collins - the starless sea by erin morgenstern - stardust by neil gaiman

[@inksandtomes]

I definitely agree with the Neverending Story and Stardust

[@liegeferraz8987]

The Starless Sea is SUCH a Ghibli-esque book! It’s just perfect in every way!

[@andygarcia3599]

Omgosh STARDUST! YES!

[@alenemarie1726]

The Starless Sea and Stardust for sure! Ive also started The Binding and I really need to finish it.

[@alisa-cu8mq]

Momo

[@mugedemirsoy991]

Just when I needed dark academia recommendations the most 🌸🌸🌸

[@caricanread]

😘🖤

[@zukokos9482]

you should 100% read The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern!! i'd say it's very dark academia with the studio ghibli magical twist :)

[@sardinitaway3315]

Love it!! Also fairy oak is such a cozy cute book 💗 I absolutely loved this saga,

[@rixanoz]

Seeing this list I’m so sure you’ll love absolutely everything by Astrid Lindgren, but especially Ronja Robber’s daughter. It was actually made into a film by Hayao Miyazaki’s son, and it was co-produced by studio Gibli. It’s one of my most cherished childhood books. Also “The Brothers Lionheart” and “Mio, My Son”, they’ve been so important to so many people in the Nordic countries for a good few generations now. They can be dark, and deal with heavy themes, but in a super soft wrapping. If you need pure cottagecore I recommend the series about Emil from Lönneberget, or the Madicken series. Actually I recommend you just go through the entire bibliography of Astrid Lindgren.

[@caricanread]

wahhhhh thank you!!! i will look into all of these :')

[@anjie3048]

omg i read these in italian from the library as a child, sadly none of my friend knew about these books😭🥺, nordic children literature is amazing!

[@annaturba]

Astrid Lindgren is a huge part of children’s culture in Germany.

[@lillieisland3069]

swedish person here !! i grew up watching astrid lindgren movies and loved listening to my grandma reading the books. i really recommend reading them and watching the movies, you won’t regret it

[@anna4939]

My absolute favourite of her stories ist the Bullerby series! It’s just pure cottagecore childhood happiness for me^^

[@amalmessaoudi8202]

We LOVE the "my neighbor Totoro" ost in the background!!

[@caricanread]

💛💛💛

[@kalijohnston561]

i grew up on Dianna Wynn Jones! its so interesting to see how different the book and movie versions of Howl's Moving Castle are, even though i love them both. The pinhoe egg and the magicians of caprona are my favorite books of hers!

[@caricanread]

both versions are so heart warming!!

[@bridgetbyrd4949]

I absolutely adore The Secret Garden. My fifth grade class read it and used coffee filters to make flowers. The room was covered in flowers. One of my treasured memories from elementary school. 💚🌸💐🌹 Currently reading Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

[@caricanread]

omg how beautiful :')

[@rixanoz]

I’m so happy I took your recommendation and read Howl’s Moving Castle, it’s absolutely gorgeous and it’s such an easy and wholesome read. The characters are so human and flawed in the most relatable but forgivable way 👌👌👌

[@caricanread]

YES~!!!!

[@jarjargreens]

When you said 1993 film I said “The Secret Garden” out loud because I somehow knew in my bones that it was the right fit. My older sister and I loved this movie and I think the book was even better

[@caricanread]

💕 its such a magical story!

[@robinsharpable]

I did some set photography for the Anne with an E Netflix series! It was so magical to be on set there. ✨✨✨

[@tessabooks4835]

Wow 😻

[@atreyeeghosh7851]

I loved Anne with an E♥️♥️

[@rumaysa.]

girl mentioned all my comfort books :))

[@hannahfitzgibbon9096]

The cat who saved books is absolutely these vibes!!!

[@katien3022]

Reading howls moving castle made me love the movie more because it’s explained it more and filled in some parts of the movie I didn’t quite understand. Definitely enhanced the movie experience for me!

[@charlief9084]

I also think, for a more adult read that still holds magical elements and nostalgic feelings, Haruki Murakami's work is amazing! Especially Kafka on the Shore. Like I said, it's more adult and holds adult themes, but it's still filled with magic and adventure and lots of curiosity. It's one of my favorite reads!

[@keiii4043]

currently reading kafka on the shore rn! im still on page 300 ish and all i can say is i enjoy the ambience on Komura Memorial Library so much, truly magical

[@wellreadandhalfdead1683]

I read Howl's Moving Castle for the first time this year and I am OBSESSED

[@diluc341]

for "when marnie was there " lover i reallyyyy recommend the book of the same name . it have so much details and more character.

