How about something classic? Expanding your temporal horizon would remind you that the world has always had problems, people have had varying views of them over the millenia, and this too shall pass.

* Much Ado About Nothing
* any Dostoyevsky
* The Great Gatsby
* The Odyssey
* Anthony Trollope (Barchester Chronicles)

Personally I just picked up Elizabeth Goudge's The Scent of Water from the library for a comforting read.

Did you read The Husbands yet? Fun and engaging.

Yes I need to compile some lighter, but still engrossing reads. I'm a new PP. But I might start a new thread looking for books about feminist rage for when I need that too.

I’m reading horror - Stephen King.

Romanic Comedy, by Curtis Sittenfeld

I read historical romance or mysteries. Total escapism and you know there's going to be a good ending. The heroes get a happily ever after and the villains are held accountable.

OP here. Thanks so much for the recommendations! I've actually read a lot of the suggested books, which is encouraging. Take care, everyone.

The Change by Kirsten Miller

We solve murders (author also wrote Thursday murder Club but this is first in a new series.) well written cozy mystery. funny and nothing gory or scary but absorbing.

The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt

Remarkably Bright Creatures
Project Hail Mary
The Bird Hotel
House in the Cerulean Sea
The Wedding People
Other Birds

All of these have provided a good escape when I've needed it. Some of these are whimsical, some are funny, a few are amazing audiobooks, but most on this list reminded me to have faith in humanity.

This is Happiness by Niall Williams. Set in rural Ireland in the time of electrification, which was only the 1950's. Listen to the audiobook if you can. It's exquisite.

I am reading up on a hobby of mine, perfumes. I've gotten out a few books from the library, notably Perfumes: the guide, by Turin Luca and
The perfect scent : a year inside the perfume industry in Paris and New York, by Chandler Burr. I just finished one of my old favorites, Far from the madding crowd, by Thomas Hardy. I might restart a whole Jane Austen cycle all over again. My favorite is Emma, but I know it off by heart already.

I am watching romantic K-dramas on Netflix.

I am talking to friends and checking on everyone's mental health. We will get together, watch movies, go out for a meal, etc. And NOT talk about recent events.

I am NOT watching any news right now. Since I manage stock portfolios, I do need business updates, but not this week.

I am taking good care of my kids. The oldest was/is trying to look for internships in government/public affairs (!), the youngest has a chronic disease.

And I am about to start therapy. Hopefully it will bring me a measure of peace in a life full of transitions, not just the recent one everyone is talking about.

I just finished The Naturalist Society by Carrie Vaughn, recommend it.

Please suggest me a book or twenty to read for the foreseeable future, something to ease my mind and distract me from wanting to set the world on fire while ugly crying and doing shot after shot.

Please.