Stories are beautiful because they carry so much truth. Stories are why we love reading books and watching movies or TV Shows. Presenting to you, a carefully curated list of books, movies and shows to match any of your moods!
Wholesome, Light-hearted, Comforting – Basically a warm hug
- The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune (Book)
This fantasy fiction story of Linus Baker who oversees the well-being of children in orphanages run by the government. On one of his missions, Linus discovers secrets that require him to make some tough choices. This is a story about finding family when you least expect it, reminding you of the good existing in the universe, even in testing times.
- Anne of Green Gables (Book & Series)
Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan who, by unusual circumstances, gets adopted by the Cuthberts siblings. The story follows Anne as she navigates life with the Cuthberts, a new school, and the community making new friends and experiencing the real world.
- One day at a time (Show)
The story of Penelope, a divorced army veteran dealing with PTSD, her two kids and her Cuban mother. The Story deals with intense topics such as Depression, PTSD, feminism, and LGBTQIA+ and at the same time, manages to make the viewers laugh their hearts out. It is not often that we come across such shows.
Other recommendations you can look up:
To Watch: Schitt’s Creek, Modern Family, Jane the Virgin
To Read: Maybe you should talk to someone by Lori Gottlieb
When you need a good cry – Books and movies that should come with tissues
- Song of Achilles by Madelline Miller (Book)
This beautifully written adaptation of Homer’s Iliad is told from Patroclus’s perspective. The story takes place during the Greek Heroic Age and follows the relationship between two heroes Patroclus and Achilles. The perfect combination of love, war and grief, this one’s bound to have you hooked.
- A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara (Book)
The story follows the lives of four friends who move to New York to chase big careers. Central themes of the story include long term pain, disability, success and friendship. We strongly recommend reading the trigger warnings before because this one’s criticised to be sad and disturbing.
- Hachi – A Dog’s Tale (Movie)
This movie is the story of Hachi, a dog and his loyalty towards his owner. The plot is based on a true story, which originally took place in Tokyo, Japan. The story takes us through the life of Hachi – His rescue as a puppy, his relationship with the family and the love his owner had for him. The movie is heart touching and is sure to leave you teary-eyed.
Other recommendations you can look up:
To Watch: This is Us, A Walk To Remember
To Read: Man Called Ove, A Thousand Splendid Suns
Mystery, Thriller, Horror – Chills, Literal Chills
- The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (Book)
This 63 page long short story written in 1892 narrates the story of a woman suffering from postpartum depression and her husband’s controlling behaviour that worsens her condition. This is a great pick especially if you’re looking for a short but intense read.
- The Host (2020 – Movie)
Things go wrong on a zoom call between six friends attempting virtual séance (attempt to communicate with spirits) with the help of an expert. Lights flickering, poor connectivity, eerie sounds, it’s the whole package. The best possible way to watch this hour long movie would be on a zoom call with your gang!
- Pet Sematary (Book & Movie)
If you’re someone who loves the thriller, horror, mystery combination, the Pet Sematary is the book for you! It’s the story of a family that recently moved into a house with woods behind, leading to a cemetery that can bring back the buried to the living. The detailed writing and slow building suspense tie it all up perfectly.
Other recommendations you can look up:
To Watch: The Exorcist, Bird Box
To Read: It by Stephen King
Fantasy – When you want to escape the mundane world
- Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling (Books & Movies)
This might be an unknown fact but there are a lot of people who haven’t had a chance to step into the wizarding world. If you’re one of them, take this as a sign and watch the Harry Potter movies or read the books because it’s never too late!
- Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (Book)
This first part of a duology follows a thieving crew of six as they must execute a wild heist that can make them rich beyond their expectations. What they don’t know however is that they’re out to save the world from destruction. The book is packed with magic, violence, friendship, love and life.
- Divergent by Veronica Roth (Books and Movie)
Another common favourite among fantasy readers, this trilogy is the story of Tris, as she tries to fit-in in her new faction and finds herself in the process. Its great writing, action-packed plot and well-paced story make it impossible to not enjoy.
Other recommendations you can look up:
To Watch: Fate: The Winx Saga, Umbrella Academy
To Read: Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, Scythe by Neal Shusterman
Self – help, Personality development – Books to help you get your life together
- Ikigai by Hector Garcia Puigcerver & Francesc Miralles (Book)
The Japanese concept of Ikigai is believed to be the key to a long and happy life. The book talks about Japanese traditions, practices and gives you the tools to identify your personal Ikigai, enabling you to have a fulfilling life.
- Atomic Habits by James Clear (Book)
We all know forming a new habit is really hard. This book is essentially a complete guide in creating new habits. Keep in mind that like most non-fiction books, it is of most use if you keep revisiting & follow the lessons shared.
- Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel (Book)
Even if money can’t buy happiness, it is an essential part of the ‘Adult life’ we’re all heading towards. This book consists of 19 short stories sharing ways in which people perceive money and helps us make better decisions when it comes to managing our finances.
Other recommendations you can look up:
To Watch: The Pursuit of Happiness, Minimalism, The Social Dilemma
To Read: Self-help by Lorri Moore
With a hectic college life, reading or listening to stories can be a great form of self-care. So remind yourself every once in a while to pick up a book, as short or as long as you want and let yourself loose among words and stories.
Written by Uditi Nagar for MTTN
Edited by Aditi Atreya for MTTN