[@fiveatheart59]

Toms Midnight Garden by Phillipa Pearce is definitely worth checking out and reminds me of Studio Ghibli! It’s about a boy who while staying with his aunt/uncle discovers a magical garden that only appears to him at midnight. He meets a friend and they go on adventures. A bittersweet but very lovely story.

[@caricanread]

omg sounds magical!!!!

[@nematarot7728]

Dianna Wynne Jones has some great fantastical ghibli-esque books (though they are middle grade) in particular I love The Lives of Christopher Chant. The Earthsea series by Ursula K. Le Guin is an absolute classic, love it! And I would also recommend the Wise Child trilogy by Monika Furlong for a tale of magic, whimsy, cottage core vibes, and a little dangerous adventure )even though it is also middle grade). Oh, and Madeleine l’Engle’s Wrinkle in Time series has like 20 books in it, and they are all excellent!

[@camillep.2801]

When you talked about the library and the books having "souls" in the Sorcery of Thorns it made me think of my favorite book "the shadow of the wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. It's part of a trilogy and i highly recommand it! (The trilogy in french is called "le cimetière des livres oubliés" don't know what it is in english)

[@JoseLuisGarcia9540]

I have only read the first one, but there are four books

[@curiouslanguage2032]

That's also my favorite book! Tied with the sequel, it's called The Cemetery of Forgotten Books in English. I am so sad the author passed away.

[@camillep.2801]

@@curiouslanguage2032 OMG i didn't know he died! So sad! I feel like re reading all his books now

[@ClearBlueSky1]

I know I'm a year late to comment and I've been binge watching studio ghibli a lot and your video made me realise that it's because these films remind me of one of my most favourite authors of all time ! Eva ibbotson ❤️❤️❤️ literally any book by her is super wholesome , whoever is watching this video I can't recommend her books strongly enough 😭😭 : The dragonfly pool, Journey to the River sea , The Morning Gift and Star of Kazan are some of my favourites. But I've read Every single one of her books and they are the most wholesome books ever ❤️❤️❤️

[@cecileguilloton]

Thank you for this list Cari ! I've just discovered your channels and I love them ! Here's a recommendation : The Mirror Visitor Quartet. It's a French fantasy series of novels and it was translated into English (and other languages) since it has a huge success ! The author's favorite books and sources of inspiration are Harry Potter, Philip Pullman's HIs Dark Material trilogy and Miyazaki's films. The world and the characters are very unique, a bit dark and strange but enchanting like in Ghibli films ! Love from France !

[@victoriaalexis5180]

The fact that you’re wearing similar earrings to Howl’s iconic dangly green earring just ties the whole vibe together ☺️ I 💜💜💜 your vids and you have such a tasteful selection of books!

[@kit3368]

Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards was one of my favorite books when I was younger and it has cottagecore energy for sure! The Raven Cycle has a dreamy energy too, although not really wholesome. Right now I’m reading The Two Towers and I’m also rereading Good Omens.

[@caricanread]

yessss julie andrews' books are so underrated!!!

[@eviescotia]

I was going to suggest the Raven Cycle too!

[@jeanettesabocojan1774]

just want to share: Since Marzia left youtube, I have lost my sole youtuber who makes aesthetic videos that actually makes me feel good, and so it's been years. Then I randomly stumble upon your main channel and suddenly I am watching all of your vlogs and it eventually led me here. I am so happy that I discovered you, added the fact that you also like to write and read! Continue sharing your joy and being the adorable darling you are. Looking forward to a time where I get to read your own book. ^_^ P.S. I love Howl's Moving Castle movie and so when you recommended the book and called Howl our dramatic queen, I knew I have to read it, and the series has been one of my top books since, so thank you. P.P.S. Also the fact that I rewatched Ouran again and I was missing Tamaki, and I had a sneaking suspicion that Howl's just like him, and I was right. I love lovable idiots, so again, thank you. ^_^

[@oceanheartz717]

Oh my gosh! Dudee I LOVE MARZIA. I was so sad when she left youtube and I just recently discovered cari and I watch her all the time now too! Lol this is the first time I've related to a comment in a whole 'nother level xD

[@keiii4043]

samee, i also felt really lost after marzia left youtube glad i stumble upon this channel!

