Healing Fiction Books to Discover Now!

In recent years, a new type of reading has captured the attention of readers around the world: healing fiction. This genre features stories that warm the heart, calm the mind, and offer a literary refuge, ideal for those seeking to slow down and find comfort within the pages of a book.

The success of this trend is not by chance. After periods of uncertainty, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, many people began searching for narratives that provided emotional relief. Healing fiction offers exactly that: gentle plots filled with empathy and small acts of kindness and humanity. Set in tranquil locations such as cozy bookstores, hidden cafes, and peaceful towns, these stories invite us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of everyday life.

Below, we present a selection of charming works from this genre. Check them out!

Days at the Morisaki Bookshop

Author: Satoshi Yagisawa

Takako, a young 25-year-old, finds her life turned upside down after being abandoned by her boyfriend and losing her job. Without direction, she moves in with her uncle in an old bookstore in the Jimbocho neighborhood of Tokyo.

Amidst stacks of books and the welcoming silence of the shelves, Takako finds a new purpose and rediscovers the joy in life's small things.

More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop

Author: Satoshi Yagisawa

In this sequel to "Days at the Morisaki Bookshop," we revisit the bookstore universe through new eyes. The narrative follows Takako as she takes on the responsibility of running the bookstore during her uncle's absence.

Among books and memories, she faces personal challenges and discovers the importance of human connections.

We'll Prescribe You a Cat

Author: Lee Rang

In a peculiar clinic, the eccentric Dr. Nike and his nurse Chitose offer an unusual treatment: prescribing cats to human patients.

Each encounter between person and feline turns into a healing journey, revealing dormant memories, traumas, and affections. A collection of sensitive stories showing how an animal's love can transform lives.

The Lantern of Lost Memories

Author: Sanaka Hiiragi

In a photography studio where time seems to have stopped, Hirasaka receives visitors seeking to remember forgotten moments.

Situated between life and death, the location offers each client the chance to revisit lost memories and find inner peace. A poetic narrative exploring the importance of memories in constructing our identity.

Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop

Author: Hwang Bo-reum

Yeongju decides to leave her corporate career to fulfill her dream of opening a bookstore in a quiet Seoul neighborhood. However, she soon realizes that running a bookstore involves more than just loving books.

Facing the challenges of her new venture, Yeongju finds strength in books and human connections to start over and rediscover herself.

The Full Moon Coffee Shop

Author: Mai Mochizuki

In a café that opens only on full moon nights, mysterious cats use astrology to help customers get to know themselves better and pursue happiness.

Each visitor is guided by these wise felines on journeys of self-discovery, revealing how the universe conspires in favor of those who seek self-knowledge.

If Cats Disappeared from the World

Author: Genki Kawamura

Upon discovering he has only a few days to live, a postman makes a pact with the devil: for each thing he makes disappear from the world, he gains another day of life.

When the proposal involves cats, he faces an emotional dilemma. A delicate reflection on the value of small things and the bonds we build throughout life.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold

Author: Toshikazu Kawaguchi

In a hidden café in Tokyo, it's possible to go back in time, as long as some rules are followed. The most important one: the return must happen before the coffee gets cold.

Through four touching stories, the book explores themes like love, loss, and regret, showing that even if the past cannot be altered, the future is still in our hands.

In these fast-paced times, healing fiction books act as small havens of peace. They are stories that, without significant twists, deeply touch the heart, offering solace and hope.

If you’re looking for a read that embraces your soul and warms your heart, any of these titles will be an excellent choice.

And if you enjoy fiction, fantasy, and Studio Ghibli, we also wrote an article about Books for those who love Studio Ghibli.

I hope we helped you relax. Until the next article!