Четенето като път към щастие

by Daisy Buchanan

Установили сте (като милиони от нас), че сте тревожни. Какво да правите?

Дейзи Бюканън не претендира да знае отговора, но пък е открила как да облекчи своите непрестанни терзания. Когато за пръв път усеща, че тревогата я обзема, е още дете и се обръща към чудото на четенето. Като възрастен (или поне човек, който се опитва да бъде такъв), тя търси спасение в храната, алкохола и онлайн пазаруването, но миговете на еуфория, които те ѝ носят, я карат само да се чувства още по-зле. След като получава диагнозата генерализирано тревожно разстройство, тя отново се връща към четенето и скоро открива, че потапянето в хубава книга ѝ помага с всяка следваща страница да бъде по-уверена и спокойна – и дори да събуди своята сексуалност.

В „Четенето като път към щастие“ писателката и водеща на подкаста You're Booked преплита собствената си борба с тревожността с мъдростта на любимите литературни герои и писатели и съветите на експерти, за да покаже четенето като път към спокойствие, път към романтика, път от пристрастяването към свободата.

Genres: Nonfiction, Books About Books, Self Help, Audiobook, Health, Psychology, Mental Health

346 pages, Paperback

First published February 11, 2025

Reviews

[Maddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book about books and reading and everything else in between and boy oh boy is that book grand. Like the grandest of all. Absolute must read for readers out there.
It's a book that's a hug, a friend, a helping hand. I laughed, I pondered, I stopped, I gasped, I even shed a tear.
That book was a big fat reminder that I can read what I like when I like, I can love and enjoy books regardless of what others think, and I can dislike the ones that others claim to be masterpieces. No shame here. No snobbery. Reading is personal. It's yours. It's for you and you only.
Thank you Daisy Buchanan. I read myself happy. Thank you.

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The most lasting thing I've learnt from reading is that we're never alone. First, it doesn't matter how mad, sad, or obscure our dilemma is, someone else has lived it and written down everything they discovered and everything they felt. Second, during those moments when our feelings are overwhelming and difficult to bear, a book is the most generous friend we could hope to find."

This book was right up my street - I love books about books, especially when combined with mental health. If anyone has ever told you that you read too much or own too many books - this has all the best come back responses. It's a comfort book in itself, filled with book recommendations that have hugely increased my 'to read' lists. Daisy writes so fluidly, it's easy to read and I devoured it in 3 days. I've read 2 of her fiction novels (Insatiable and Careering), but I feel non-fiction may be where she shines best, having started out in journalism. Daisy also has a podcast I listen to called 'You're Booked', where she visits authors' homes and investigates the books on their shelves (I recommend it for any nosy book lovers), which is why I think this book is so well rounded when it comes to its book lists - she's done her research, and includes many of these author recommendations.

One important point to note, is that the book doesn't solely focus on books that ease anxiety - it also includes chapters on reading for joy and laughter, books to make you cry and support you through depression and grief, reading to feel sexy or romantic, reading to understand family dynamics, reading for freedom from unhealthy addictions, reading to learn how to write stories, reading to learn and get out of your comfort zone, reading for courage, and reading for adventure and world travel.

From reading this book, I realised I've been missing out on reading more for comfort and joy - I can't remember the last time I read a book that made me cry with laughter. Also, Daisy is a huge advocate for rereading old favourites and books from childhood for comfort (no shame here) - I have a strong urge to go back and dust off my old children's books in the attic of my parents' house.

Highly recommended for any book lover, and it would make a great gift!

Some books I've added to my 'to read' lists, thanks to this book:
A Manual for Being Human, Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?, Four Thousand Weeks: Time and How to Use It, Good Behaviour, Love, Nina: Despatches from Family Life, The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, Mortification: Writers' Stories of Their Public Shame, Early Morning Riser, The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced digital copy. Publication date: 6th February 2025

[Brittany (whatbritreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this!*

I’m not usually the kind of person who gravitates toward self help books, and I’m not the biggest fan of books about books. And yet… this combined the two in such a lovely way I couldn’t help but enjoy it. It has a memoir style feel to it, and I especially loved how it weaved through some author interviews and a whole heap of great book recommendations in the process.

