The 20th March marks the International Day of Happiness, first established in 2013 when the United Nations recognised the importance of happiness and well-being for people around the world. While happiness means different things to different people, there is one simple pleasure many of us share: the joy of losing ourselves in a good book.

Numerous studies have confirmed what readers have long known – reading can make us happier. Whether it’s the comfort of returning to beloved characters, the escapism of an engaging story, or simply the quiet satisfaction of a few uninterrupted pages, books have a wonderful ability to lift our spirits.

At LoveReading we firmly believe in the power of books to brighten even the greyest of grey days. The feeling of contentment that comes from reading a book you truly love is hard to beat. With that in mind, we’ve gathered together a joyful and eclectic mix of books guaranteed to raise a smile.

Everyone’s idea of a gleeful reading escape is different. Some readers find happiness in witty romantic comedies, others in laugh-out-loud satire or charming stories about life’s everyday absurdities. Our selection reflects that variety, bringing together books full of humour, warmth and heart.

If you're in need of a pick-me-up, these titles are the perfect place to start.

Fresh Laughs from Humorous Fiction

For readers who enjoy their fiction with a generous helping of humour, these recently published titles from our Humorous Fiction category deliver wit, charm and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments.

Sharp, offbeat and brilliantly observant, Kristen Arnett’s latest novel Stop Me If You've Heard This One offers a wonderfully dry take on life, relationships and the strange situations we all find ourselves navigating. Packed with clever humour and memorable characters, it’s a book that finds comedy in the everyday.

45 Things to Do Before You’re 45 by Julia Tuffs is a joyful and uplifting story about taking stock and embracing life’s possibilities. Julia Tuffs delivers warmth, humour and a generous reminder that it’s never too late to try something new. Not for the faint-hearted, this is a no-holds-barred, laugh-out-loud, wince-in-recognition account of life in your forties – with knobs on.

Deliciously bold and wickedly funny, Motherfaker by Anna Brook-Mitchell skewers modern expectations around motherhood with biting humour and refreshing honesty. 

Just Watch Me by Lior Torenberg has been described as a mix of Fleabag and Big Swiss. It's fast-paced, playful and full of unexpected twists, blending humour and suspense in a way that keeps the pages turning and the smiles coming.

It's bagged a bevy of awards, with more to come, we're sure. Winner of the 2025 Comedy Women in Print Prize, Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis has also been shortlisted for Women’s Prize for Fiction 2025 and Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction 2025.

Smart, satirical and hugely engaging, this novel offers a witty look at identity, politics and belonging. Younis balances sharp insight with humour, creating a story that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

Alexandra Potter is a master of uplifting romantic comedy and So I Met This Guy... is another delightful novel full of her trademark warmth and wit. Perfect for readers looking for a story about love, second chances and unexpected connections.

Irreverent, laugh-out-loud funny and deliciously sharp, Chloe Seager’s novel P.S. You’re the Worst explores friendships, relationships and the complicated business of growing up with humour that is both cutting and compassionate.

Looking for More Feel-Good Reads?

If you’re searching for even more uplifting stories, take a look at our Feel-Good Fiction category. These are beautifully written tales with real heart. There may be emotional twists and turns along the way, but ultimately these books leave you with a sense of warmth, hope and joy.

Lookming for more funny reads, the 2025 Comedy Women in Print Prize (CWIP) Shortlist is a great place to go next. They comprise contemporary and heartfelt writing using wit as the conduit to plunder personal stories while shining a much-needed light on the world stage. Nothing is off limits - from raucous reveals to tender circumspection – these titles have the power to make you think and make you laugh at the same time. 

We'd also suggest checking out the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction 2025 Shortlist too. The UK's longest running prize for comic fiction highlights the funniest novels of the past 12 months - and this its 25th anniversary was another stellar year.

However you choose to celebrate International Day of Happiness, we hope you’ll do so with a good book in hand.

After all, few things bring a smile quite like the simple pleasure of reading.