10 Books That Feel Better Than Doomscrolling

1. The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan

In a chilling near-future reality, the government monitors mothers to assess their fitness. When Frida makes a single parenting misstep, she’s forced into a brutal correctional program to “re-learn” how to be a good mother. This haunting and emotional novel explores control, societal pressure, and maternal love. It’s unsettling, powerful, and deeply thought-provoking—perfect for those burnt out by internet debates on parenting and morality.

2. Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

Set in a small Irish town during the 1980s, this novella follows a kind-hearted coal merchant who uncovers a disturbing local secret. Told in quiet, minimalist prose, the story captures the weight of conscience and the power of everyday courage. Keegan’s writing is simple but profound—ideal for readers seeking stillness, beauty, and moral clarity in just under 120 pages.

3. The Book of Delights by Ross Gay

In this uplifting collection of short essays, poet Ross Gay reflects on the small joys of everyday life: a stranger’s kindness, a funny moment with a friend, a perfectly ripe fruit. His observations are sharp, heartwarming, and often humorous. Reading this book feels like taking a breath—a reminder to look up from your phone and notice the beauty already surrounding you.

4. All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir

This emotionally rich young adult novel spans two generations, telling the story of a Pakistani-American teen navigating loss, identity, and forgiveness in California, and his mother's hidden past in Lahore. With lyrical prose and raw honesty, Tahir explores trauma, hope, and healing in a way that’s deeply cathartic. It’s a story that lingers, offering empathy and release from the noise of online life.

5. The Art of Noticing by Rob Walker

This isn’t just a book—it’s a creative guide to reclaiming your attention. With 131 exercises and observations designed to help you become more mindful and observant, The Art of Noticing encourages readers to find wonder in the ordinary. Whether you're staring at your phone or lost in thought, this book gently nudges you to re-engage with the physical world. It’s a refresh button for the distracted mind.

6. Time Is a Mother by Ocean Vuong

Ocean Vuong’s poetry cuts deep and lingers. In this collection, he navigates grief, queerness, family, and survival with devastating beauty. His poems are compact yet emotionally vast—some you’ll read in seconds, others you’ll sit with for hours. If your social media feed leaves you numb, Vuong’s words will make you feel again.

7. Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

This tender love story follows two Black British artists navigating vulnerability, race, and emotional intimacy in a world that doesn’t always allow space for softness. Told in lyrical, second-person prose, Open Water reads like a long, slow song. It’s perfect for those looking to feel immersed in beauty, emotion, and human connection.

8. The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw

This award-winning short story collection shines a light on the lives of Black women caught between desire, faith, and expectation. With a mix of wit, honesty, and deep emotional truth, each story offers a glimpse into a different experience—some subtle, some fierce. These women feel real, their stories unforgettable. They remind us that real lives are far more nuanced than anything scrolling past on a screen.

9. Wintering by Katherine May

Wintering is part memoir, part meditation, and entirely comforting. Katherine May explores what it means to face the personal "winters" in our lives—moments of change, loss, burnout, or solitude. Blending personal experience with insights from nature, literature, and tradition, this book offers a gentle guide to rest, renewal, and acceptance.

10. How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell

More than a book about unplugging, this is a philosophical exploration of how to reclaim your attention in a world that’s constantly demanding it. Odell draws from art, ecology, and activism to argue that doing “nothing” is sometimes the most radical and meaningful act. A refreshing and insightful read for anyone overwhelmed by modern digital life.