All books provide an escape, but great books—the ones you clutch close to your chest after reading the last page—offer readers a life-affirming blend of comfort and reassurance. And lately, no genre does this quite as well as ‘healing fiction.’ Originally popular in Japan and Korea, this niche fiction genre often features adorable feline characters, ordinary locations like bookstores or laundromats, whimsical charm and inspiring life lessons—and right now American readers can’t get enough.
These books are translated from Korean and Japanese into English, but readers everywhere agree on their unique power: they provide a comfortable fictional place to process a range of uncomfortable real-life feelings. Keep scrolling to learn all about this buzzy book genre, why publishing industry pros think readers all over the world are so invested and more. Plus, 5 must-read healing fiction books to sink into this season!
What is ‘healing fiction’?
‘Healing fiction’ is a newly named genre, but these types of books have been popular in Japan and South Korea for decades. In Korea, these books are often labeled K-Healing, while the term healing fiction opens the genre up to cover books from Korea, Japan and beyond. “Healing fiction describes stories about ordinary people, set in ordinary places, who are struggling with real, common problems like heartbreak or loneliness,” says book pro Tara O’Connor, senior publicist at Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House. “These books often feature a dose of magical realism and the characters, ultimately, learn an inspiring lesson that improves their lives—and offers them a path to healing.”
Why readers are turning to healing fiction
Whether it’s to escape the constant news cycles, deep personal struggles, times of high stress or chaos (or all the above!), these books offer a retreat from reality that leaves readers with the most precious feeling of all: hope.
Over the past few months, droves of American readers are discovering this genre for the first time and the online buzz is real.
One example? Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s fantasy series Before the Coffee Gets Cold was a hit in Japan and now has a worldwide audience, selling more than 6 million copies in 46 languages. His most recent release, Before We Forget Kindness, is the fifth book in the series and thousands of readers are praising the story online. (“Like the other books in this series, this installment about the Japanese café that allows for time travel is as soothing and warm-hearted as ever. The simple stories of people longing to undo a major regret are filled with grace and forgiveness,” one reader raved.)
Another reason these books are so well-loved right now? They provide readers a comforting respite and they dole out tools to combat loneliness, grief, regret, sadness and the like. Healing fiction books explore these common, albeit difficult, feelings in everyday settings. When the stories’ characters ultimately find their path toward happiness or healing or hope—so do the readers.
“These stories give readers a reprieve from the stresses of our modern world,” says O’Connor. “They are a warm, cozy escape from everyday troubles and may even inspire readers to find new solutions to problems of their own.”
Themes of healing fiction: ordinary settings, extraordinary magic
Bookshops, laundromats, cafés, libraries, convenience stores…healing fiction books are mostly set in unassuming places and these simple settings are very appealing to readers. “The ordinary settings make readers feel like healing magic can find anyone, anywhere, and that the ability to change our lives is really all around us,” says O’Connor. “To me, the magical element feels even more amazing—and its results even more heartwarming—when set against a realistic setting, making anything feel possible.”
Interested in giving this feel-good book genre a try? You’re in the right place. Here, we gathered up 5 must-read healing fiction books. Enjoy them all!
5 must-read healing fiction books to add to your list
1. ‘We’ll Prescribe You a Cat’ by Syou Ishida
Animal lovers will delight in this sweet, charming novel about an unconventional clinic in Kyoto known for prescribing cats to their patients as medication. Each page celebrates the bond between humans and animals as the cats help their patients—like a girl navigating cliques at school, a man struggling to stay relevant at work and a dispirited businessman seeking joy. As they face turmoil, their feline friends offer hope and healing.
What readers are saying: “This was the feel good book I needed in my life right now. I laughed, I cried and if there was ever magic I could believe in it would be in cats and their ability to be the cure for all that ails the world.”
2. ‘Before We Forget Kindness’ by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Toshikazu Kawaguchi became an international bestselling author with this novel Before the Coffee Gets Cold—and his latest story, Before We Forget Kindness, brings readers back to the magical café that started it all. In this tale, new café visitors hope to travel back in time in order to find more peace and closure in the present.
What readers are saying: “This is by far the most emotional book in the series. I sobbed while reading these. I absolutely love this series, the stories are so heartfelt and often heartbreaking, but wouldn’t you do anything for a chance to go back in time to be with someone you loved?”
3. ‘Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop’ by Hwang Bo-Reum and Shanna Tan
This story follows a woman named Yeongju as she faces severe burnout. With a demanding career and marriage, she’s left feeling drained. On a whim, she quits her job and leaves her husband to start over in a new neighborhood. Here, she opens the Hyunam-dong Bookshop. Over time, Yeongju mulls over her life, reads books and develops friendships with new people. As the bookshop turns into an inviting space for lost souls to rest, Yeongju finds fulfillment and peace. A story about the power of starting over and second chances.
What readers are saying: “In Korea, this book’s genre is described as “healing fiction” which contrasts to the western fiction’s “book you cannot put down” speed that often is required to reach the best sellers list. This book intentionally slows down time in its short chapters that reads from various characters’ views. It’s not a book to be enjoyed on the tube journey to work as the book requires peace and space to enjoy fully—but instead, I recommend this as an excellent warming evening book with a cup of tea.”
4. ‘What You Are Looking for is in The Library’ by Michiko Aoyama and Alison Watts
This sweet, poignant story shows just how powerful a good book recommendation is—in fact, the right recommendation can change your life. Sayuri Komachi is not an ordinary librarian. She’s read endless amounts of books, but she also has the magical ability to read the souls of her library visitors. No matter who it is, she can sense exactly what they’re looking for and provide the perfect book recommendation they never knew they needed. Each person in the story—from a struggling working mom to a restless sales attendant—is facing a crisis. Will Sayuri’s book suggestions change their lives?
What readers are saying: “This is a sweet and gentle tale about opportunities and how they are everywhere and entwined within each human interaction.”
5. ‘The Travelling Cat Chronicles’ by Hiro Arikawa
In this charming and wise tale by Hiro Arikawa, the story centers on an inquisitive cat named Nana. The story follows Nana as he travels around Japan with his owner, Satoru, who finds himself on a quest to find his feline friend a new home. Along the way, Nana learns about his human companion’s past and the bond he has shared with three friends. A heartwarming blend of friendship and new beginnings.
What readers are saying: “This is a story of a man and his cat, and what they will do to stay together for as long as is possible. It speaks of Satoru, his life, his friends and, above all else, his unbreakable bond with the wise and committed Nana. This is a gentle, yet utterly compelling read.”
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