[@Sharifa466]

OMG I thought I was the only one who connected Sorcery of Thorns with Howl’s Moving Castle! I’m glad I’m not alone!!

[@jessicawebber4738]

Johanna Spyri's 'Heidi' is a lovely, wholesome book and definitely one for Ghibli fans

[@NikoN-xw6xy]

The girl who drank the moon and the Ogress and the Orphans by Kelly barnhill gave me studio Ghibli vibes.

[@latcha1424]

Try "Are you listening" by Tillie Walden. (It's a graphic novel). It has some heavier themes, but all in all, the storyline gives me a very warm and fuzzy feeling, and the adventure to unknown places that aren't fully explained to either the characters or the audience is very beautifully written. It definitely helps that the illustrations are gorgeously done, and with warm tones that remind me of a studio Ghibli film.

[@caricanread]

Ohhhh looking it up asap!

[@dellagondwana5504]

Yes! I read that a little while ago and it was so beautiful. I hadn't thought to link it to Ghibli, but now I think about it it really does have those kinds of vibes. A story about a young person who doesn't get whisked away, but more stumbles into and is slowly subsumed in this strange world where reality is just a bit different and where logic doesn't always quite work. As you said, none of it is explained and nor does it need explaining, it simply is. The world is strange and you don't need to understand it, what you need to understand is the connections with the people you share your life with and how to come to peace with not only this strange world, but the strange landscape of emotions and most of all trauma. Also there is a vERY cUtE cat with undefined mystical abilities

[@latcha1424]

@@dellagondwana5504 You explained it better than I did! Guys, read for the cat if not for anything else

[@laurentaylor2704]

I just purchased this yesterday on a whim! Can’t wait to read it now after seeing your comment ✨

[@PigeonCarriere]

The Last Unicorn is a good read/film Fun fact: the animators became the start of studio ghibli and they made Nausicca

[@mondinsel4235]

Ohh one of my favorite reads, but more importantly, favorite animated films. 😍

[@malinmaskros]

You already mentioned Neil Gaiman, but the first book I thought of was his Stardust. The movie is magical, the book is different from the movie, but still magical! Also, a book that would make a beautiful Ghibli movie, is Mrs Frisby and the rats of NIMH by Robert C O'Brian (just ignore the movie, it's so bad, they ruined the story), it's a lovely, sweet book, very wholesome, very cottagecore, very Studio Ghibli!

[@junpi8562]

My Mum's favourite book was Witch Week by Dianna Wynne Jones. She still has her copy, it's pretty gross now. She read it to me when I was younger but I really thought the main character was going to be murdered (and I think there might have been a murder) and it gave me nightmares so we never finished. Maybe for Halloween lol

[@caricanread]

Omg hahhahhaha

[@readerobsession1111]

god. sorcery of thorns was so so good. genuinely amazing, it had such pretty prose that you don't often see in this genre of fantasy

[@noraluisa]

I actually love how you talk about the books. I find your videos so relaxing and love the way you’re so passionate about it. I really want to read them all because you describe the stories so magically.

[@Yesi9693]

The sequels to howls moving castle both Castle in the air and House of many ways are very much Ghibli anesthetic. Highly recommend both, especially if you want more Howl and sophie.

[@Alea_uncharted]

Oh I loved this list! Studio Ghibli does have such a specific vibe that's so soothing. One adult book that I think fits this vibe really well is The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune - I can just picture the whole story in Ghibli-style animation, it would be stunning. Plus cute little magical children? It's perfect.

[@caricanread]

i've seen so many people talking about it and i cant wait to read it!!

[@amarmato1754]

Omg I love the secret garden.. no matter how many times I have read this novel it just magical 😊

[@caricanread]

indeed :')

[@Kimberly-mf8ku]

I am so glad you mentioned 'Anne with an E' because I recently started watching the show and it is so wholesome and sweet, I am literally obsessed with the show but sad at the same time because it does not have more seasons so I'll try getting my hands on the book if I find it

[@michellenguyen9044]

Thank you so much for this! I actually picked up a copy of Howl’s Moving Castle a couple days because of your All-Time Favorite Books as a Kid video and I love it so far. I’m definitely going to read the rest of the trilogy and check out the books you recommended in this video too 🧡✨

[@caricanread]

omg yay!! her writing is so fun to read :)

[@nataliereed295]

I recommend reading the Queen’s Thief series. The sixth and supposed final book is coming out in October as long as the date doesn’t change again. My only note is that the first book is a journey and most of the action doesn’t come until the end but the book and series are worth the slow start.

