How to Choose Your Next Book Based on Your Mood

You’ve just finished a book that wrecked you emotionally. Now what? You’re staring at your shelf (or Shulph Ink’s catalogue) wondering, What should I read next? Sometimes the answer isn’t in your “to be read” pile. It’s in your mood.

Last winter, one of our regular customers, Marcia, emailed us looking a little dazed. At least, that’s how her message read. She had just finished A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, a book that had gripped her but left her emotionally wrung out.

“I can’t just jump into another heavy novel,” she wrote, “but I also don’t want something completely fluffy.”

We replied asking about her mood, and she admitted she was feeling “a bit fragile, but still wanting something with emotional depth.” That ruled out crime thrillers or satire, but it opened the door to quieter, hopeful stories.

We recommended Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan, a short, beautifully written novel with gentleness at its core. Two weeks later, Marcia wrote back saying it was exactly what she needed: a book that acknowledged life’s weight, but carried it with grace.

That’s the power of mood-based reading. Finding a story that meets you exactly where you are.

Reading is as much about how you feel as it is about what’s on the page. The right book at the right emotional moment can feel like magic. The wrong one can be a slog. This guide will help you match your current mood to a book that resonates so that your next read feels just right 👌🏾

Why your mood matters when choosing a book

The psychology of mood-based reading

Your mood shapes how you receive a story. Pick an intense thriller when you’re craving comfort, and it may feel exhausting. Choose a gentle romance when you’re feeling adventurous, and you might feel restless. Mood-based reading taps into the idea that our brains process stories differently depending on our emotional state. When we’re happy, we’re more receptive to humour and lighthearted narratives. When we’re reflective or low, we may prefer slower, more introspective works that mirror our feelings.

This is closely related to the psychological concept of mood congruence: the tendency to seek out and connect with content that matches how we currently feel. By choosing a book aligned with your mood, you often experience a stronger emotional connection to the story, which can make it more memorable and impactful.

Reading affects emotions and vice versa

The relationship between mood and reading is not one way. Just as our emotions influence what we choose to read, the books we read can influence how we feel.

For example, an uplifting novel can provide a psychological lift on a gloomy day, while a challenging or thought-provoking work can inspire new perspectives during periods of stagnation. In other words, reading can be both a mirror for your current emotions and a tool to shift them in a direction you desire.

Research into bibliotherapy (the practice of using books to support emotional well-being) shows that reading in alignment with your mood can help you process feelings, shift perspective, reduce stress, elevate mood, even improve empathy and mental clarity.

For example:

  • A 2018 meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found bibliotherapy significantly reduced depression and anxiety in children and adolescents (Mojtabai et al., 2018).
  • A 2017 systematic review concluded bibliotherapy can offer long-term relief for adults experiencing depression, especially as a low-cost, accessible intervention (Andrews et al., 2017).
  • A 2025 clinical study in oncology settings reported improvements in mood, reductions in stress and anxiety, and increased comfort from tailored bibliotherapy sessions (Baker et al., 2025).

Matching moods to genres & stories

Here’s your mood-to-book matching guide, with some recommendations from Shulph Ink’s catalogue.

Feeling Adventurous?

You’re craving excitement, discovery, or new worlds.

Feeling Comfort-Seeking?

You want something warm, familiar, and reassuring.

  • Try: Cozy mysteries, romance, childhood favourites
  • Shulph Picks:
    • The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. Gentle, witty, and uplifting.
    • Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. Nostalgia in its purest form.

Feeling Thoughtful?

You’re in the mood to reflect, think deeply, or see the world differently.

  • Try: Literary fiction, memoirs, essay collections
  • Shulph Picks:
    • Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan. Quiet, profound storytelling.
    • Educated by Tara Westover. A memoir of resilience and transformation.

Feeling Inspired?

You want motivation, encouragement, or a spark to start something new.

Feeling Playful?

You want something light, quirky, or absurdly fun.

Practical tips for finding your next read

Even with your mood in mind, sometimes you need a little extra guidance:

  1. Explore curated book lists. Check Shulph Ink’s Editor's Pick collection for ready-made inspiration.
  2. Ask a bookseller. Whether in-store or online, our team can recommend something perfect for your current state of mind.
  3. Browse book communities. Platforms like BookTok, Goodreads, or online forums can help uncover hidden gems you might miss.

Let mood be your compass, not your map

Mood is a powerful guide, but sometimes reading against your mood can surprise you. A laugh on a bad day or a challenge when you’re feeling stagnant. Use your mood as a compass, but don’t be afraid to take detours. After all, some of the best reading adventures happen when we least expect them.

References

About the author

Written by Emmanuel Kolade, lifelong reader, bookseller, and Managing Director of Shulph Ink, where he curates books that connect with readers. A fan of Hans Zimmer’s scores 🎶; equally perfect for powering down or firing up. He also has an incurable weakness for Victoria sponge.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.