books that will make you smile!!

[@ferventfei]

i love how ariel linked her books towards a website that supports local bookshops. it's a small yet amazing thing.

[@StephanieLuff]

I have the Vonnegut novel on my bookshelf because of the last time you recommended this book. Maybe now I'll read it!

[@thepapertrail7121]

Yeah supporting local businesses has never been more important! so much respect to her!

[@catherinebarwick304]

I'm confused when I click on link and all stores all in the USA... what am I missing?

[@munirakudrati17]

Books mentioned - the prince and the dressmaker - jonnathan livingston seagull - the night circus -stardust -show your work - is everyone hanging out w/o me -love sick -grapefruit -sheets -fifteen -god bless mr.rosewater -fly on the wall -keep the aspirtrista flying

[@nothingnothing3211]

but the list is not full

[@mariem.9349]

Thanks

[@freya7084]

You know what makes me smile? You and the way you say “about” ❤️

[@funfuz]

My list includes: - Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu - Heat by Jean Wei - A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett

[@miadouglass6179]

i’ve never seen anyone else who’s read Heat! I picked it up at a bookstore on a whim and fell in love with it ❤️

[@funfuz]

@@miadouglass6179 You're also the first person I've spoken to who has read Heat! I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!! ♥♥

[@sarahcnadler]

Check, Please! is one of my favorites! I’m on the hold list for the second volume from my library.

[@maisonle7862]

YES Check, Please!

[@TheCraftBin]

Ariel: Let's go with something that's for sure really happy *begins to read title including the words melancholy and death*

[@BrebearMckae]

bahahaha

[@Sgizzle9415]

😂

[@lidapapadopoulou8199]

The book that always makes me smile is Aristotle and Dante discover the secrets of the universe, it’s not all fun and games but it truly warms my heart and gives me hope for what’s to come

[@RadioGirLF]

I lost my grandma this morning and I will definitely need some of these happy books when I feel ready to read again.

[@irisastrom]

so sorry for your loss 💔

[@heyitmedaisy]

My condolences to you and your family 💕

[@nerdtastic2014]

Oh no, I'm so sorry for your loss!

[@gabrielavieira4533]

it gets better. hang in there, okay?

[@CryptChick65]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending you light and love.

[@nataliesoutlet]

Obsessed with this title lol needed this!!!😘

[@andy8963]

a man and his cat is the most wholesome thing i've ever read. it's about a widower who adopts an "ugly" cat no one else wanted. i cried because it was so heartwarming

[@Sydthekidfay]

Stardust is also one of my favorite movies. Listened to the audiobook for it because Gaiman narrates all his books and is amazing.

[@ArielBissett]

I’ve listened to like 5 Gaiman audiobooks. THEY ARE SO WONDERFUL

[@smcaaz1966]

Thank you for recommending listening instead of reading. Loved it and now is in my favorites.

[@dayfree7]

Flipped is one of my favorite comfort movies ! It's actually based on a book, I think you'd love it if you haven't already read it. It's very short and sweet!

[@holireads]

“It’s a little sad but in a nice way” ME

[@catreadsabunch]

I love your older recommendations! I'm downloading samples right now! Could you maybe do a whole video on vintage reads??? Sending love 💕

[@EricKarlAnderson]

You make me smile, Ariel! 🤗 I'm SO happy you talk about Keep the Aspidistra Flying. I love that novel and after I moved to the UK my neighbour gave me an aspidistra plant which made me ridiculously excited. I'm currently reading the novel Love After Love by Ingrid Persaud which is making me smile and laugh a lot. Even though there are serious parts to it the dialogue is so witty and warm hearted. 😄📚

[@ArielBissett]

You make me smile too, Eric 💕💕 I love that Aspidstra story so much. I truly hope one day you give me an aspidistra cutting so I can bring it home with me and be a part of that haha

[@marianadias6769]

I love how Ariel’s recommendations are so unique, I had never heard of at least half the books she talked about, and I already added 2 of them to my tbr ☺️

[@celiaromani6511]

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, I'm half way through it and it is a balm to the soul

[@isabellasantiago6473]

When she found the bookmark and was so surprised-precious

[@merces0700]

I was trying to find books that would be lighter because I haven’t been in a mood to read dark and heavy books, nor very emotional ones, and when I clicked on your channel and found out that you had made this video I was thrilled! Been looking mainly for graphic novels, I read Blankets at the beginning of this year and fell in love with it very deeply. The artwork and the story of the author are just beautiful! I’ve been searching for similar graphic novels and Sheets has caught my eye for quite a while, so I’m hoping to get into it this month! Thank you so much for sharing your vast home library in this happy video! It really did help a lot! 🧡