[@laurao2667]

The Tales From Earthsea would be right at home on this list, the stories the film is based on :)

[@remmawiifanai7173]

I've read A Wizard of Earthsea and it was amazing !

[@pau1ine600]

cari!! today i was having a pretty shitty day and everything just felt so wrong. But i ended up watching some of your vlogs on your other channel and it was like a sudden boost of serotonin. And then you posted this and what was originally a bad day turned into quite a pleasant one, all because of you!! so thank you!! your videos bring the same type of comfort as a ghibli film 🥺

[@caricanread]

Oh no!! Hope today and tomorrow keeps getting better for you 💕💕💕 sending love!!!

[@loveblinkthedoor]

This was a video I definitely needed! I just finished re-reading "Shakespeare's Secret". I read it in middle school and picked it up again as an adult. It was so wholesome, had a fun mystery, and gave me a warm feeling that I wanted a good wholesome book to read but didn't know what to pick. I loved Howl's moving castle, both the book and movie, so I'm so excited to check out the other recommendations! Thank you!

[@majabalaton8794]

Hi Cari! Im Maja. I currenly reading the Percy Jackson 1. I started in october and i dont have a lot of time reading nowdays. But last year i read the Howl's moveing catlse and i suprised a little bit. I thought i wouldnt be the same like the movie, but i like it! Stay safe and have a nice day!

[@arenkai]

Sorcery of Thorns' premise reminds me of the manga Magus of the Library. Instead of being darkish fantasy it's 1001 nights themed. I definitely recommend this manga, it's also very wholesome

[@cosmo_3]

Cari, I'm so happy you've read (and liked) Howl's moving castle!! I feel like few people like the book compared to the movie but it's my all time favorite book! Hope you've read the sequals too! ✨

[@sofyi103]

idk if this is very ghibli-esque, but if you want sort of dreamy vibes for a book i recommend “Tuck Everlasting”! it’s pretty short but i always got emotional reading it and it’s honestly got a special place in my heart 😭

[@keshiamcentire9843]

love tuck everlasting

[@zynpkrdg]

I love Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli movies, they just bring me a warmth full of adventures and imagination. I also love Anne of Green Gables book, Anne is the most iconic child of books after Alice.😊 You have a voice that makes me relaxed and happy, thank you for beautiful concept. I will take a look at every single one of them and I'm sure I'll love them. Keep doing your good work, I love it.

[@caricanread]

Thank you so much 🙈

[@sevensecs]

I wish I could read more! I've been having problems with school and now every time I try to open a book for fun, I feel this certain guilt rushing over me. But I have written down the books that you recommended in this video and I hopefully will be able to read them sometime soon! Thank you for this calming video. ♥

[@caricanread]

i had a really hard time reading while i was in school too so dont feel bad! the books will all still be there when you're ready :)

[@Leticia-le9qy]

cari you’re killing the booktube game 💛💛

[@caricanread]

:') thank you!

[@laurachiclet]

Yes!!!!! Omg when u first talked about the "1993 film version of this book" i immediately thought of The Secret Garden even though i had NO IDEA that there was a 1993 film version and i felt Connected through our love for The Secret Garden. God that book is so good, and so important to me, i love that book so much man im so happy you talked about it and hopefully more people read it and idek what to say anymore lol

[@caricanread]

Hahhaha my thoughts exactly!!

[@btorri1820]

Margaret Rogerson’s other book, An Enchantment of Ravens, also gives off mad studio ghibli vibes. Like, Howl’s Moving Castle but with Fae. I found the love dynamic in the story to be VERY Howl/Sophie too

[@Nana-mg1vh]

I LOVE Howl's Moving Castle!!! I read the book this year and I really love how Sophie and Howl's dynamic is so different from the film. Book!Howl is such a narssistic jerk and I love how Sophie just can't stand his ass sometimes but she falls for him anyway and I think that's so cute🤧 I am currently reading The Hounds of the Baskervilles. It's supposed to be one of the best Sherlock Holmes book/case and I just found out that I never read it when I was younger. I thought I read it all but turns out my whole life is a lie💀💀💀💀 The book's been great so far though.

[@dorkability]

This is a bit late but A Winter’s Promise gives me such Ghibli vibes especially Howl’s Moving Castle. It has that beautiful fantasy setting and you can really feel the magic off each page.

[@hunnyybee]

absolutely agree, I'm so glad somebody else thinks this too!!

