Happy Books: Inspirational Reads To Make You Smile

Call us bibliophiles if you must, but virtually all books make us smile. We love getting lost in an intricate journey, connecting with a character on an emotional level and using the parts of our brain that, otherwise, are under-stimulated.

But some books are written with the purpose of making us happier: literal handbooks -- those that inspire us to take initiative to make our lives as bright as they can be. And still, others allow us to escape (if only for a moment) to a happy place.

Below is a list of 10 books that lift the spirits. What are we missing? What book puts a smile on your face and a spring in your step? Share your happy reads in the comments section below.

• 'The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living'

  <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Art-Happiness-Handbook-Living/dp/1573221112/ref=cm_lmf_tit_3">via Amazon </a>

• 'Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill'

  <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Guide-Developing-Lifes-Important/dp/0316167258/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1350585938&sr=1-1&keywords=happiness+matthieu+ricard">via Amazon</a>

• 'Charlotte's Web'

  <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Charlottes-Web-E-B-White/dp/0061124958/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1350587540&sr=1-1&keywords=charlottes+web">via Amazon</a>

• 'The Alchemist'

  <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alchemist-Paulo-Coelho/dp/0061122416/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1350587762&sr=1-1&keywords=the+alchemist">via Amazon</a>

• 'The Tao of Pooh'

  <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tao-Pooh-Piglet-Boxed-Set/dp/014095144X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1350587895&sr=1-1&keywords=the+tao+of+pooh">via Amazon</a>

• 'The 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People: What Scientists Have Learned and How You Can Use It'

  <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Simple-Secrets-Happy-People/dp/0062516507/ref=cm_lmf_tit_2">via Amazon</a>

• 'Handbook to a Happier Life: A Simple Guide to Creating the Life You've Always Wanted'

  <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Happier-Life-Simple-Creating/dp/1577314018/ref=cm_lmf_tit_10">via Amazon</a>

• 'Jeeves Takes Charge'

  <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jeeves-Takes-Charge-P-Wodehouse/dp/0099117517/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1350592365&sr=1-1&keywords=jeeves+takes+charge">via Amazon</a>

• 'Happiness: Essential Mindfulness Practices'

  <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Mindfulness-Thich-Nhat-Hanh/dp/1888375914/ref=cm_lmf_tit_5">via Amazon</a>

• 'A Wrinkle in Time'

  <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wrinkle-Time-50th-Anniversary-Commemorative/dp/0374386161/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1350594890&sr=1-1&keywords=a+wrinkle+in+time+by+madeleine+l%27engle">via Amazon</a>

• The Importance of Books and Novels

  Author Paul Auster talks about why he disagrees with Philip Roth's statement that books are dying. In the video he talks about the importance of books and novels. He also shares his thoughts on literature in the internet age.

For more on happiness, click here.

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/19/happy-books-inspirational-reads_n_1981931.html

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