[@edensylvester13]

my recommendations: - Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch - To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han - Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen - There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom by Louis Sachar (no clue why that's the title tbh) - Sideways Stories From Wayside School by Louis Sachar (very very weird book but enjoyable) - The Tale of Desperaux by Kate DiCamillo

[@charliee7733]

One book that always makes me smile is Heidi. I know it's probably nostalgia because Heidi was basically my childhood, but is such a heartwarming story

[@pandaseal1611]

Yes I love Heidi too

[@hallinasjournal7795]

YES- my go to for breakdowns

[@ferventfei]

i would also recommend "the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse". it's an illustrated book, and it's very short. it can kind of make you cry, but in a way because of how comforting it is. it can give u simple yet sweet advice. this is the description from goodreads: A book of hope for uncertain times. Enter the world of Charlie's four unlikely friends, discover their story and their most important life lessons. The conversations of the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse have been shared thousands of times online, recreated in school art classes, hung on hospital walls and turned into tattoos. In Charlie's first book, you will find his most-loved illustrations and some new ones too.

[@crazylatingirl94]

yes! i was about to recommend this! absolutely love it

[@melodiesandmemories7739]

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is a great book to make you smile! While there are sad parts it's ultimately just a light, fun summer read about friendship. The movie is also a fun, heartwarming watch!

[@elizabethgranger21]

I LOVE Fifteen by Beverly Cleary, and this is the first time I've ever heard anyone outside my small family mention it / know what it is! That book definitely made me smile when I was about 11 ... might be time to reread it again!

[@caitlinfrunks]

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is my favourite warm and fuzzy book.

[@amberoel448]

YES!!!! Every time I re-read that book I feel like I’m visiting old friends 🥰 I wish I could just disappear into that book forever 💕

[@JezzabelleJupiter]

The Chi's Sweet Home manga make me smile a lot. Also the Bee and Puppycat graphic novels. Both are so cute and fun.

[@ArielBissett]

Omg! Chi’s Sweethome is right behind my shoulder this whole video!

[@mariaa-mj6vs]

I haven’t even watched this video entirely, but I already love it! I love you and your videos! 💞

[@linamekawatches214]

My go-to happy book is Mrs Pettigrew Lives for a Day! Never fails to make me smile! A new favorite happy book though is The House on the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune!

[@lsmarsha]

I read Jonathan Livingston Seagull years back. Loved it. Excellent suggestion!

[@RosieOutdoors]

I can’t believe I haven’t read Fly On The Wall yet - I love E Lockhart, so I’ll have to check it out. I recently read The Tea Dragon Society - it’s a beautifully illustrated graphic novel, that’s so pure and nice to read.

[@viannaisbister8176]

You have such a wonderful energy! I am so glad I found your channel! :)

[@majak3150]

Every time I see one of these videos, I always think “Huh, I should really get these books 📚” I SWEAR I can hear my TBR SOBBING in the background 😂😁❤️😊😆👋

[@millyw.5140]

Omg I felt that🤦🏾‍♀️

[@TheTasneemali]

The book CHEETS you mention, reminded me with the film ''a ghost story". I look forward to reading it!

[@lifebehindthecover903]

I'm so glad Stardust is good and happy! I've loved the movie for a while and I chose it for the reading rush prompt.

[@Nkanyiso_K]

Can't wait to check these out. I Loved books by Luis Sacher growing up: Holes, Small steps etc Eion Colfer as well if you're looking for a fun middle grade adventure with magic and espionage I cant recommend Artemis Fowl enough

[@smcaaz1966]

Just finished Stardust and Sheets this week. So glad for to have found this video since these 2 books are now in my faves. Can't wait to read the sequel for Sheets.

[@umyeahashleigh]

I recently read The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers and it felt like such a wholesome, interesting escapist kinda read for right now! (I've read the second book too and loved it - not yet read the third!)

[@EpicReads]

We all need a pick me up! Thanks so much for these recs!❤️

[@booksnstitches3271]

I remember reading Fly On the Wall when I was a kid in middle school, prpbaly right after it came. It was right there when I walked into the library. I remember a good chunk of it and honestly I wanna reread it now that I'm older. My happy books are children's classics, like Heidi and The Secret Garden.

[@ferventfei]

i love so much of these recommendations. they seem so weird and fun, definitely a huge contrast to my tbr filled with hard-hitting books. ill definitely check a lot of these out.

