‘Up Lit’ is a literary buzz word, described as a trend for books with an emphasis on empathy, books that are uplifting and life-affirming, and which explore themes of family bonds and the human spirit. These types of novels focus on kinder, gentler human connections, but have an element that preserves realism. They do not shy away from dark themes or real-life issues, they just preserve an element of hope.
A recent comment on my blog spurred me to revisit the increasingly popular “UpLit” genre of fiction. Back in April of 2018 I did a post on UpLit. Since the worldwide Covid pandemic many readers are turning to UpLit more and more.
I thought I’d provide a brief list of titles that fit in the ‘UpLit’ genre for those who are looking for kindness and hope in fiction. This list is by no means inclusive, but just a small scattering of what is available. Enjoy!
“The Art Of Arranging Flowers” by Lynne Branard
“Eudora Honeysett is Quite Well, Thank You” by Annie Lyons
“Evvie Drake Starts Over” by Linda Holmes
“The Keeper Of Stories” by Sally Page
“The Lido” by Libby Page
“Little Beach Street Bakery” by Jenny Colgan
“The Littlest Library” by Poppy Alexander
“The Love Story of Missy Carmichael” by Beth Morrey
“Maggsie McNaughton’s Second Chance” by Frances Maynard
“Soft In The Head” by Marie-Sabine Roger
“The Story of Arthur Truluv” by Elizabeth Berg
“The Storied Life Of A.J. Fikry” by Gabrielle Zevin
Fictionophile 
I agree with so many of these comments. I need uplit to balance my reading. I need to read The Lido. I found it interesting that Sally Page is the mother of Libby Page. Nice list Lynne. I have read several of these books.
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Oh Carla, I’m certain that you will enjoy “The Lido”. Happy Reading.
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I feel like the older I get (and the pandemic aged me at least 200 years), the more I enjoy and respect up-lit. My younger, cynical self wrote off a lot of uplifting fiction, and I shake my head at that past version of myself now. Live and learn!
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So true Sheree. As we age we evolve. I wish I had the brain I have now, and the body I had when I was thirty. LOL
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Yes, we could use a bit of up-lighting these days!
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Great post, I’m not too sure about the term itself but I’m glad the genre exists 🙂
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Yes, the term ‘UpLit’ (uplifting literature) has been around for a while now. At least a few years before I retired from the library in 2015.
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My favourite kind of books. Jessica Ryn and Richard Roper wrote my absolute favourites. 2 books each so far and they were all a joy to read. Beth Morrey’s Saving Missy as it was called in the UK was another favourite too. Alexandra Potter has a new book out on 28 April called One Good Thing which is very similar to Saving Missy and is a lovely read if you are ever able to get it where you are.
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Thanks for the additional ‘UpLit’ titles. I have read Richard Roper and should have thought of him when making my list. ♥
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There are so many good UpLit books out there now, you can’t remember them all. 😊
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Lynne, Thank you so much, I’m so excited to have a list of books! I have read several and will start looking for them here in the States. A while ago after reading your review for “The Keeper of the Stories” I started looking for it, haven’t been able to locate it yet. I will keep looking. I will look forward to reading more of your “uplit” reviews on your blog. You sure do come up with some interesting categories for books. Thanks again, Thankful for His love, Mary
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Wonderful. You are more than welcome Mary.
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Eudora Honeysett is great! I had the pleasure of doing a Readalong and review in 2020 for it. https://justkatherineblog.wordpress.com/?s=eudora
I’ll add all the other books to my TBR list
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I participated in the read-along too Katherine. I loved Eudora’s story.
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It’s a wonderful book and certainly unforgettable. Eudora and every character is so very well imagined and so visual. The plot is very true to life.
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I NEED occasional uplit to balance my reading life!
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Exactly Carol! I do too. ❤👍
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In this unsettling world of ours, there’s definitely a place and need for UpLit.
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Exactly Neil. 👍😘
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I had no idea there was a term/genre for these. Always happy to have some positive books on my shelf and in my reading.
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Thanks. I hope you find one you really enjoy. 👍📚😍
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Couldn’t agree more – uplifting books are just what I enjoy reading just now. There’s plenty awful things happening in the real world and I want to escape!
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You are certainly not alone Joanne. Escapism in fiction is not a new phenomenon, but it is much needed in the world as it is today. My favourite UpLit title recently was “The Keeper Of Stories” by Sally Page. A wonderful read! ♥
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Currently reading Eudora Honeysett and loving it. I’ve got several of the others sitting waiting to be read. Kindness and hope is what we need in the world right now and even if it only exists for a few hours in the pages of a book, it lifts the soul.
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I totally agree Jill. Though I still like reading dark thrillers, UpLit provides me with a kinder read which I like to alternate with the darker reads. ♥
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I’m gradually letting the dark creep back in as well Lynne.
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