I think the style of writing was very easy to digest and quick paced. I loved how each chapter was broken down into different emotions and feelings, and the discussion that was had on how books can help us navigate those things. Despite everything in here not being overly happy or fluffy, it still felt like some a cosy and feelgood book. Daisy has such a lovely narration voice, and I think she connects with the reader on such a personal level being a lover of books and writer herself; she just gets it.

I read the entire thing in two sittings, but this is also perfectly split up so you can dip in and out as you feel fit. I really enjoyed it, and it really reminded me and reinforced why I love books and reading so much.

[Helena Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny, meaningful and honest look at how books can help ease our anxiety. Through interviews with authors, scientific research & personal anecdotes, Daisy has the explored how books can change us and help us grow, even in the darkest of times. Anyone with anxiety who loves books should read this!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title was enough to convince me to borrow Read Yourself Happy: How to Use Books to Ease Your Anxiety from the library. I've been trying to make myself happy by reading since I learned to read. Perhaps this book could teach me how to be better at it! I was initially a little resistant to the tone and disconcerted to realise the author was a podcaster. Buchanan comments early on that managing her mental health was a bit easier during the initial months (years?) of the covid pandemic, an experience I've repeatedly encountered and find baffling. It was the exact opposite for me. I mean, I'm happy for you but do not understand how a global pandemic can possibly have made your anxiety better. However, I got past this and warmed up to Read Yourself Happy: How to Use Books to Ease Your Anxiety. Buchanan is great at articulating the appeal of reading:

Every time I read a new book, I'm hoping to fall in love. I want to experience limerance - an intense infatuation with a story and its characters. My favourite books don't make me feel smart, they make me briefly stupid, as though a spell has been cast on me and I'm completely willing to submit to it. The best books convince me that something imaginary is entirely true. I want to believe.

Buchanan then offers positive advice about reading to deal with specific emotions and situations, with chapters titled 'Read yourself secure', 'Read yourself free', etc. Crucially, this advice is accompanied by specific book recommendations. Even when the recommendations didn't necessarily appeal, I always enjoy finding out what other people appreciate about a book. Some novels, mostly classics, the author and I had in common, while others, such as the work of Jackie Collins and Jilly Cooper, are not my bag. Sci-fi was a notable absence and has long been my favourite genre of fiction. This might have been an advantage, as it was good to hear about books that are unfamiliar to me. I fully agree with Buchanan's encouragement to mix up comfort reads and more challenging books.

Although I enjoyed Read Yourself Happy: How to Use Books to Ease Your Anxiety, I am not really the intended audience. It tacitly assumes that the reader wants to and should read more than they do. I gather this is a common sentiment, but it isn't necessarily true for me. I often read when I should really be doing something else. Friends have repeatedly suggested that maybe I should go outside and do things rather than merely reading about them. Books are safe, comfortable, and reassuring, though. While reading definitely makes me happy, perhaps if I approached it more systematically then that happiness would extend beyond the experience of reading and into the remainder of my life.

[Lena Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like the title says, reading can make you feel happy and every other emotion. That's the beauty of a book. You can experience anything you want or desire.

This book is for everyone, whether you are a novice or expert book lover. There is something for everyone and I highly recommend it.

It is broken down into chapters per genre and gives information about each. At the end of each are7 book recommendations and I have added quite a few to my tbr. The writing style is lite and easy read.

Thank you, @daisybuchanan and @netgalley, for allowing me to read this book.

[Sembray · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a lifelong reader who also struggles with anxiety, this book could have been written with me in mind. Books have often represented a safe port of call among the stormy world, and with recent events my need for such solace and escapism has only increased. I tend to be very sceptical about self-help books, but this one won me over with its combination of scientific research, a witty and accessible writing style and of course books. Each chapter covers a different aspect of modern life, ranging from relationships and family to general anxiety and expanding your horizons, offering recommendations as well as wider examples of how reading can help us understand ourselves and each other. Lack of motivation often precludes me from taking part in self-improvement, but reading is something that I do naturally, and this book has definitely given me fresh insight and a new way of interacting with my preferred activity. I would recommend this book for anyone whose description matches mine at the beginning of the review, or anyone wondering why we are so drawn to books and the effects they can have on our emotional states.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone that struggles with anxiety AND loves books this was the perfect read that I will continue to refer to. It validated a lot of my feelings and how reading can help in so many situations in life.

Highly recommend !