[@alexamancillas7389]

I absolutely LOVE The Night Circus! I don’t normally re-read books but that is one that I definitely would!

[@leena1669]

i love Ariel so much. her videos have such positive vibes!! forget reading, her videos make me smile!!

[@luluramirez5278]

Ariel if you like Fifteen you will love the Betsy-Tacy series. It’s about two best friends in the 1890s growing up together. The first book starts when they are 5 but the fourth book, Heaven to Betsy starts when she is a freshman and it is that same vibe and it’s super wholesome but also tackles some very relevant topics (it was published in 1940 I think)

[@Steffi74ify]

Have you read Beverly Cleary's The Luckiest Girl? It's from around the same time. My Mom kept all of her teen "book of the month club" hardbacks from her youth (she was born in '47), and I read them all when I was a teen. The Luckiest Girl was one of them.

[@jessicacooper-white6675]

This is exactly the list I need right now! I've been nearing the end of my 'happy reads' list and have been searching for some new titles to add. Thanks so much! My go to is Howl's Moving Castle by Dianna Wynne Jones. So much so that I've read it three times in the last 18 months and each time it has had me grinning from ear to ear! The audiobook is great too (although, as I'm not Welsh I can't really say how accurate some of the accents are).

[@sallyconrad154]

I just subscribed to your channel and found this video. I loved your choices and will check out some of them soon. This past summer I reread Fifteen. The first time I read it was in the 60's when I was about 12. I'm 65 now and still found it to be such a sweet story. I then passed it on to my 13 year old granddaughter who read it and really liked it. I also read Charlotte's Web again. Another great classic! 2020 has been a crazy year indeed!

[@susanroberts9052]

Due to your previous talks about “Sheets”, I borrowed it from my public library. I LOVED it. Thanks so much for the recommendation.

[@elianaa.4375]

Yes yes yes! Exactly what we need rn, please... finally sth easy, nice, funny, beautiful 🥰

[@BeautifulBlush7]

I was literally thinking today about fly on the wall today! I read it when I was 12, and I loved e. lockhart books then!

[@kikibrown1010]

Oh my gosh! I love this list! Sometimes I hate recommendation videos, I guess I'm just picky when it comes to books, but this had such a nice range and your descriptions made me want to read almost all of them

[@nextpage7669]

the book grapefruit really reminds me of the podcast welcome to nightvale, but the podcast is more ominous/mysterious i.e. “the universe is vast. you are also vast. so is an ant. there are different sizes of infinity”. little things that make you giggle more out of confusion than anything

[@BlinkFly]

My happy books: The Amelia Fang series The House on the Cerulean Sea Anne of Green Gables East Harry Potter 1-3 The Jackaby series Stardust Coraline Chocolat The Hobbit

[@Atalinay]

Haha yes Amelia Fang. Happy middle grade is not just for kids and more impactful than you realize

[@theimperfectscrapper5313]

Yes, definitely Anne of Green Gables - the absolute epitome of feel good!

[@mxgitsxne7335]

amelia fang is so cute and heartwarming 🥺

[@BlinkFly]

Yes I highly recommend the Anne with an E Netflix show also. Matthew Cuthbert is one of my fav fictional characters of all time.

[@chloehasson]

Beverly Cleary is such a great author, she was one of the first authors I loved as a kid. Also, she’s 104 years old and still kicking!! Absolute legend :)

[@cjanney3592]

I just googled the book and came across her age! Wow! So amazing!

[@Emelia39]

I know you made this comment three years ago (RIP) but I loved Cleary growing up. It really felt like she remembered what it was like to be a child. I remember reading one of the Ramona when I was 7 and oddly connecting so much to Ramona just squeezing out an entire tube of toothpaste because she had the urge to. I was so excited to see an adult finally get the weirdness of being a kid.

[@chloehasson]

@@Emelia39 She definitely held onto a piece of her childhood through her life! All of her books had such a fun and engaging story. Even though they were written like two generations before I was born, being a kid was the same for Ramona as it was for me!

[@Emelia39]

Yeah, I think they were written in the fifties but it never felt like that to me. I always imagined that Ramona could be my friend. I love that she wasn’t afraid of dealing with difficult material, too. Ramona had to deal with her dad losing his job and being afraid for her future, but her parents still made sure she had a childhood.

[@sukhroopdoesstuff310]

I'm reading Stardust for the reading rush and I'm so excited for it!

