As we’re heading into the dog days of summer, this was a fun topic to come up with books for. Thanks to That Artsy Reader Girl for the prompt!
Pete’s Five:
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
While it has its darker moments, the silliness of this bizarre book makes it a joy to read.
Witch Hat Atelier # 1 by Kamome Shirahama
Any of the books in this manga series qualify for this, but the first one is particularly cozy and heartwarming. Anyone who enjoys graphic novels or magic school settings will enjoy this manga.
Theft of Swords by Michael Sullivan
Finding dark fantasy is easy, but it’s rare to come across a book as lighthearted and classic-feeling as Theft of Swords. While it doesn’t push any boundaries or introduce many new ideas, it’s a breeze to read and has a cast of characters you’ll wish you could hang out with.
Radio Free Vermont by Bill McKibben
This counter-culture novella was the perfect palette cleanser after 2016. Maybe Vermont will actually secede someday… it would be a lovely country to live in!
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson
This is one of my favorite literary love stories, and it is also a book I feel comfortable recommending to just about anyone.
Indiana’s Five:
Mandy by Julie Andrews Edwards
This is such a cute, heart-warming story. When I was a little kid I wanted to be Mandy for a bit (only as far as the discovery of a cottage in the woods at least).
Less by Andrew Sean Greer
I loved this one from the first chapter on and couldn’t stop smiling or laughing throughout all the escapades of the protagonist who attempts to avoid his former boyfriend’s wedding by going around the world in 80 days.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
While there are plenty of tragic sections of the story, overall, the cozy atmosphere and the dialog between the sisters is cheerful.
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Another one that’s weighty, with sad moments, but I’d say it’s overwhelmingly heartwarming.
Twenty-one Truths About Love by Matthew Dicks
Told in a listicle format, this was a quirky and sweet story about a husband who is trying in all the wrong ways to be there for his family.
Lit Lens 
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