Brief
Bookshops recommend titles to lift winter moods, poll shows
Shop owners reveal the titles they think will brighten readers’ winter days, backed by a poll linking bookshop visits to better mental health.
By Felo News Desk · Published
According to a YouGov poll commissioned by the Booksellers Association for World Mental Health Day and Bookshop Day on 10 October, 90 percent of people who visit bookshops notice a positive impact on their wellbeing, while 78 percent say the experience helps them switch off from screens. The Independent reports that shop owners are using those findings to recommend a selection of books they believe will lift spirits during the colder months.
What happened
The poll, conducted in early October, asked respondents about the effects of visiting independent bookshops. It found that a large majority feel better after a visit, citing the warm atmosphere, the scent of ink and paper, and the quiet hum of conversation. The same survey reported that most visitors feel less anxiety and more concentration after spending time among the shelves.
What the reports add
The Independent lists several titles that shop staff are currently promoting. Michiko Aoyama’s What You Are Looking For Is in the Library is highlighted by Natalie Walsh, assistant manager at House of Books & Friends in Manchester, as a story about kindness and community. Carlo Rovelli’s There Are Places in the World Where Rules Are Less Important Than Kindness, a physics‑inspired work, is described as “thought‑provoking, in a kind way.” The article also notes that some titles are gaining traction on TikTok, appealing to a younger generation.
What was said
“There are places in the world where rules are less important than kindness,” said Carlo Rovelli, according to the shop’s description, and the Independent quoted Natalie Walsh as saying the Aoyama novel “is a celebration of books, kindness and community, and a reminder that sometimes the story you need most is the one you never expected to find.”
How it came about
The poll was commissioned for World Mental Health Day and Bookshop Day, both occurring on 10 October, to explore the link between physical bookshop visits and mental health. Earlier this year, Felo News covered the 2026 National Book Awards longlist, noting a surge in interest for titles that blend literary merit with broad appeal. The current recommendations build on that trend, showing how independent retailers are curating selections that resonate with readers seeking comfort and connection during winter.
Key facts
- 90% of bookshop visitors reported a positive impact on wellbeing (independent.co.uk)
- 78% said visiting bookshops helped them switch off from screens (independent.co.uk)
- Michiko Aoyama's "What You Are Looking For Is in the Library" is highlighted by a Manchester shop manager (independent.co.uk)
- Carlo Rovelli's "There Are Places in the World Where Rules Are Less Important Than Kindness" is described as thought‑provoking (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “The books to make you happy this winter, according to shop owners”
