“There is no friend as loyal as a book.”
Do you ever find yourself picking up a book based entirely on how you’re feeling in the moment? If you’re a mood reader, you’ll know exactly what we mean. Some days, you crave a heartwarming escape, while other times, you’re in the mood for a thrilling mystery or an emotional journey. Whether you’re looking for comfort, excitement or a deep dive into thought-provoking themes, there’s a book out there to match your mood. Being a mood reader means that your reading choices aren’t just based on genre or the latest bestseller lists – your emotional state drives them. But, with so many options, how do you go about finding the right one for your mood? Fret not, we here at What We Reading have you covered. In this list, we’ll be exploring 10 books that fit every reading mood – from lighthearted rom-coms to gripping thrillers and everything in between!
What Is A Mood Reader?
A mood reader chooses books based on how they’re feeling at a given moment rather than following a set reading plan or genre preference. If you’re a mood reader, your book choices often change depending on your emotional state, current interests or even the weather. For example, you might reach for a lighthearted romance read when you need comfort, or dive into a tension-packed thriller when you’re craving excitement.
Being a mood reader means that the book you’re most excited to read can vary from day to day. This dynamic approach allows you to fully immerse yourself in stories that resonate with your feelings, creating a more engaging and enjoyable reading experience. It’s all about finding the right book to match your mood, whether you’re looking for an escape into another world, reflecting on deep emotions or getting lost in a gripping mystery.
Unlike readers who stick to specific genres or follow rigid reading lists, mood readers embrace the freedom of choosing what feels right for them at the time, which makes every experience feel unique and personalised. If you find joy in switching up your books based on your mood, you’re undoubtedly a mood reader!
How To Identify Your Reading Mood
Identifying your reading mood is often the key to finding the perfect book. Start off with honing in on your current emotional state or mental energy. Are you feeling upbeat and energetic? You may be in the mood for a fun, fast-paced read like an action-packed thriller or lighthearted rom-com. Alternatively, if you’re feeling introspective or reflective, a thought-provoking literary novel or a philosophical piece may be what you’re craving.
Pay attention to what sort of escape you need. If you’re looking to be swept away into another world, fantasy, historical fiction or sci-fi books could match your mood. On the other hand, if you’re looking for comfort or nostalgia, a cosy mystery or classic novel could be the right fit.
Another helpful way to identify your reading mood is by considering your physical environment. Are you curled up on the sofa with a blanket? You could lean toward a heartwarming or emotional read. Feeling adventurous on a long trip? A gripping page-turner or travel-inspired novel could hit the spot.
By taking stock of your feelings, energy levels and surroundings, you can better understand what kind of book you need, making each reading experience more satisfying and fulfilling.
10 Books For Every Reading Mood
Now that you have a better idea of what a mood reader is and how you can go about identifying your reading mood, here are some of our top picks for whatever emotion you’re experiencing.
1. Mood: Feeling Adventurous – The Martian By Andy Weir
When astronaut Mark Watney is stranded alone on Mars, he must rely on his ingenuity and humour to survive. The Martian is a thrilling, high-stakes survival story that blends science, humour and heart-pounding adventure. This book is perfect for those in an adventurous mood, as it takes readers on a gripping journey of survival against all odds. With its fast-paced action and clever problem-solving, it guarantees to keep you on the edge of your seat, making it the perfect go-to for anyone craving some excitement.
2. Mood: Seeking Comfort – The Rosie Project By Graeme Simsion
Don Tillman, an enigmatic but socially awkward professor, sets out on a quirky quest to find the perfect wife through a scientifically rigorous survey. But, his life takes an unexpected turn when he meets the fiery, free-spirited Rosie, who is nothing like his ideal match. This charming story is perfect for readers seeking comfort. With its lighthearted tone, endearing characters and feel-good romance, The Rosie Project offers a cosy escape that will leave you smiling and reminded of the joy in life’s surprises.
3. Mood: Feeling Reflective – The Untethered Soul By Michael A. Slinger
In The Untethered Soul, Michael A. Slinger explores the concept of self-awareness and the freedom that comes from observing your thoughts and emotions without being defined by them. This book offers insights on how to live a more peaceful, fulfilling life by releasing attachments and embracing the present moment. Ideal for a reflective mood, this book invites readers to pause and consider their inner lives.
4. Mood: Need Some Escapism – The Night Watchman By Louise Erdrich
Set in 1950s North Dakota, The Night Watchman follows Thomas Wazhashk, a Native American night watchman as he fights against the US government’s attempts to terminate North American tribes. Alongside his journey, readers encounter a dazzling array of characters navigating love, loss and survival. This immersive novel is ideal for those seeking an escape. With its richly detailed world, poignant storytelling and vibrant characters, The Night Watchman whisks readers to a different time and place, allowing them to lose themselves in a moving and expansive narrative.