[Jillian · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 - A little boring, a little repetitive. Wasn’t expecting a memoir. The sentiment is nice and appreciated though, and the cover is cute.

"The best thing about books is that they wait for us until we're ready to read them. They're patient. Please don't feel guilty about not reading Bleak House, or Middlemarch, Marian Keys, or Jilly Cooper. But maybe in a year, or ten years' time, you'll see Middlemarch in a charity shop or someone will mention it on the radio, and you'll remember this and be curious enough to pick it up and try.
The other wonderful thing about books is that they don't need us to love them. They want to move us, teach us, and entertain us. But they don't require anything from us, apart from our attention in the moment. If we love them, they will stay with us forever. But if we don't, they won't hold it against us."

"When the world seems overwhelming and uncertain, it's incredibly reassuring to know that you can keep returning to a corner of it in which everything stays the same, and the experiences you enjoyed previously are there waiting for you too. When friends have been experiencing a "reading block," struggling to pick up books and pay attention, I suggest returning to a childhood favorite. It's a form of time travel. It returns us to a point in our lives when we had more time and space. It helps us to make room in our heads to imagine and dream."

"When we pick up a book from our past, we get a chance to befriend our younger self and show them how far we've come. When you're feeling raw and ragged from anxiety, this can be a nourishing, healing balm. Your past self isn't worries about the worst that can happen. They're in awe of the fact that you have a job/dog/car/can eat chips whenever you feel like it."

[Lauren M · Rating 3 out of 5]

The start of the book was pretty good, as it went through what the book advertised, reading to ease your anxiety, but the read got pretty boring, and the author increasingly self-promoted herself (Did you know she has a podcast?!) and her circle.

At about half way, my eyes started to glaze over. It really got to feel like Buchanan was trying to reach a page minimum. And no, for the 12th time, I don't care about your podcast.

Maybe read the first few chapters, but the rest can be skipped.

[Naveen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a gift from my girlfriend with an an inscription that read “I hope this book brings you as much joy as reading brings me”. Knowing how many books she rips through in a year, it is high praise when I say this book definitely lived up to its inscription.

Im not sure if this is because the book was THAT good or because I really wanted to enjoy this one. I gave this a fair shot and expected for it to get repetitive and boring at then end of every chapter. Besides, how many different ways can you talk about anxiety to a chronically anxious person before its becomes a drag? This book successfully avoided that by showing the different ways the author truly enjoys books and allows us to break the mould in our heads of what we should be reading. From best seller lists, to podcasts talking about MUST READ book, it gets tedious and stale in what is ALLOWED to be read in our heads. It especially doesn’t help when parents have repeatedly advised us to grow up and not waste time on storybooks.

This book was refreshing and sprightly in tackling this very feeling and grants us back our freedom to read whatever we want or stop reading whatever we want without feeling like we wasted a book. It oddly reminded me of a scene in the Avatar, The Last Airbender where the protagonists visit Wan Shi Tongs hidden library. They are allowed to peruse Wan Shi Tongs (a giant scary owl) vast collection with the promise that they were there to read to read and not to use information gained against other humans. Of course, our protagonists did exactly what they said they wouldn’t do and fought the owl to their freedom anyways. Whilst as a kid, I celebrated their triumph, as n adult, Im more empathetic to the giant scary owl and why he had chosen to hide his library in the first place. The books weren’t just knowledge, it was his personal collection of ideas, time spent enjoying books and was very intimate to him.

This has given me a unique insight into why bookworms love their books as much as they do. I could never truly understand how they had the attention span to get through all these books. Now I realize, its because they read what they like and over time, they develop the muscle required to challenge themselves with books that may not be immediately in their wheelhouse but which they may enjoy eventually.

Ive always wanted to be a book person and put a lot of pressure in myself to be one. Now maybe I wont. Maybe Ill read whatever I want, whenever I want and not feel like I need to do a chore or that Im sacrificing something else.

Although in modern times, books do seem to have quite a bit of competition from other attention sinks on our phone. I am curious to see how well I may fair against those. I do know for sure that I feel better after a book than a binge session of something on YouTube or any other micro video services.

