The great Indian Summer Monsoon brings with it so many things — a wardrobe switcheroo, the perfect backdrop for angst-filled romance, the inevitable seasonal flu, joy for raincoat vendors, and, of course, those mysteriously accurate knee-ache weather forecasts. But amidst it all, our favorite part? It sets the perfect mood for readers.
Monsoon demands cozy reads, whether curled up in a bookstore or a cafe, raindrops tapping the window, and steam swirling from your chai or coffee. It's cliché, sure, but who can resist the allure of these perfect reads to accompany the rain?
These books are perfectly suited to accompany you during this cozy monsoon season, each one as comforting as a snug sweater and as delightful as finding a perfectly dry seat on a rainy day.
1. What you’re looking for is in the library by Michiko Aoyama
Cozy vibe check: If things haven't gone as planned, this book offers stories of hope, peace, practical lessons, and a comforting hug to lift your spirits.
Summary: What are you looking for? So asks Tokyo's most enigmatic librarian to the visitors in her library. For Sayuri Komachi is no ordinary librarian. Sensing exactly what someone is searching for in life, she provides just the book recommendation to help them find it. After reading Komachi's unique book recommendation, they will soon discover what they need to achieve their dreams.
2. The Art of Happiness - A Handbook For Living by Dalai Lama
Cozy vibe check: Your go-to manual for slaying anxiety, insecurity, anger, and discouragement with a sprinkle of Buddhist wisdom and a pinch of common sense.
Summary: For the many who wish to understand more about the Dalai Lama's approach to living, there has never been a book which brings his beliefs so vividly into the real world. In this unique and important book, one of the world's great spiritual leaders offers his practical wisdom and advice on how we can overcome everyday human problems and achieve lasting happiness Covering all key areas of human experience, they apply the principles of Tibetan Buddhism to everyday problems and reveal how one can find balance and complete spiritual and mental freedom.
3. Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self Love Is The Key To Unlocking Your Greatness by Vex King
Cozy vibe check: Reflect on who you are and what tweaks could bring more daily joy and sustainable happiness into your life.
Summary: A beautifully designed book full of inspiring quotes and tried-and-tested wisdom on using positivity to create a life you love. How can you learn to truly love yourself? How can you transform negative emotions into positive ones? Is it possible to find lasting happiness? In this book, Instagram guru Vex King answers all of these questions and more. When you change the way you think, feel, speak and act, you begin to change the world.
4. How to Live Your Life by Ruskin Bond
Cozy vibe check: Picture a grandpa sending you letters packed with love, charm, and life lessons. This book feels just like that.
Summary: A book packed with all the good advice anyone, any age, would love and benefit from because it is
sound wisdom distilled from the wonderful life and times of the inimitable Ruskin Bond, unmistakably one of India’s most popular authors. Each piece of valuable advice is worth its weight in gold!
5. Welcome To The Hyunam-Dong Bookshop
Cozy vibe check: A welcoming haven for those needing rest and healing. Here, you'll be reminded that it's never too late to let go and start over.
Summary: Yeongju, burned out from her high-flying career and failed marriage, leaves it all behind to follow her dream of opening a bookshop in a quaint Seoul neighborhood. The Hyunam-dong Bookshop becomes a refuge for Yeongju and her customers, each dealing with their own disappointments. Together, they learn how to truly live.
6. The Door-To-Door Bookstore by Carsten Hen
Cozy vibe check: A smile inducing story of found family, unlikely friendship, and the power of books.
Summary: Carl, a 72-year-old book enthusiast, delivers books by hand to his loyal customers every night, knowing their preferences intimately. One evening, nine-year-old Schascha insists on joining him, bringing her loud and precocious energy. When Carl's job at the bookstore is threatened, the duo must work together to restore his way of life and bring the joy of reading back to their European town
7. The Oxherd Boy: Parables Of Love, Compassion, And Community by Regina Linke
Cozy vibe check: This book is like a fresh breeze from the countryside that will break our hustle bustle hamster wheel.
Summary: In this exquisitely illustrated parable grounded in the three pillars of Chinese philosophy, a young boy, his family ox, and a rabbit living in his garden help each other navigate the daily work of love, compassion, and community. Examining the world through the lenses of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, their conversations convey tender, uplifting messages for life's various crossroads.
For more cozy reads, check out our entire curation of Heartwarming Cozy reads here.
Tell us your favorite reads for monsoon :)
