Best Lighthearted Literature

These works of literature are effervescent as well as wonderfully crafted. They exude a general feeling of joy and good cheer, even though the heroes and heroines may be confronted with obstacles. These works might make you laugh, smile, or just feel good. A happy ending isn’t sufficient to get a book on this list if it is otherwise mostly dark or brooding; nor is a humorous and giddily happy story sufficient if the writing itself is lacking in literary merit. The authors’ excellent literary craftsmanship is as important as the joyfulness of their stories. All genres and all subject matters are welcome, so long as the works are beautifully crafted literary confections, which leave a delightful aftertaste after they have been consumed.