5 books to read for the little reminders in life

You’ve had an exhausting and intense day at work. Office politics got the better of you. You weren’t able to squeeze in some 'me time'. You’re anxious and overwhelmed for what’s to come, you’re on the verge of crying and you feel like you just can’t anymore. And that’s okay. We’ve all had those days. During such times, you’re not entirely sure what you could do to make yourself feel better. In fact, it could be a range of things such as meditation, journaling or just venting to your best friend. What you need during such trying times is the reassurance that everything will be okay, that you will be more than okay and that the world is still full of love, kindness and positivity. And books can be a great source of these reminders. We’re not talking about your run-of-the-mill self-help books or those that require you to spend hours reading them to understand them. Here’s a list of short, sweet and overly charming books that will leave you feeling warm, hopeful and loved. 

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy 

“Sometimes I worry you’ll all realise I’m ordinary,” said the boy. 
“Love doesn’t need you to be extraordinary,” said the mole.

This illustrated novel by Charlie Mackesy follows the journey of four unlikely friends—the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse who discover important life lessons such as kindness, self-love, the importance of seeking help, being unafraid to be yourself and more. The lessons are beautifully woven into the conversation as the four embark on a journey that brings them home—back to unconditional love. The illustrations are child-like, exactly what you need to put a smile on your face after a long day and the whole book is an exploration of thoughts, feelings and emotions that are universally binding. 

What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey 

“What I know for sure is that every day brings a chance for you to draw in a breath, kick off your shoes and step out and dance—to live free of regret and filled with as much joy, fun and laughter as you can stand. You can either waltz boldly onto the stage of life and live the way you know your spirit is nudging you to, or you can sit quietly by the wall, receding into the shadows of fear and self-doubt.” This little excerpt has been pinned up on the soft board of my work desk for months now. It’s my everyday reminder to live life to the fullest, with passion and purpose. What I know for sure by Oprah Winfrey is a series of anecdotes and experiences from Winfrey’s life that hold in them lessons of gratitude, friendship, caring and affection and most importantly love. Her stories will be the reassurance that you need to keep going and the reminder to stay true to yourself. 

The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way To Live Well by Meik Wiking 

Written by Meik Wiking who is the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Denmark, The Little Book of Hygge is a guide to happy living. The Danish word Hygge is often described as ‘the pursuit of everyday pleasures.’ The book is like a warm hug—it’s the reminder you need to romanticise your life—even if it means lighting a few scented candles at the end of your day or having a games night with friends. It’s the book that reminds you that there are many things in life that are far more important than that 9 to 5. Finally, we hope that this book allows you to take time off for yourself, and go and give your loved ones the tightest hug you could ever give them. 

Everything Beautiful: A Guide To Finding Hidden Beauty In The World by Ella Sanders

Written by New York Times bestselling author, Ella Sanders, Everything beautiful is a step-by-step guide for those who have forgotten what beauty is. Sanders highlights the fact that our definition of beauty has been narrowed down by judgments and perceptions that we fail to recognise the omnipresence of beauty. She takes us back in time to retrace the history of ‘beauty,’ and enables us to find our way back to understanding the true meaning of the term. It’s a reminder of the little things that we run past in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives—the little things that actually matter. The book is brimming with stunning illustrations, insightful quotes and space for readers to write, draw and reflect on what they have read. Let this book be your reminder to see beauty in every form. 

Big Panda And Tiny Dragon by James Norbury 

“Try to make time for the small things,” said Big Panda, “They’re often the most important.”

Need we say more? Written by James Norbury, Big Panda and Tiny Dragon follow the journey of two friends through the seasons of the year the ups, downs and everything in between. They realise that even the harshest of storms end and bring in light and hope. The book has been described as calming and a reminder of the not-so-important, important things in life. It’s the perfect book for those looking for something warm and comforting amidst everyday chaos.