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Happy 2025, friends! This year I decided to do something different. Instead of sharing my top ten books of 2024 (too stressful! I don’t like it at all!) I am choosing to share my 5 star reads in every genre last year.
Today I’m sharing Up Lit, my favorite genre!
Up Lit, or uplifting literature, is a genre of fiction that focuses on themes of hope, kindness, and connection. Up Lit novels are often optimistic and heartwarming, but they are not just “feel good” fluff. They include an element of realism and often tackle serious topics and themes.
These is one category that contains book that should all have a permanent spot on your bookshelf. There is only one BUY NOW and also gift to everyone you know category- and this is it. This is when my inner book bully comes out. PURCHASE THESE BOOKS OR ELSEEEE.
As always, you can find ALL of my book reviews (from 1 to five stars, and DNFs) on Goodreads.
You can also follow me on Tiktok at @bookpushersteph and on Instagram at @stephaniehowell . Happy reading! xoxo
Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander
This book is so incredibly special. It has all of the hallmarks of my most favorite UpLit novels- pain, heartbreak, fear, isolation, and ultimately love. So much love. I ADORED Meredith and the other characters in this novel.
How to Read a Book by Monica Wood
Breathtaking, astounding, heartbreaking. Monica Wood is a master of stringing words together in the most perfect, luminous way. This book will make you think and feel and cry…and appreciate the nuances of forgiveness.
The Love Story of Missy Carmichael by Beth Morrey
It is a documented fact that if I encounter an UpLit novel with a lonely elderly protagonist, and if the title has said protagonist’s name in it… It will be a five star read for me. This book is no exception. This book is extremely sad and heavy and places, but I loved it. I loved that each main character was flawed and broken, and that they owned up to those flaws and tried to be better, do better. Beautiful and touching
How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley
This is the year of badass aging queens. You will fall in love with this cast of characters and I now know that activities director at a retirement community is my DREAM JOB.
Silvia’s Second Act by Hillary Yablon
THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING. Made me laugh out loud and also reflect on the value of mature women- Silvia and her crew are absolutely hilarious. And Silvia herself is GOALS.
Sipsworth by Simon Van Booey
Whimsical, heartwarming, and endearing. My heart needed this precious story. This will be right up your alley if you loved Remarkably Bright Creatures.
You are Here by David Nicholls
Charming and relatable and witty, this one is a must listen on audio. The audio narration is sublime, and I don’t feel like you would get the same experience reading a paper copy. I laughed out loud, winced, cringed, and cheered. Absolutely precious.
Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford
Cozy and full of so much hope, I love this one for so many reasons- but mainly because it reminds us that aging women hold SO MUCH VALUE. Life doesn’t end as you get older. It gets sweeter and better and even though we might feel invisible, se have so much to offer.
The Same Bright Stars by Ethan Joella
This book is absolute, total perfection. It’s hard to put into words what a beautiful and talented author Ethan Joella is, but let me just say that every page felt like home. This is a lovely, comforting, encouraging little gem of a novel.
A Little Hope by Ethan Joella
Yet another five star book by Joella. He just sees into my heart, I swear. This book made me more thoughtful, more empathetic, more kind. His books make me a better person.
A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella
Ethan Joella is now officially one of my all-time favorite authors. He has submitted his place in the Stephanie Howell Bookish Hall of Fame. 🥇 No one writes with the empathy, compassion, and ability to SEE every human the way that this man does. Without a single exception, his books make me feel hopeful, joyful, and encouraged.
The Wedding People by Allison Espach
Heartbreaking and uplifting and devastating and hopeful all at once, this is most likely my favorite book of the year. The audio version is absolutely wonderful.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
It took me three times to get into this book. And I almost never picked it up again. I cannot even tell you how glad I am that I did. This novel is written in a frenetic, chaotic, frantic, anxious way. It lends itself perfectly to the story that’s being told, but it takes some getting used to. This is a beautiful gem of a story. Found family, empathy, understanding, connection, love, intergenerational friendship, and mentorship. The ultimate up lit.
I am currently reading How to Age Disgracefully and am thoroughly enjoying it! I will have to check out some of your other recommendations. Thanks for sharing!