For those who love to read and those who haven't found the right book yet, a happy book is always a good choice. Whether it's a dreary winter afternoon or an incredibly humid spring morning the perfect book will never fail to boost your mood. Personally, reading has helped me on my path of recovery from various mental illnesses, but books can also be medicine after a particularly bad day at school or work. I have asked a variety of different people to recommend a book that makes the happy or feel warm and fuzzy after reading it and below is the list that we created together.

1. The Missing Piece Meets the Big O by Shel Silverstein (Beth, 45)

The story follows a missing piece determined to wait for someone to come along and fix his loneliness. It follows what one learns during helpless times and the power of compassion. This is a great book for those who might not have time to read an entire novel, but need a pick me up and some encouragement that good things are coming but it may take some time.

2. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George (Ella, 18)

This books highlights the things one faces when feeling truly alone but shows the effect one decision can make on changing one's world. It follows a grieving book salesman who is done dealing with the constant feeling of loneliness. This book may not seem incredibly happy from the first page but is able to bring warmth to anyone who needs it. Perfect for someone who is struggling with a broken heart or the loss of a loved one in that it accurately depicts what it feels like to feel utterly alone.

3. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell (Danann, 18)

This was one of the most recommended books for this list. Personally, this book brought me so much happiness and everyone I talked to who read this can agree. It shows the lengths one is willing to go to for love and is real in its depiction of what it is like to live in a struggling home and face adversity. Perfect for anyone who needs a reminder that love is out there, just not exactly where they may expect it.

4. Make Way For Ducklings by Robert McCloseky (Julie, 70)

A cute children's book that my Nana used to read to my dad and was then passed down to my sister and I. It shows that there is definitely still good in the world and that there hopefully always will be. Another great suggestion for anyone who doesn't quite have the time to sit down and read for more than 20 minutes or for anyone needing a quick pick me up.

5. Zane Grey Mysteries (Ron, 71)

These books are perfect for anyone who is seeking a little adventure but doesn't quite want to leave the safety of their own couch quite yet. They focus on the Western genre and pack mystery and adventure into one.

6. Looking For Alaska by John Green (Kayleigh, 17)

Many of the people I talked to suggested John Green books (The Fault In Our Stars, Paper Towns, Let It Snow, etc) but I decided this was the best one to include on the list for a few reasons. It depicts the importance of forgiveness and that we may create an image of people or things in our mind that isn't quite accurate. Not only is this a good read for teenagers, but for people of all ages (besides young children) and is good for those who need a reminder that may feel alone or in need of a reminder that things are not always as they seem.

7. Flawed Dogs: The Shocking Raid on Westminster by Berkeley Breathed (Denise, 44)

This is a fun novel following various animals who are helping those around them and in turn each other. It follows a cast out show dog who has a soup ladle for a leg as he journeys to the Westminster Dog Show. A good book for anyone in need of a quick, fun, and easy read and a reminder that different does not equal bad.

8. Peace Like a River by Leif Enger (Allison, 46)

This novel follows a boy who was born with no air in his lungs but miraculously survived and his brother who becomes a murderer overnight (it's explained, trust me). Set in a quiet Midwestern town in the 1960s it reminds one not to take life for granted. A perfect read for anyone who tends to forget this.

9. The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith (Marilyn, 71)

This book highlights the importance of taking breaks and searching for what is out there--even at times it may seem right to do the opposite. Because in doing so, one may find the answer to all of their problems. A great read for anyone who needs a reminder to slow down and take a break because that is usually when problems are resolved.

10. Help, Thanks, Wow by Anne Lamott (Kris, 45)

This is a book of three simple prayers for anyone struggling with hard times. It focuses on the hardships we face in daily life and the need to ask for assistance. Perfect for those both religious and non-religious who need to know that they are not alone and that hard days will soon pass.

11. The 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People by David Niven (Anonymous)

This is a book that makes the findings of various studies done on what makes people happy easy to digest and fun to read. Each "secret" is illustrated with simple facts and straightforward explanations drawn from science. A good one for just about anyone, but particularly those who need a little proof to get them on their way.

12. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (Anonymous)

This is a book that seems to draw off of the simple secrets of the previous one. It follows twelve months of the author's adventures while trying to test-drive the advice of professionals and those around her to a happier life. Another great book for those who like some proof, but also anyone seeking perhaps a little more happiness in their daily routine.

13. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling (Anonymous)

This was another popular suggestion for many different reasons. But perhaps my favorite was outlined by one of the people I reached out to online, she said:

"The Harry Potter series honestly saved my life. JK Rowling included so many allusions to her own dark times, and I've read and re-read the series 28 times through now. Like the Patronus charm. It sends away dementors, and it's clearly got one of the most detailed descriptions of any spell execution in the series. You need to draw from a happy memory, you need to let that happiness fill you, and you need to harness that happiness and push it at the darkness that threatens to take your soul [this is J.K. Rowling's metaphor for her own depression]. Sometimes, when I'm really struggling, I re-read bits from each book to remind myself that my own light and love can conquer any darkness I come across."

This in itself shows why these books are so important and I would personally recommend them to just about anyone, especially those struggling to find the light.

14. Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist (Katy, 18)

This is an amazing book filled with short stories that accurately depict the struggles that many of us will face throughout life: moving, going to college, making new friends, switching jobs. The author does a great job of properly portraying what it is like to struggle with mental illnesses as well and the importance of getting help. I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes real-life examples and feels alone in any of their struggles.