Since childhood books have been my safe place, the worlds I retreat to when life gets too difficult. They provide comfort and escape, this book provides you with useful signposts to direct you to the help and comfort you need. I wish I had had this book years ago.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-arc. I loved this witty and wise journey through books and the benefits of reading. A balm for book lovers everywhere.

I love a book that recommends books to read, and really liked that this was linked to mental health as I completely agree that books can really. help in all kinds of situations. Will be buying a copy for my sister.

I absolutely loved this!!
David Buchanan has such a conversational writing style that this book just feels super cozy. I loved reading her personal anecdotes, and her choices for books - a lot of which I have already read so I felt very smug! (haha)
I'm not sure if the subtitle - 'How to use books to ease your anxiety' - really relates to this book, as it covers many different moods and topics. I think this subtitle might restrict the audience slightly.

I definitely recommend this book. A real easy read, with a cosy feel. Feels like a friend speaking to you! Perfect for these dark winter evenings!

Daisy Buchanan has written this book from the heart. She shares her own history of anxiety with this book’s audience and details how reading has helped her to cope and grow. Buchanan wants these good things for other as well and offers some hope in these pages. Buchanan knows that we live in times that often feel unstable. She offers suggestions for developing a reading habit that is beneficial and offers growth for those with (or without) anxiety.

Read Yourself Happy includes chapters will titles like Read Yourself Calmer, Read Yourself Secure, Read Yourself Funnier, Read it and Weep, to name just some. There are thoughts, interviews and book suggestions throughout.

Dip in anywhere or read in order. Hopefully, the reader will feel better for it.

Recommended to: Most of us.

Many thanks to NetGalley and DK-DK Red for this title. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book by Daisy Buchanan. It's really a love letter by the author to reading and the joy it brings her. Her warmth and enthusiasm for books is infectious. Each chapter is dedicated to a different theme and the books the author would recommend within this theme. What I have really come away with after reading this book is to not feel like any book is 'guilty pleasure.' Reading is for escapism, enjoyment, learning and it's all about reading what you want to read and not what you feel you ought to read. A delightful book that has introduced me to new books I can't wait to explore and read.

I appreciated Daisy Buchanan's suggestions using books to ease anxiety. Her chapters include Read Yourself Funnier, Read it and Weep, Reading Like a Writer, and Reading Beyond Your Comfort Zone. But I found it hard to understand several of her suggestions because I hadn’t read them or I wasn’t familiar with them. So if you’re looking for new authors and books to try, it's a good resource, but I found it hard to relate to many of the stories she told.

Read Yourself Happy by Daisy Buchanan is amazing! As a person who loves to read and has since I was a child, this book spoke to my soul. People read for many reasons, to learn, to escape reality, to get inspired but overall, reading will make you happy deep in your heart when you have a love of reading. If I could give this book 10 stars I would. A huge thank you to Netgalley, DK RED, and the author for the advanced copy. I can’t wait to read it again.

Read Yourself Happy by Daisy Buchanan

Daisy uses personal anecdotes to tell us about the role that books have had throughout her life and includes research, interviews with other authors and recommendations. Each chapter has a theme, for example romance, family, happiness.

I don't think the title of the book does it justice - it is so SO much more! I absolutely loved it and felt like I was having a lovely conversation with Daisy, nodding vigorously at her life experiences and her thoughts on books/recommendations. I'm delighted to have discovered her podcast and her fiction books, and I'm sure I'll return to this book time and time again. Thank you Daisy - very VERY highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

I absolutely loved this book. I am a big fan of books about books generally, and find bibliotherapy very interesting, but "Read Yourself Happy" sets itself apart from other bibliotherapy titles.. It is not only a really comforting read, but it also feels deeply personal; as a result, the overall message is more about encouraging an introspective exercise for readers into their own reading, rather than offering a more didactic "if you are feeling sad, read X or Y" It truly felt like Daisy Buchanan is having a chat with the reader. I shall be recommending this book a lot this year!

I really really enjoyed this book. I was excited to see what books would be recommended and added some new ones to my list! Daisy’s writing makes you feel like you’re reading words from your big sister, advising you and letting you know that you’re not alone.

"Read Yourself Happy" is a delightful and uplifting book that offers a unique approach to self-care and personal growth. Author Daisy Buchanan has curated a collection of literary gems—from poems and short stories to novel excerpts and personal essays—that are sure to lift your spirits and brighten your day.