If I catch on, I catch on, so wishing myself luck.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! I'd sort of expected a book where Daisy and other authors recommend their favourite books, and in a way it is that, but there is more to it - a real self-help strand throughout the book. An exploration of how we can (and do) use reading to help ourselves in so many different areas of life. In particular times or situations, to understand feelings, to feel particular things. There's a book for everything, there are no bad books, there are no bad readers... so many great takeaways. I have also taken away a ton of extra titles to add to my TBR - each section, and the book as a whole, ends with recommendations from Daisy, and some of her contemporaries such as David Nicholls and Jennie Godfrey have added in some of their recommendations too. I love reading books about books and about reading - and this was no exception. Thanks to the publisher for sending us an advanced copy to the store. I'll be passing this onto a colleague now!

[Laura Mead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was originally going to read this in paperback format but having started Daisy Buchanan's Podcast "You're Booked" and instantly falling in love with her voice, I decided to listen to the audiobook instead.

You know how sometimes books find you at a time when you need them most? Yeah, that. This was the PERFECT book to accompany a very anxious period of life. A lovely little reminder that whatever is going on for you, books are there and are a safe space. (Also thanks to Daisy for reminding me that it is totally fine to return to old childhood classics at any time of your life and that reading at your own pace is A-OKAY!) (ALSO a great list of recommended reads accompanies the book throughout although HECK my reading list is now out of control...)

Five lovely lovely stars

[Niamh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do think that this was the book I needed to read right now. When reading felt like the most impossible thing in the world, what I wanted was Daisy Buchanan reminding me of why I love reading and why I have a stack from the library staring back at me as I write this. It feels odd to give it a star rating in that regard, but it gave me exactly what I needed in this moment.

[Hayley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a book that came along at the right time for me,just a lovely time.

[🌶 peppersocks 🧦 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reflections and lessons learned/the content of this book made me feel…

…happy that so many angles on reading can be identified!

[Audrey Barret · Rating 5 out of 5]

La lecture comme une philosophie de vie ? J'adore.

[Kate Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this!!
David Buchanan has such a conversational writing style that this book just feels super cozy. I loved reading her personal anecdotes, and her choices for books - a lot of which I have already read so I felt very smug! (haha)
I'm not sure if the subtitle - 'How to use books to ease your anxiety' - really relates to this book, as it covers many different moods and topics. I think this subtitle might restrict the audience slightly.

I definitely recommend this book. A real easy read, with a cosy feel. Feels like a friend speaking to you! Perfect for these dark winter evenings!

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a comfort read for me. I got it from the library but I feel like it’s one to own. Nothing more grounding than reading about how one’s love of reading can help your life❤️

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Kate St · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of the St Regulus Book Group in St Andrews. In Read Yourself Happy, celebrated author and journalist Daisy Buchanan explores how reading can be a powerful tool to combat anxiety, boost mental well-being, and ultimately cultivate happiness. Known for her witty and relatable writing, Buchanan blends personal anecdotes with practical advice to show how developing a consistent reading habit can help soothe the mind and offer a much-needed escape from the chaos of everyday life.

Summary:
Buchanan’s approach is refreshingly personal and down-to-earth. She shares her own journey with anxiety and how books became her sanctuary during difficult times. Through humor and vulnerability, she discusses how immersing herself in stories—whether fiction or non-fiction—offered her a space to slow down, process emotions, and gain perspective on her life.

The book goes beyond just suggesting that “reading is good for you”—Buchanan offers actionable tips for incorporating reading into a busy schedule and emphasizes the importance of choosing books that align with your emotional needs. She discusses how different types of books—whether comforting, thought-provoking, or escapist—can serve different purposes depending on where you are emotionally.

Key Themes:
Reading as a Coping Mechanism: Buchanan highlights how reading can offer a sense of stability and comfort in an unpredictable world. She advocates for using books not just as an escape but as a way to gain emotional clarity.
Building a Healthy Reading Habit: The author encourages readers to establish a manageable and enjoyable reading routine, emphasizing that reading should be a source of pleasure, not pressure.
Finding the Right Books for You: Buchanan stresses that not all books will resonate with everyone, and that’s okay. She urges readers to explore different genres and formats to find what brings them joy and comfort.
Strengths:
Relatable and Honest Voice: Buchanan’s warmth and humor make the book feel like a conversation with a friend who genuinely wants to help. Her personal stories about how reading impacted her life give the book authenticity and heart.
Practical Tips and Suggestions: The book is full of realistic, achievable advice on integrating reading into daily life, even for those who struggle with concentration due to anxiety.
Emphasis on Individual Choice: Buchanan encourages readers to ditch the guilt associated with “not reading enough” and instead focus on reading what feels right for them, which feels refreshingly liberating.
Areas for Improvement:
While Buchanan’s conversational style is engaging, some readers looking for a more structured, research-driven approach to the mental health benefits of reading may find the book more anecdotal than scientific. A deeper dive into the psychological mechanisms behind reading and anxiety relief could enhance the book for readers interested in the science behind her advice.

