Having a bad day? Cheer up with one of these books with pick-me-up power

Here at The Novel Neighbor, readers ask us to build a reading list based on factors as far ranging as age and location to big milestones and life circumstances.

Recently, Alexis asked us for recommendations to help cheer up her book club, writing, “We need some help! Lately everyone in my book club has been going through it. It’s been a rough summer for us: Breakups, divorces, job stuff, kid issues and parent issues. We meet once a month and enjoy mostly fiction, but some non-fiction too. I want some options to help cheer us up and maybe make us feel seen.”

We believe books are the best balm for bad days, so here you go, Alexis:

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‘Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting’ by Clare Pooley

This is a perfect book club pick because everyone in your group will get a little something different. Following a group of commuters who see each other on public transit each morning but never speak, because who does on the train?! But when a person chokes on a grape one day and is saved by another commuter, it sparks a chain reaction of strangers who come together to support each other through all of life’s ups and downs.

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• "Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting" at Bookshop.org for $25

‘Wahala’ by Nikki May

These women have been called the most unforgettable friend group since “Sex and the City” and trust us, they have plenty of surprises! The novel is about three Anglo-Nigerian best friends whose group is infiltrated by an extremely glamorous fourth woman, Isobel. At first it seems Isobel is bringing out the best in everyone, but it soon becomes clear she is sowing chaos. Each woman in “Wahala” is dealing with her own life circumstances and there’s so much to unpack in this story about friendship, culture, and ambition.

• "Wahala" at Bookshop.org for $17

‘Life on Other Planets’ by Dr. Aomawa Shields

This memoir is about an astronomer, classically trained actor, and Black woman in STEM that everyone on our staff has loved! Sometimes when life feels big, it’s helpful to remember that we are small. We think Dr. Shields' insight into space and the stars is enlightening and her life has been such a journey, there’s so much to discuss for book clubs.

• "Life on Other Planets" at Bookshop.org for $26

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