Looking for gentle, comforting books while supporting my mom through breast cancer treatment

Hi everyone,

My mom was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and over the past few weeks, I’ve been spending a lot of time with her at the hospital, accompanying her to appointments, treatments, and waiting rooms. I bring my e-reader with me, hoping to find some quiet moments of peace through reading.

I just finished The Friends by Kazumi Yomoto, a tender, bittersweet story about a group of kids who befriend an elderly man rumored to be dying. It reminded me of Stand by Me, and while it made me laugh and cry (I had to hold back tears in the hospital!), it also stirred up a lot of emotions I’m already feeling daily. It was beautiful, but now I’m looking for something softer, something that offers calm, hope, or quiet strength without overwhelming sadness or despair.

The hospital atmosphere is heavy, and I see so much pain and exhaustion in the faces around me. I want to hold onto some lightness, not just for myself but because I wish I could offer comfort to others too.

I’ve been considering When Breath Becomes Air, but I’m honestly a little scared it might be too intense right now.

Could you please recommend books that are gentle, soothing, or quietly uplifting? Maybe stories that acknowledge pain but also carry warmth, resilience, or peace? Fiction or nonfiction, anything that might help me breathe a little easier during this time.

Thank you so much for your kindness and suggestions.