[@alenemarie1726]

Yoka Ono is one of my favorite artists and I love that series of work of hers! We studied her a lot in my at history classes and she's definitely an inspiration for me in regards to performance art. Mine are -The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett -Elle Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine -The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine -Snow and Rose by Emily Winfield Martin -The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern -Artful by Ali Smith

[@kaitieskates]

1 minute in and all I can say is, "YES!" It was almost serendipitous...I'm having a gut punch of a day and your video was the first in my feed when I turned on my computer. Not even into the books yet and it's exactly what I need. Thanks a million!

[@jaynelewis372]

I LOVED the Night Circus. I can remember the description of the clock. I really wanted to jump into the story.

[@toniweller6008]

I just read Sheets and loved it! I want to read the next one soon. 💟

[@sarahstager8450]

I'm so glad u mentioned kurt vonnegut in this video! my very favorite author who always makes me smile!

[@makiseluvr3697]

your videos make me smile🥺you give off so much positive energy i don't even need to actually read the books to feel better

[@kc6384]

You're video made me smile :) Thanks for the recommendations!

[@valentinatravaini4307]

i was sad and searching for something happy to read but i didn't even need to read anything because you are SO funny and you laughing about the randomness of this list was just 10/10 depression cured. ily, thank you !! 🥺💘

[@yasminebenarab231]

It's crazy how much i love you and your videos. You're so so inspiring and makes my day better whenever you post. Keep being the beautiful person that you are, because you're amazing ❤

[@amykruse6887]

I needed this list. Thanks!! (I have read half of them and love them! Fly on the Wall was great. Also love seeing a Vonnegut I haven't read, yet!)

[@Rank.Roundup]

I’m so happy you mentioned Jonathan Livingston Seagull! It’s one of my all time favorites. 💕

[@agnesverga673]

Ahh you are probably the most positive booktuber I’ve watched so far!

[@claris3056]

Thank you, desperately in need of some happy books! In a somewhat similar vein to Stardust, but more PG and humorous, Howl's Moving Castle is pure joy! I randomly listened to the audiobook a few months ago and it was such an unexpected and much needed burst of unabashed fun!

[@francesakafrankie]

the short little "strange planet" books are filled with funny happy comics! they always put a smile on my face :)

[@khmerkidlove]

Hmm if you do not know already, there is a sequel to Sheets. Called "Delicates". I haven't read both but I saw your video and I am interested in Sheets. I wish they have them in the library

[@MelissaReist]

So glad you mentioned Erin Morgenstern! Currently reading her new book The Starless Sea and love it so far!

[@SpotSwims]

This is my favorite book recommendation video you’ve ever done!!! Ive read about half of these and love love loved them! :)

[@frenchibi]

I highly recommend The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - it's a sort of fable-type story about a boy chasing his dreams, about spirituality and happiness and it felt wonderful and warm to me as I read it!

[@TheBooktubeGirl]

I loved this! I need that Tim Burton poetry book NOW also grapefruit sounds great!!! so many good recommendations in here i'm excited to pick them uppp

[@amyworley6221]

something that will make anyone smile is rereading an old childhood favorite!! i really want to reread some of the warrior cat books 🥺

[@ornleifs]

Lots of interesting books, many that I do not know. Bought the George Orwell and Kurt Vonnegut ones, they sounded so interesting - "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" is the book I have re-read the most - love it.

[@potatis2035]

I'm for sure going to check out that seagull book! It sounds really sweet

[@tonidue9317]

Today I thought to myself: "I could definitely need a positive Ariel Bisset Video right now" and then I opened my subscription box and saw this! Thanks you saved my day

[@ArielBissett]

yes :( hopefully they will start shipping more places soon! but i'd rather link to them because they support indie bookshops!

[@ellentyldesley1433]

If you’re in the UK you should check out Hive.co.uk as they fully support independent bookshops!

[@briannaschwarz2954]

The best book rec video ever! So wonderful and happy!!

[@sarahogborn8024]

Yes! I LOVE Stardust (both the book and the movie)!! Neil reads the audiobook and it is phenomenal 💕 The only way I know how to describe the Night Circus is that It’s like when you hear a piece of music that is so beautiful it makes you sad. TNC is so beautiful and magical that it makes me sad/nostalgic in a really good way lol.

[@roxanne7185]

I've always wonder what kind of wood your bookshelves are, also its size. I'm in love with it!

[@slightlybookish8125]

Strangely enough, I've always wanted to read a book from a non-human perspective!I'm definitely going to be reading Jonathan Livingston Seagull!

[@laynief6831]

slightlybookish you should read watership down by Richard king! It’s one of my favourites. It’s from the perspective of some rabbits who leave their rabbit warren and go on an adventure.