Who Should Read This Book?
This book is perfect for anyone who loves reading but sometimes feels too overwhelmed by life to pick up a book. It’s also ideal for those seeking a fresh perspective on how to incorporate reading into their self-care routine, especially if they’re looking for a compassionate, lighthearted approach to managing anxiety.

Final Verdict:
Read Yourself Happy is a heartwarming and insightful guide to rediscovering the joy of reading as a form of self-care. Daisy Buchanan’s honesty, humor, and empathy make this book an uplifting companion for anyone looking to ease anxiety and cultivate happiness through the power of books. Whether you're a voracious reader or someone trying to fall back in love with reading, this book offers the encouragement you need to find comfort between the pages. 📚✨

[Mother Goose Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Books had always been good to me. They had offered me safety and escape comfort, joy, and adventure.”

Read Yourself Happy: How to Use Books to Ease Your Anxiety by Daisy Buchanan was the perfect book for me, at just the right time. It resonated with me for a multitude of reasons. Not only does Daisy Buchanan discuss how reading books can ease your anxiety, she also shares ways in which reading can help you feel a variety of different ways, such as funnier, happier, secure, etc. I love all of the reading recommendations to help with these feelings. Her conversational tone and down to earth writing style make it feel as though you are deep in conversation with a like-minded bibliophile. Buchanan has a beautiful way with words and speaks directly to a reader’s heart. Read Yourself Happy is peppered with book suggestions as well as recommendations from authors. I felt as though I was collecting quotes and information from every page. Book lovers, writers, and anyone looking to improve their life through words will want to get a copy of Read Yourself Happy. I suggest you purchase a copy for yourself, as you will want to annotate and refer back to it often.

“There are no bad books or bad readers. There are books or moods, spaces, or seasons, and I’m so lucky that I get to read them all.”



“I discovered that a beloved book can be like a favorite sweater and all that matters it makes you feel soft and warm.”

5 Ways to Pick up a Book When You’re Feeling Anxious
* Reading Roots- connection, focus, comfort, and joy

“All the reading she had done had given her a view of life they had never seen.” -Roald Dahl

“Fiction can help us bridge the gap and help us understand the depth of another person‘s experience, beyond what they’re able to show us or tell us.”

“ it dawns on me, that we are writers because we are readers. our collection is unique. Every other writer will probably have an unusual eclectic collection of books too. Every other writer is inspired by a combination of other writers. And yet, their voices are as unique as their bookshelves..”

“Reading makes you happier, stronger, and more resilient. It builds empathy.”

“Reading is considered active rest.”

“Reading every day has been shown to boost your empathy, increase your attention, span, and reduce your loneliness. Your fueling your “happiness tank“

“Children’s picture books can put us back in touch with our craving for the ridiculous.”
Write for five minutes after reading

“Books can make us feel tended to, nourished, nurtured, and held. they never judge us.”

“Being with these books and hearing these voices, made me feel safe, seen, and connected.”

“Any story is worth telling as long as we want to tell it. we don’t need to prove ourselves or the value of our stories. but every time we share a story, we become stronger.“

“ Reading is a gateway drug to writing.”

“The best thing about books is that they wait for us until we’re ready to read them.”

“we can never fully know ourselves or one another But we can know one another better with every book we read.”

“ Reading gives us the keys to ourselves.“ ~ Ann Morgan.

“words will take you to gorgeous, glittering places. Reading will remind you how good it feels to dream.”

[Pintu Saw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read Yourself Happy: How to Use Books to Ease Your Anxiety is a beautifully calming guide that highlights the therapeutic power of reading. In a world where anxiety can often feel overwhelming, Buchan shows us how books can provide a much-needed escape, comfort, and even healing.

