Are you taking the 2017 reading challenge [1]? One of the prompts is "a book you've read before that never fails to make you smile," and while everyone has their own idea of what kind of book brings them joy, we have some firsthand ideas from readers thanks to the POPSUGAR reading challenge Goodreads group [2]. Goodreads members have been sharing their reading recs on the site, and we've rounded up 13 fun, reader-approved ideas. If you need a smile, dive into one of these books. Here are more book ideas for the 2017 reading challenge [3]!
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
"I usually read [Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone [7]] every year anyways, so at least it'll count for the challenge!" — Megan [8]
The Thief
"The Thief [9] series by Megan Whalen Turner is one that always makes me smile. I can say 'always' quite accurately since I have read them almost every few years since I found the first one in grade school." — Xelly [10]
Neverwhere
"I LOVED listening to the Neverwhere audiobook [11] so much that I asked for the author's edition for [Christmas] last year (and received it). So I could read that." — Nadine [12]
Pride and Prejudice
"I'm going to go for Pride and Prejudice [13]. I read it last year, but I'm looking forward to it again. Austen's wit gets me every time; I love the basic story-line of [Pride and Prejudice], and I adore Lizzie, of course." — Shannon [14]
The Book With No Pictures
"I am a teacher, and I never fail to giggle and smile when I read The Book With No Pictures [15] by B.J. Novak. The kids love to have me read it." — Lynette [16]
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
"Haven't read [The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes [17]] in years, and thinking of Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman as Holmes and Watson will definitely make me smile!" — Elle [18]
Angela's Ashes
"It's just not one book but an entire shelf in my personal library that's devoted to re-reads, but the one that I can go over a million times is Angela's Ashes [19] by Frank McCourt. It's delightfully funny and inspiring at the same time." — Sonia [20]
Cold Comfort Farm
"Cold Comfort Farm [21] for me; read it several times and does always make me smile." — Emma [22]
Good Omens
"Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch [23]!!! This book not only makes me smile, usually I'm laughing so hard I end up crying." — Steph [24]
The Help
"I'm rereading The Help [25]. This book never fails to make me smile. . . . Love books that transport you to a different time." — Nikki [26]
The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul
"I'm going with Dirk Gently again. It's been a while since I re-read The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul [27], so it's due anyway. I always smile through Dirk Gently." — Sofie [28]
To Kill a Mockingbird
"I think I'm going to re-read To Kill a Mockingbird [29]. . . . There are moments (the snowman) that made me laugh out loud even though the book has some deep themes. After I first read it in high school, I read it so many times that my Dad threatened to throw away my tattered copy if I left it laying around anymore." — Jette [30]
Attachments
Really, ANY Rainbow Rowell book will put me in a good mood, but I especially love Attachments [31]. You can't help of have a grin on your face from cover to cover.