Good Books to Read to Someone in the Hospital
When someone you care about is in the hospital, it can be a challenging and emotional experience for everyone involved. Of course, receiving medical care is the priority, but keeping patients mentally engaged and uplifted can significantly impact their recovery efforts. Reading aloud to a loved one is not only a comforting activity but can also help reduce stress and provide a much-needed escape from the hospital environment. A study by the University of Sussex in 2009 shows that reading can lower stress levels by up to 68%, making it a simple yet effective way to support a patient’s mental health.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of good books to read to someone in the hospital that will provide comfort, joy, and positivity during their recovery.
Books to Uplift a Patient’s Spirits
Not all books are good books to read to someone in the hospital. Some books may be too long, excessively complex, or not engaging. Among our selection is a variety of popular titles that are thematically relevant and can be a great read, whether as a traditional novel or even as an audio book.
The Great Gatsby: A Graphic Adaptation by Nicki Greenberg: This is our first pick of good books to read to someone in the hospital, and it is a reimagining of a classic. This is another creative adaptation for fans of the novel The Great Gatsby. This popular work has been reimagined as a film, and Nicki Greenberg has provided a fresh, visually stunning take on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s beloved tale. With engaging illustrations and a familiar storyline, it’s the perfect book to keep a patient entertained while providing nostalgia. The combination of art and storytelling makes it a great option for readers who may prefer something lighter but still deeply enriching during their hospital stay.
F My Life: It’s Funny, It’s True, Except When It Happens to You by Maxime Valette: Sometimes, laughter truly is the best medicine and makes a good book to read to someone in the hospital. F My Life is a collection of hilarious real-life anecdotes where people voluntarily share their most awkward, frustrating, and downright unfortunate experiences. This humorous book provides comic relief and helps put life’s little struggles into perspective, making it an ideal choice to lift a patient’s mood. The short entries are perfect for quick reads, offering bursts of laughter without demanding too much focus.
Should You Be Laughing at This? by Hugleikur Dagsson: Similar to F My Life, this is another book focusing on comedy but with darker and edgier humor. Should You Be Laughing at This? presents a series of stick-figure cartoons that push boundaries and make readers laugh at life’s absurdities. While this book may not be for everyone, its irreverent humor is perfect for patients who appreciate a good, ironic laugh. Sharing these cartoons can help lighten the atmosphere, making it one of the better books to read to someone in the hospital.
Alternative Options for Books
We’ve covered good books to read to someone in the hospital, but let’s talk about other alternative options. Journaling and writing thoughts on paper provides a meaningful way for patients to process their thoughts and emotions. Studies have shown that expressive writing can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity, making it a beneficial activity for recovering from illness or injury. Journaling allows patients to reflect on their experiences, set goals, and maintain a sense of control during uncertain times.
If you’re seeking a thoughtful gift encouraging self-expression, consider gifting a journal from Cloverkey Hospital Gift Shops. Cloverkey offers the Bee Blessed Spiral Journal as a thematically fun option, perfect for inspiring positive thoughts and promoting mindfulness. Writing in a journal can be a therapeutic outlet, helping patients stay connected to their inner selves while providing a creative and calming activity during recovery. Patients can also try exercising their creative minds and write their own good books to read while in the hospital and present them to their loved ones!
Another great option for a relaxing and enjoyable way for people of all ages to de-stress and unwind is a classic coloring book. Coloring can be a fun distraction for hospital patients, promoting creativity and mindfulness. Studies have found that coloring can reduce anxiety and improve focus, making it an ideal activity for those confined to a hospital bed.
Cloverkey offers a selection of themed coloring books that will bring a smile to any patient’s face. For music lovers, the Elvis theme coloring book and the Beatles theme coloring book provide hours of entertainment while tapping into nostalgic themes. Whether your loved one is a lifelong fan or simply looking for a creative outlet, these coloring books offer a fun and engaging way to pass the time and keep spirits high.
Cloverkey Hospital Gift ShopsWhen visiting a loved one in the hospital, bringing more than just a physical gift is important—your presence and thoughtfulness can make a huge difference in their day. While bringing good books to read while in the hospital is a fantastic way to show your appreciation, spreading some cheer with a thoughtful gift from the hospital gift shop is a fast and easy way to show that you care. Help create a more positive and supportive experience with Cloverkey Hospital Gift Shops during their hospital stay.