The seasons are changing and the air is becoming crisp. There’s nothing better than finishing a book with an ending that makes you want to re-read it only to experience such joy again. Books with a feel good ending are great for when you need a pick me up or to break up the sad endings some readers are always attracted to. Here are some books with a ‘feel good’ happy ending to make you smile!
CAUTION: SPOILERS AHEAD!!
Wonder by R. J. Palacio
“Be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle. And if you really want to see what people are, all you have to do is look.” This quote at the end of a heartfelt book is the reason it’s on this list. This book is about the life of Auggie, a 10-year-old boy with a facial anomaly. When his parents decided to put him in public school after years of homeschooling, Auggie is met with other students teasing and provoking him. Despite the hardships and bullying Auggie endures, he is rewarded with a strength and kindness award at the end of the story. This ending will leave you with a smile as readers will be remembered to spread kindness themselves.
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
The order of this book is a bit different as it starts with a countdown to the death of Eddie, the protagonist. He dies at his amusement park job trying to save people on the ride and is then brought to heaven. Throughout the book, Eddie sees people he’s come into contact with in his life and each person teaches him a viable lesson. Human connection, sacrifice, and forgiveness are just some of the lessons Eddie is taught. Eddie’s last person he sees in heaven is a little girl that passed in Eddie’s hands during war. The heart warming part of this ending is what Tala, the little girl, explains to Eddie. She explains that he has redeemed himself through keeping all of the children safe at the pier. He believed his life was meaningless, that he deserved the darkness that came him way. But at the end, Tala brings him peace as he travels through heaven to be reconnected with his wife.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist follows a young shepherd in his journey to finding treasure after reoccurring dreams of it. This book focuses on the following of individual dreams and how obstacles will challenge the pursuit. Santiago, the protagonist, learns to follow the language on omens during his journey. Some lessons to take away from this book is the power of the presence, making decisions, and getting back up. Although Santiago learns about himself and life lessons during his journey, he returns home to Spain to find the treasure has been there all along.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
If you’re looking for a great read that you can sit back and enjoy, this book is a good choice. The story follows two friends, Alex and Poppy, who travel together every Summer. Poppy is a travel writer and Alex is a high school literature teacher. Throughout this book, the past trips are recounted and Poppy realizes she loves Alex until they have a falling out and part ways for some time. As the book jumps between the past and the present, it shows readers their past vacations and how they are now reconnecting. Poppy sees that she doesn’t feel alone with Alex and at the end, they eventually get together and move to New York where each of them have great jobs. This feel good ending is a guarantee to make you smile.
From time to time, a feel good ending is needed for a pick me up. Whether the book is an easy cliche read or it teaches readers about kindness, each ending listed above it sure to make you feel good. A book with a happy ending is just as good as a crisp pumpkin spice latte in the midst of fall. Happy reading!