[@alenemarie1726]

The Secret Garden is one of the most lovely, wholesome, magical books in the world and the movie is one of all my all time favorites and I could rewatch it always.

[@cinthialemos7578]

I absolutely love Dianna Wynne Jones and The secret garden. We have a similar taste to books. The only sad thing in your list is that some of the books don't have a portuguese edition yet. Have you read a book called "the book of lost things"? I recomend. And Neil Gaiman too

[@caricanread]

i havent read it but i just read the synopsis and i'll add it to my list! thank you!

[@angelicagulfan9557]

@@caricanread Stardust by Neil Gaiman is gooood!

[@angelicagulfan9557]

I love The book of lost things too!

[@peyton6382]

I recently read the book called Egg and Spoon by Gregory Maguire and it gave me huge Ghibli vibes for some reason. It takes place in Russia during the early 1900’s and it’s about these two girls who are from completely different opposite ends of life, a poor peasant girl and a rich educated city girl. The story has a bunch of Russian folklore in it and there’s a witch and talking animals and fancy parties and train rides and so much more. The book was overall really wholesome to me but also kind of sad in regards to some things, but has serious Ghibli vibes to me.

[@wookienookum]

Some more suggestions: The Claidi Journals, Tuck Everlasting, The Secret of NIMBH, The Last Unicorn, Peau D'ane, Circe, Daughter of Smoke an Bone, The Grape Series (at least the first one), and anything else by Lucy Montgomery, especially Emily of New Moon.

[@TheMichelleBooth]

I added some of these books to my list! I was so happy when you mentioned Anne of Green Gables! I completely agree that it is so wholesome! I always get the cozy vibes when I read it.

[@christiekim3650]

My fiancé and I are reading “The Song of the Shattered Sands” series (also known as Sharakhai). It’s a thrilling, adventure, fantasy series that brings you into the magical sandy desert world of Sharakhai and beyond with a wonderfully strong but complex female lead. Also! Loons by ML Everett - similar cottagecore feel and won the 2019 Best Indie Book Award. Set in 1934, It’s about a girl that moves to Maine to live with her father and discovers that he operates an insane asylum out of an old mansion. Lots of unexpected secrets with fun, but haunting twists and turns. Check them out if you can!

[@lyadmilo]

Moomins! All the TV adaptations are great but the original graphic novels are just so wholesome.

[@caricanread]

Omg yesss 🥺

[@marylcunha]

I swear, all your videos from both channels just give me such a boost in serotonin, you have no idea!! Loving the booktube content sm and I'm leaving with so many good recs! Def recommend the raven cycle when it comes to whimsical, dreamy stories! 🥰💕

[@avrydekazan6016]

Thanks for this video I'm glad it was my introduction to your channel. The mirror visitor series has howl's moving castle vibes, and when I picture the characters in my head they look like studio ghibli characters.

[@abigailroyland3683]

I was waiting for her to say Anne of Green gables the whole time, and when she finally said it, I was like, "YES! I LOVE ANNE!"

[@najyaindra2292]

since my current goal is to finish all of studio ghibli movies before uni starts, reading these books will definitely be the next! thank you for these recs, cari 💛

[@caricanread]

🙏 a great goal hahah

[@kr._.lambert3287]

I love Howl's Moving Castle!! I've read it like 3 times!!🌻 And Anne of Green Gables is just the best, wholesome story I've ever read; and what's even better is that throughout the entire series, it's still so wholesome and heartwarming 🌼 I'd like to recommend The Mirror Visitor series by Christelle Dabos; it gives off some Howl's Moving Castle vibes, some Spirited Away vibes and some Castle in the Sky vibes✨ A really good read!

[@Isabella-bq4ut]

all of the wrinkle in time books r o c k my favorite is the 1st but omg a swiftly tilting planet is so good

[@AT-vz2ul]

Anne of Green Gables is pot of Nostalgia and Wholesomeness. My Childhood. It was one of my first books and it made me cry when Matthew dies.

[@nikkihamilton6722]

The Mirror Visitor Series -especially book 3, gives me strong Ghibli vibes. Only maybe a little darker... but the whole time I’m reading it, I’m imagining the characters and setting in the Ghibli style and with the music and the feels!!

