When the world feels like too much, read these gentle books
A treasury of comforts for the tired body, mind, and soul.
When things feel like too much, I usually try to escape into a book. I want the books I’m reading at these times to be a counterpart to life; a retreat into different worlds and a return to comfort, optimism, or inspiration in some way. (Most of the time – I still love reading about detectives drinking coffee and solving decidedly uncozy cases.)
That said, I’ve hardly been reading or writing at all lately. Alongside everything going on in the world taking up attention, there are a few other reasons behind this, including that (drumroll) after a very long journey, I’m 29 weeks pregnant. Things have been more joyful recently, but the earlier months were very anxiety- and nausea-inducing. It’s also just made me feel… not quite myself.
Instead of reading, I’ve been indulging in a lot of TV. (Severance and White Lotus and Shrinking, oh my.) But in the last few weeks, I’ve been getting back into books.
While in some ways this post is totally unoriginal – most of my posts on Tolstoy Therapy curate gentle books – this is what I feel like I need right now… a gentle nurturing push back to the books that remind me of the good in the world. Maybe a few of you need this too.
Whether or not you find a book recommendation you love in this post, I hope it can be a little reminder to treat yourself with kindness – and give your mind a small break from news headlines, social media scrolling, and worrying about the future for a few moments. To take care of yourself first.
Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
“Women need solitude in order to find again the true essence of themselves.”
If I had to name a favourite book about the sea, I’d probably choose Virginia Woolf’s stream-of-consciousness masterpiece The Waves that I fell in love with at university. But that said, over the last year I’ve realised just how wonderful Gift from the Sea is.
Penned during a solitary vacation on Florida's Captiva Island in the early 50s, Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s collection of musings on finding space for contemplation and creativity isn’t experimental, but it is exceptionally atmospheric. Away from her husband and five children, she watches the waves, collects seashells, sweeps sand from the floor of her beach house, and ponders what it means to develop a rich inner life and creative identity in a demanding world.
At just over a hundred pages, Gift from the Sea is a short and special light-filled book to read and re-read whenever you need to bring balance back to your life.
Kate & Frida by Kim Fay
Kate & Frida seeks out joy in the darkest moments. It’s delightfully offline. And it’s a true celebration of the growth, confidence, and comfort that comes from a good friendship.
Consisting of letters between a perky bookshop employee in Seattle’s Puget Sound (Kate) and an intrepid budding “War Journo Dame” away from her native Los Angeles in Paris (Frida) in the early 90s, Kim Fay’s new novel is full of good food, books, and heartfelt conversations.
After loving the audiobook last week, I’ve just chosen Kate & Frida as my book of the month. It’s also sent me on a Laurie Colwin reading extravaganza (I’m currently reading Happy All The Time and it’s so very worth it).
Emma by Jane Austen
When I first started drafting this post (last summer, oops), I had twenty books checked out of the library and wasn’t interested in any of them. I was craving gentle vibes and low-drama… so I put the library books down, wandered over to my bookshelves, and looked for what I knew would be a perfect fit: Jane Austen.
I haven’t always given Emma enough love, but I think it’s a strong contender for the most cozy and comforting Austen book. The plot doesn’t try to take on too much. Emma is hilariously exasperating. It’s all just such a break from real life.
Sipsworth by Simon van Booy
I chose Sipsworth as my book of the month for October last year on Tolstoy Therapy and still tell my husband to read it every time he has a bad day. If you’re struggling, this is your book. Simon van Booy’s story of a young mouse and an elderly woman called Helen doesn’t totally shy away from difficult things (especially loss, ageing, and isolation), but on the whole it’s a superbly gentle book that’ll encourage you to connect with your community.
The Walking Man by Jiro Taniguchi
Not everyone will like the sound of a quiet slice-of-life graphic novel about a guy who wanders around town, bathes at the local sentō, and contemplates the beauty in everyday life. Nothing really happens, but that’s precisely why I love this book.
Penned by the late manga writer and author Jiro Taniguchi, The Walking Man is a balm for the soul that wonderfully complements Wim Wenders' Perfect Days movie – a gorgeous reminder of simple joys blended with big questions which I celebrated over on Live Wildly.
Finn Family Moomintroll by Tove Jansson
Towards the end of last year, I wrote a little post about the comfort and wonder of retreating into Tove Jansson's Moomin books. Creating these books was an escape for Tove, too:
“It was the utterly hellish war years that made me, an artist, write fairy tales,” Jansson told J.O. Tallqvist a year after the publication of Comet in Moominland.
One of the very best things about these lovely little books is that it's not all smooth sailing – comets hit their paradise, floods ruin their home, they get lost and caught in terrible situations, and yet... somehow it all works out, even if things look different afterward and some things are lost. What better message for readers both young and grown?
The Conditions of Unconditional Love by Alexander McCall Smith
Few writers create books as gentle, cozy, and heartwarming as Alexander McCall Smith. Not much happens in his Isabel Dalhousie series, but you can be sure that someone will be cooking dinner in the kitchen, opening a bottle of wine, and looking forward to discussing their day with their loved ones.
Even if you haven’t read any other books in the series starring his moral philosopher and amateur sleuth Isabel Dalhousie, The Conditions of Unconditional Love is a perfect standalone that’s full of kindness, peace, and little comforts.
A few more quick recommendations…
Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa – An utterly charming book that’s full to the brim with kindness, hope, and second chances. As the cherry blossoms bloom (at least here in the northern hemisphere) it’s the perfect time to read this little gem.
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery – Honestly, listening to the Audible production of Anne of Green Gables with narration by Rachel McAdams while walking in the park felt almost as valuable as my paid therapy sessions last summer. L.M. Montgomery’s literary treasure is a return to wonder, seeing the best in things, and finding beauty everywhere.
Leonard and Hungry Paul by Rónán Hession – A quiet book about gentle souls seeing the best in the world, ourselves, and other people. I chose it as my book of the month in December on Tolstoy Therapy.
The Book of Delights by Ross Gay – In his popular essays, Ross doesn’t shy away from the crappy parts of life, including politics, racism, and violence, but strives to find delights every day regardless. A book that feels like catching up with a friend.
The Almanac: A Seasonal Guide to 2025 by Lia Leendertz – What better way to remind yourself that the world keeps turning than by reading a nature almanac? From stages of the moon to gardening tips, I love this UK-focused guide to stay in tune with nature’s rhythms. U.S. readers also seem to love The 2025 Old Farmer's Almanac.
Enjoy ❤️
I revisit "Gift from the sea" at last once a year. It is a gift to the reader with its outlook on all aspects os a relationship and keeping one's self while giving to and doing for others. There a few in you list a haven't read and look forward to them. Congratulations on your pregnancy.
Moomins! Sipsworth!