What makes this book so special is Buchanan's thoughtful organization and commentary. Each selection is grouped into thematic chapters, such as "Comfort," "Laughter," and "Escape," making it easy to find the perfect piece to suit your mood or needs. Furthermore, Buchanan's personal reflections on each piece add depth and resonance, encouraging readers to connect with the literature on a deeper level.

I have found "Read Yourself Happy" to be an indispensable companion during difficult times, as well as a source of inspiration and joy when life is going smoothly. It's a book that I continually revisit, discovering new favorites and rediscovering old classics with each read.

This is the perfect book to recommend to anyone who is going through a reading lull or who maybe feels guilty for not reading enough "big" books. I expected this to be an easy read full of good recommendations, but I was pleasantly surprised with the level of compassion and wisdom. Would definitely recommend.

Read Yourself Happy is a comforting and cosy read that feels like a warm hug for book lovers. Packed with fantastic book recommendations, it’s perfect for anyone looking to expand their TBR list—I know mine has grown significantly after reading it! This book is a delightful reminder of the joy reading brings and is highly recommended for readers of all kinds.

"The most lasting thing I've learnt from reading is that we're never alone. First, it doesn't matter how mad, sad, or obscure our dilemma is, someone else has lived it and written down everything they discovered and everything they felt. Second, during those moments when our feelings are overwhelming and difficult to bear, a book is the most generous friend we could hope to find."

This book was right up my street - I love books about books, especially when combined with mental health. If anyone has ever told you that you read too much or own too many books - this has all the best come back responses. It's a comfort book in itself, filled with book recommendations that have hugely increased my 'to read' lists. Daisy writes so fluidly, it's easy to read and I devoured it in 3 days. I've read 2 of her fiction novels (Insatiable and Careering), but I feel non-fiction may be where she shines best, having started out in journalism. Daisy also has a podcast I listen to called 'You're Booked', where she visits authors' homes and investigates the books on their shelves (I recommend it for any nosy book lovers), which is why I think this book is so well rounded when it comes to its book lists - she's done her research, and includes many of these author recommendations.

One important point to note, is that the book doesn't solely focus on books that ease anxiety - it also includes chapters on reading for joy and laughter, books to make you cry and support you through depression and grief, reading to feel sexy or romantic, reading to understand family dynamics, reading for freedom from unhealthy addictions, reading to learn how to write stories, reading to learn and get out of your comfort zone, reading for courage, and reading for adventure and world travel.

From reading this book, I realised I've been missing out on reading more for comfort and joy - I can't remember the last time I read a book that made me cry with laughter. Also, Daisy is a huge advocate for rereading old favourites and books from childhood for comfort (no shame here) - I have a strong urge to go back and dust off my old children's books in the attic of my parents' house.

Highly recommended for any book lover, and it would make a great gift!

Some books I've added to my 'to read' lists, thanks to this book:
A Manual for Being Human, Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant?, Four Thousand Weeks: Time and How to Use It, Good Behaviour, Love, Nina: Despatches from Family Life, The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom, Mortification: Writers' Stories of Their Public Shame, Early Morning Riser, The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced digital copy. Publication date: 6th February 2025

A brilliant book! The layout of this book is incredibly well thought out, each chapter focuses on a different emotion and provides you with tips for reading through them and some fantastic book recommendations to go alongside them; making it easy to read it all in one or to dip in and out depending on your mood. Daisy's writing is beautifully descriptive and relatable, and her recommendations of books vary from children's fiction to biographies; making this is a fantastic book for every reader.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. As an avid reader I liked the dedication. This guide covers lots of topics from happiness from calmness and courage to romance and relationships. The anecdotes at the beginning of each chapter help readers feel less alone, especially with Daisy’s age of anxiety diagnosis being so close to my own. There are great bits of advice throughout the book such as the cures for comparison anxiety and writing & reading building anxiety before the book recommendations. I’ve found many books to try in the future although my TBR probably didn’t appreciate it. I liked the reading around the world chapter especially as I’m working on further diversifying my shelves.

A comforting easy to read book with some great recommendations. This book confirms the benefits of reading and how our mental health can be improved by immersing ourselves into a book. Thank you to NetGalley for the review copy

A lovely guide for using books to ease one's anxiety and find a bit of peace in the magic of literature. Super cozy and filled with incredible recommendations.

I am always looking for new and different books to read plus I love Daisy Buchanans books so this was something I was excited to read.

The book recommendations were great and it’s interesting to see how much of an impact books can make on people.

The only thing I would say is it’s not so much about reading to be happy and more reading to help navigate what life throws at you.