The central premise of the book is simple yet profound: reading can be an antidote to anxiety. Buchan encourages readers to harness the power of literature to not only distract but to help process emotions, find solace, and cultivate mindfulness. The book is filled with practical advice on how to choose the right books that align with your mood, how to read with intention, and how to integrate reading into a self-care routine.

One of the things I loved most about this book is how it acknowledges that everyone’s relationship with anxiety is unique. Buchan doesn't offer a one-size-fits-all solution but instead gives thoughtful recommendations for various types of readers. Whether you prefer fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or memoirs, the book provides suggestions on how different genres can soothe the mind and calm the soul. It’s a reminder that books aren’t just a form of entertainment—they’re tools for emotional well-being.

Buchan’s writing style is both warm and comforting, making this book feel like a conversation with a wise friend. She gently guides readers to discover how reading can become a powerful coping mechanism and encourages us to slow down, reflect, and embrace the healing process.

For anyone who feels overwhelmed by anxiety or simply wants to incorporate more peace into their daily life, Read Yourself Happy is a must-read. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to soothe ourselves is by diving into a great book that makes us feel understood, calm, and connected.

This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys reading as a form of self-care or anyone seeking a way to ease their anxiety with a healthy, accessible, and enjoyable activity. Highly recommend!

[Jenny Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author draws from her own experience of life and the struggles she has had with it to produce a philosophy based around reading your way to happiness.

Despite the fact that I am a sceptic of mindfulness, well-being and all the things surrounding it, which I generally consider to be nothing more than psychobabble and mumbo-jumbo, I loved this book. It was much to my surprise that I found myself completely absorbed in what can really only be described as a mindfulness manual. It helped considerably that it was using literature as the means to an end, a subject which has always been close to my heart but even so, the book contained a lot of common sense, a great number of helpful ideas when it came to tackling mental health issues via the medium of reading and a spectacularly good list of reading suggestions. The book recommendations were divided into categories which matched the chapter headings and covered the power of reading to help with issues as diverse as addiction, freedom, humour, relatives etc. etc. The fact that the suggested reading material contained many of my favourite books means that I will definitely be looking out for some of the ones that I had never heard of. There was even an element of mystery as I knew I recognised the name Daisy Buchanan, but couldn’t for the life of me think of where I had come across her before. A friend finally solved the mystery and told me that I was thinking of her (less desirable) literary namesake. I won’t spoil the mystery by solving it for you if you are having the same dilemma.

I cannot think of a single negative comment to make, which is a rare event.

An excellent read for book lovers everywhere and probably for all those who need some inspiration to help dig themselves out of a downward spiral. Thoroughly recommended. Thank you Daisy.

I would also like to thank the publishers for the advance copies of this book sent to our book club to read and review.

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't need to escape myself any more. I can always escape into stories when I need them.

Part memoir, part self-help guide, this is a collection of mini essays about the benefits of reading -- although I suspect most of the people who pick this up and actually read the whole thing will already be aware of the benefits. Still, it's a nice little book, with gentle humour ("We choose what we read and all those decisions are reversible. This isn't like getting a fringe.") and plenty of recommendations. Each chapter focuses on a different way that books can help your mental health, such as reading stories that make you laugh, or cry, or feel braver, or enhance your empathy.

Books put me back in touch with all the different ways in which I've learned to be brave. [...] Without fear, there is no bravery. And without bravery, there is no story.

It did start to get a little repetitive about halfway through, however, and some of the quotes and interviews are from random people who don't seem to have much expertise in the subject? "Becki, 21" gripes that romance is "full of straight, white people, full of women obsessing about men" which suggests she's been reading her granny's shelf of 1960's Mills & Boon and none of the diverse books from this century, and has also clearly never heard of the "he falls first" or "boy obsessed" tropes which are super popular right now.

Fellow author David Nicholls says he "struggle[s] with the inevitability" of Jane Austen because "there aren't really any surprises". Daisy Buchanan agrees that "the trouble with Austen" is that "readers know [...] the couple is going to get together". It seems staggering for them both to have missed the point -- of course we know Lizzy and Darcy are going to fall in love; the joy of reading their story is seeing how it happens when they start off with such misunderstandings between them. The journey from "the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed upon to marry" to HEA is what readers come back to again and again.

It's wild that a book with the subtitle "How to use books to ease your anxiety" doesn't recognise that predictability soothes our brains, and that the familiar structure of a romance novel is a safe space for readers who need comfort rather than shocking plot twists.