[@emiliabugueiromeyer8166]

Let´s appreciate Cari for not gatekeeping her favorite books

[@Jo_B_art]

Yes the Graveyard Book!!! I loved that book. I really wish it could be made into a Ghibli movie. Fits the style so well

[@lameme4598]

i love you for mentioning secret garden !! i loved the cartoon series version as a child i have never seen the movie before but i think i am gonna watch it tonight cuz such story could never go old

[@user-kw9vw3rv1s]

THANK YOU for this video! I loved it so much! During this quarantine I'm "using" Studio Ghibli as my coping mechanism haha so anything related it awesome

[@caricanread]

hope some of these books bring you joy!

[@user-kw9vw3rv1s]

@@caricanread also, can you suggest a name for my new dog related to a book that you really liked? haha is a she dog, black and white *-*

[@nicolemacarandang2356]

Thank you for reminding me about The Secret Garden film. It’s been a decade since I last watched it but I remember loving it as a kid. Now I’m thinking of reading the book! 💖

[@juliagats4302]

omg when you mentioned secret garden i got a whiplash of memories. that was my fave book as a kid! i would reread it everyday i wanted to live mary lennox’s life gardening in a huge english manor HAHA im a book hoarder and i have like 3 copies of secret garden lol! thanks for the recs, they definitely brought back a lot of nostalgia :”) also if u dont mind, i highly rec ella enchanted by gail carson levine, it gave me huge wynne jones vibez AND for dark academia fun, secret history by donna trat. not wholesome but definitely reaches that academic romantic aesthetic 💓

[@caricanread]

Yessss the book and film are so fun!! I think thats when i fell in love with anne hathaway hahah

[@D1ll3mma]

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune gave me major Studio Ghibli vibes. It was so wholesome and heartwarming.

[@piotsa8898]

the graveyard book sounds super interesting, thank you for the rec!!

[@Ukubayley]

Brooo also loved the 1993 version of The Secret Garden...definitely fueled my obsession with gardens and snooping around old places.

[@jaree6211]

it was always a struggle for me to read and I’m starting to get into it and I feel like these types of books would be my cup of tea since I love these films

[@cuddlybeans896]

Okay I’m so happy you said the secret garden. I also really love the musical. The music is one of my favorites

[@stellarxphase]

Yesss to all these recs. Especially the Secret Garden from 1993. I have yet to see another version quite as magical as that one. The garden alone is amazing.

[@kerenfolgar9974]

I watched Paprika movie film when I was a little kid maybe I was 9 or 10 years old when I watched that movie for the first time and still its one of my favorite animated movie. No many people know about the movie but once you watch it, you fall in love with it.

[@jennifercole337]

I absolutely love the howl's moving castle movie and think it serves as a great adaptation as it takes like the heart of the book and kind of uses it to explore different themes and aspects. However, I just really wish more people knew and talked about the talk! As you said it just goes so much more in-depth and the way it fleshes out and portrays the world and the characters is very enjoyable and just *chef's kiss*! Again it's very different than the movie but they both the same like warmth and core so if you enjoy one you're really likely to enjoy the other while getting a different experience

[@Zillah82]

I love all of your selections! Especially The Graveyard Book and the Secret Garden! I wish Studio Ghibli would do an animated version of The Graveyard Book.

[@nancyoneill9025]

the graveyard book has been sitting on my shelf for years.... i think i'm finally gonna read it now! thank you!!

[@thebookstamp9976]

I love the Secret Garden so much!!! And it definitely gives off Studio Ghibli vibes. I need to reread it soon.

[@maripo5]

i just ordered the graveyard book and a wrinkle in time and im so excited!! :D

[@mistymist8830]

The Secret Garden is definitely one of my favourite book! Thank you for reminding me cause I almost forgot about it.

[@ninna12tw]

I'm so happy you enjoyed sorcery of thorns !! So sad it's a standalone I would totally read more of that world 🥺🥺 I just realised the last 3 books I read are all about magic , forests and really badass females with magic so anyone into that here it goes , Forest of Souls ( the author did really great with the Worldbuilding highly recommend!!) also read Bloodleaf and Shielded and they were 😘

[@caricanread]

omg i would too! i always feel like maragaret's books are a little too short :'(

[@savannahmills5445]

The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo is also really good, and reminded me of Spirited Away!

[@caricanread]

ohhhhh i thought about putting the night tiger on this list actually!! i havent read her other work tho!

[@savannahmills5445]

@@caricanread My friend actually recommended it because it reminded her so much of Spirited Away since the main character goes into the spirit world! It's the only book of hers that I have read haha definitely need to check out her other books!!