5. Mood: Wanting To Be Thrilled – The Silent Patient By Alex Michaelides
A successful painter, Alicia Berenson, is accused of murdering her husband and then falls silent, refusing to speak a single word. Forensic psychologist Theo Faber becomes obsessed with unravelling her bizarre silence and uncovering the truth about her crime. Perfect for those craving a thrill, The Silent Patient keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its shocking twists. Its gripping plot and psychological depth make it a must-read for any mood reader looking for a mind-binding thriller.
Check Out The Best Books Like The Silent Patient
6. Mood: Feeling Funny – Good Company By Cynthia Sweeney
After a seemingly idyllic life in the suburbs, Flora and her husband, Jack, are confronted with unexpected truths when Flora unearths a hidden secret in their marriage. Alongside her journey, we see the quirky dynamics of their group of friends, filled with humour and emotion. This novel is the perfect read when you’re looking for laughs and lighthearted moments. With its witty dialogue, relatable characters and charmingly awkward situations, Good Company is a fun look at the ups and downs of life and friendship.
7. Mood: Embracing Romance – The Hating Game By Sally Thorne
Lucy and Joshua are co-workers who cannot stand one another – at least that’s what they both think. Locked in a battle of one-upmanship at their office, their rivalry takes a surprising turn as they begin to realise their for each other may not be as negative as they first thought. The Hating Game is a fun, steamy, heartwarming enemies-to-lovers story that will swoon. With banter, irresistible chemistry and emotional depth, it’s an ideal book for anyone looking for a light romantic read.
8. Mood: Craving Horror – The Troop By Nick Cutter
A group of Boy Scouts on a remote camping trip in the Canadian wilderness encounter a terrifying nightmarish creature that begins to pick them all at once. As the horror intensifies, they must confront the beast and one another. Nick Cutter’s The Troop delivers relentless terrors and body horror in a setting that amplifies a feeling of isolation and dread. With its gruesome scenes, psychological tension and visceral scares, it’s the perfect go-to for a deeply unsettling and horrifying experience.
Check Out The Best Books Like The Troop
9. Mood: Looking For Inspiration – Big Magic By Elizabeth Gilbert
In Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert explores the creative process and offers insights into how we can unlock our potential. She encourages readers to embrace curiosity, overcome fear and trust in their unique creative journey. This uplifting and motivational read is perfect for those seeking inspiration. With its thoughtful reflections on creativity, personal growth and the courage to go after what excites you, Big Magic is designed to reignite your passions and help you rediscover the joys of creating.
10. Mood: Feeling Nostalgic – The Perks Of Being A Wallflower By Stephen Chbosky
Charlie, a shy and introspective teenager, must navigate the highs and lows of adolescence through letters to an anonymous friend. As he experiences friendship, love and loss, he learns valuable life lessons that resonate with readers of all ages. This novel is perfect for when you’re feeling nostalgic, capturing the bitterness of growing up. With its heartfelt moments and exploration of youthful innocence, The Perks of Being a Wallflower invites readers to reflect on their own memories.
How To Build Your Own Reading List
Creating a personalised mood reading list can be a fun and empowering way to ensure you always have the perfect book for any emotional state. Here are our tips for how to build one:
1. Identify Your Common Moods
Think about the emotional states you most often find yourself in when you reach for a book. Are you in the mood for something lighthearted, thrilling or introspective? From feeling adventurous to embracing romance, we’ve provided some of the most common ones in our recommendations above.
2. Choose Books That Match Each Mood
For each mood, select books that fit. For example, Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s Mexican Gothic might make for a good fit if you’re craving something suspenseful and supernatural. Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library would work well if you’re feeling reflective. Look for books with themes, tones or genres that speak to that mood.
3. Mix Genres And Authors
Don’t be afraid to explore different genres and authors. A good mood reading list will have variety – thrillers, romances, non-fiction, fantasy – so that you will have a book ready to match no matter how your mood shifts.
4. Keep It Flexible
Your reading mood can change on a whim, so keep your lists adaptable. You can add new books as your preferences evolve and remove those that no longer fit your reading tastes.
5. Create An Organised List
You can keep your mood reading list in a notebook, a digital file or an app like Goodreads. Organising it by mood or genre makes it easy to find the right book when your mood strikes quickly.
By curating a mood reading list, you’ll always have a book that aligns with your emotions, making every reading experience feel just right.
Wrap Up
Being a mood reader means letting your emotions guide your reading choices and, with the right books, you can enhance any mood or experience. In this post, we’ve taken you through ten books perfect for a variety of moods – whether you’re craving an adventure, seeking comfort or diving headlong into something thrilling. We’ve also discussed how to identify your reading mood and construct your own personalised reading list, ensuring that you always have a book that matches your emotions. Whether you’re looking to escape into a captivating world, reflect on life or embrace a good laugh, mood reading offers a tailored approach to making the most out of every reading session.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