[Mhughessc · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Read Yourself Happy", by Daisy Buchanan, is a delightful book encouraging readers to turn to literature as a way to solve the anxiety and loneliness crisis so many of us are facing. Each chapter is centered around an emotion that literature will invoke in us, and ends in several book recommendations from Buchanan. I enjoyed how the author described reading as "a passport that will let you take a holiday from your own head." I especially enjoyed this testimonial from Buchanan, "First, it doesn't matter how mad, sad, or obscure our dilemma is, someone else has lived it and written down everything they discovered and everything they felt. Second, during those moments when our feelings are overwhelming and difficult to bear, a book is the most generous friend we could hope to find. A book meets us where we are, absorbing our sadness and distracting us from it. When my anxiety overwhelms me, I feel very scared of uncertainty and unable to deal with the unknown. But the best books encourage me to embrace uncertainty. I want to read a story because I don't know what's going to happen or how it will end. The more I enjoy the uncertainty of stories, the better I get at tolerating uncertainty in life."

This book encouraged me to keep reading and to enjoy the escape from everyday life. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Cherryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Read Yourself Happy" is a delightful and uplifting book that offers a unique approach to self-care and personal growth. Author Daisy Buchanan has curated a collection of literary gems—from poems and short stories to novel excerpts and personal essays—that are sure to lift your spirits and brighten your day.

What makes this book so special is Buchanan's thoughtful organization and commentary. Each selection is grouped into thematic chapters, such as "Comfort," "Laughter," and "Escape," making it easy to find the perfect piece to suit your mood or needs. Furthermore, Buchanan's personal reflections on each piece add depth and resonance, encouraging readers to connect with the literature on a deeper level.

I have found "Read Yourself Happy" to be an indispensable companion during difficult times, as well as a source of inspiration and joy when life is going smoothly. It's a book that I continually revisit, discovering new favorites and rediscovering old classics with each read.

** Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review **

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy Buchanan provides the ultimate guide on the benefits of reading, and it has equipped me with countless facts for replies when I'm asked, "Don't you have enough books?"

Whether you're just starting your reading journey or are a seasoned bookworm, this book covers it all. While you might think it focuses solely on anxiety-related reads (which I admit I initially thought), it offers so much more. With chapters dedicated to reading for freedom, happiness, sexiness, and a variety of book recommendations, I feel fortunate to have read this before its publication.

Buchanan's writing style shines in this part memoir, part self-help book, making it accessible to everyone. The fluidity of her prose allows for a quick read; I finished it in just three days, even while jotting down notes as I went along. I could have read it even faster.

If I had to sum up why you should read this book in one sentence, I would quote Daisy Buchanan: "Reading saves sanity!"

This is a well-deserved five-star read, which I definitely will be purchasing in 2025!

[Katy Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading about other people's love of books, their favourite books and all the minutiae of their bookish lives. This is a delight. Daisy tells us how she reads and what it does for her and invites us to explore and build on our own reading practices to calm, soothe and expand in the gentlest of ways our overstretched minds. There is no should here and no exhortation to do it this way or that way or else. There is simply the planting of some thoughts about how to incorporate reading into your life and unlock a little joy and a little time in your day. There are, much to my great delight, examples of Daisy's reading habits and the books she loves. Thankfully I have already read quite a few of them myself or my to read pile would be creaking even more than it does now, but there are a few gems that I haven't come across and which I am already anticipating finding the next time I browse the shelves of my local store. I wish this book had been longer. I wanted more.

[Šárka Králíková · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a chore. Lenghty, repetitive, boring and not at all what I expected. Mostly, you could summer it up in two sentences: 1 Reading is good, no matter what you read. 2 I (author) think that if someone does it in a book than it's okay for me to do it to. That argument is very wrong - since you could say the same about murderers, thieves, molesters and so on. The fact that you feel guilty about doing/not doing something, is your conscience telling you that it's wrong and you should change. Not that you should read a book that will make you feel like it's okay (And no, you don't have a family, if you don't have kids, and yes it is selfish to expect your nieces and nephews to care for you in your old age).

I expected to get some good recommendations for books, but it's really just one author promoting her friends, plus a few dusty old classics. Most of the recommendations don't even have good reviews.

Sorry, but this was a waste of time