Suggest me books that offer non-sappy hope and warmth without the self-helpy platitudes

Turned 35 this year, and it'll be 8 years since I took a career decision that turned my life for the worse, and kick-started a mental health spiral that crests or troughs. I'm an ESL speaker so I don't understand intricate English.

I'm depressed and dejected but not hopeless like it's the end of the world. I still have profound hope and believe I'll live to see beautiful days ahead. I'm looking to read books that are fun, warm, and comforting without the preachiness, platitudes, sappiness of self-help or The Alchemist.

I tried reading The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and Discworld but had a HARD time understanding them. Currently reading Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris and found myself laughing out loud quite a few times.

Would appreciate books that have shorter chapters that I can knock off in 15-20 mins but slightly longer are good too. I'm also into music, thought I should mention it.

I guess I've made a post that screams difficult customer in a bookshop. Looking forward to your suggestions! Thank you 🙂