[@laynief6831]

Lol sorry it’s actually by Richard Adams (I am the worst at author names)

[@kiyajade7]

The Bees by Laline Paull!

[@praalgraf]

definitely not a happy book but a book with a non-human narrator: the book thief by markus zusak is narrated by Death

[@katefirth-odonnell5847]

The Bees!! Lalaine paul (i think)

[@eternalangel11]

Flipped is one of my favourite books. I absolutely loved the movie as well. But unfortunately there aren’t a lot of people who have read the book. That book deserves more love.

[@aaishaht]

I haven’t read the book but loved the movie! 💗 Has a special place in my heart.

[@lindsay4254]

Ariel: okay this next book is gonna be happy :D The next book: The melancholy death...

[@luciidiia1245]

You make my heart warm

[@Talesinmaking]

You got me smiling and chuckling right away at the second book, Johnathon Livingston the Seagull!! lol!! We visited our baby nephew a few weekends ago and his mum named the Whale I gifted him Jamie O'Brien the Whale after a surfer apparently! Anyway this book reminded me of that so much :D

[@bestnarryever]

You make me smile Ariel!! so, ready player one makes me smile a lot cause it’s so so so fun omg, and also I’d recommend any book from Sophie Kinsella cause they make me laugh so much

[@RainbowSunny1]

Thank you for this video!! Lately I tried to read more books that would make me happy but every book I read has had some sort of death in it's story which again made me botherd. I will absolutely check out some of these books!! 😁👍🏻

[@gl0winginthedark]

After listening to the podcast for so often I'm really used to you talking about each book for at least 5 minutes, so I was really taken aback every time you moved on from each book so quickly :D

[@alixorosexo18]

You are so descriptive and relatable. Thank you! I didn’t realize I needed a book to help cheer me up right now. I’m planning on reading the GN you recommended. 💜

[@SamWest96]

Omg Stardust! Yes, thank you! I haven't had a book planned for movie then book because I've read all the books that inspired a movie but stardust is my favourite film of all time and I haven't got any memory of the book whatsoever. Yes, thank you

[@Hannah-ks2kc]

It’s called a laundrette in the uk 😁

[@tabkins]

Love the recommendations, and your vibe with the nails and the accessories. Books from my childhood make me smile. I’m reading to my children, but it’s really for me🤫

[@littlemusic4x]

I requested „sheets“ at my library ages ago and said they were gonna get it. Now I just got an email that they had to cancel the order which is very sad. Guess I have to buy it now anyway 😅😅

[@valeriagelover9023]

I LOVE U ARIEL! You’re so genuine and love ur content. You got me back into reading after a long long LONG time :D thank u amazing soul

[@jennifererickson9709]

I read Fly on the Wall years ago and really liked it. I truly knew nothing about boys, so it was very relatable lol. I think you've finally convinced me it's time for a reread. I forgot it's based on Metamorphosis, so I'm interested to see what I think now that I've read that and just lived more life.

[@nerdtastic2014]

I love the Stardust film! One of my favs as well! Though I love the book as well, I watched the film first, so it holds more nostalgia for me. I love how magical and atmospheric The Night Circus is! I plan to reread it in October (the audiobook, narrated by Jim Dale, is wonderful!). A few of my fav happy books to make me smile: -Carry On by Rainbow Rowell -Upside Down by N R Walker -Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean -The Lightning-Struck Heart by TJ Klune -The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune -Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

[@bugnerdasmr]

Big Wendelin Van Draanen fan here - I absolutely adored Flipped, both the film adaptation and the book. I'll have to check out Fifteen. My go to comfort/smile books for years have been Van Draanen's Sammy Keyes series! They're not quite YA not quite children's mysteries with a lot of heart and a really great middle school sleuth/heroine. Girl, 15, Charming but Insane makes me laugh every time I reread it, too.

[@BrebearMckae]

I read Flipped in middle school and LOVED it! SO sweet, and a precious movie, too!

[@moonyloops]

I just started listening to your podcast, Ariel! It’s flipping amazing!

[@jennifer6278]

I’m surprised you didn’t mention Sourdough by Robin Sloan. It made me smile so much 😁

[@bettyreads222]

Ooh gonna have to look for that Orwell book, hadn't heard of it. I read Fly on the wall when you recommended it way back when and I had read metamorphosis a couple months beforehand for a lit class so the adaptation is just so great. My books i go to for a smile are Sarah dessen books and Elizabeth Acevedo books. :)