To be clear, I dont mean a story that gives you fake optimism without having any conflicts or problems: that would make it boring. What i mean is a story that while containing some conflicts has also happy and fun moments in it and is ultimately happy at the end. Any genre would suffice.
by Former-Reveal-4496
8 Comments
If you’re open to very long books, I recommend [The Hands of the Emperor](https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/af2bba9c-8f41-4a3e-b87a-8532a44ccb67) by Victoria Goddard. It’s a beautifully written slice of life book about the personal secretary to the emperor of the world, with a heavy focus on platonic relationships.
* Going Postal by Terry PratchettÂ
* Nine Goblins by T. Kingfisher
* All Systems Red by Martha Wells
Remarkably Bright Creatures
The Guncle
The House in the Cerulean Sea and sequel
Beach Read by Emily Henry — two writers with opposite styles and outlooks swap their entire approach to life for a summer. There’s genuine conflict and emotional weight, but the ending is deeply satisfying and the whole thing is warm without being saccharine.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne is another one that earns its happiness. Office rivalry, sharp banter, and both characters are actually changed by the end in ways that feel real.
If you want something lighter and just fun, Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir isn’t romance but it’s one of the happiest reading experiences I’ve had in years. Feels like spending time with someone you immediately love.
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst.
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree.
If you like sci-fi and you want to laugh I would recommend Columbus Day by Craig Alanson. I got the audiobook and honestly found the first 10 or 11 chapters to be pretty boring military sci-fi but when The Skippy character came on the scene it became funny. It was a super fun and I embarrassed myself laughing out loud while shopping at the market while listening to it. I had headphones in so I looked like a crazy person laughing at nothing.
Also lighthearted and funny is Good Omens by Neil Gaumen.
Starter Villain by John Scalzi. Everyday guy inherits an evil empire. Plus cats and trash talking dolphins!
On a completely different note, The Actor and the Housewife by Shannon Hale. When Becky, a housewife with screenwriting dreams, attracts the interest of Felix, a Hollywood star, the two quickly become friends. Though the sexual tension is obvious, Becky has no intention of cheating on her husband – but would Felix cheat on his wife? And can two people find a true platonic love?