What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Book of Delights
Ross Gay · Book
If you loved The Book of Delights, start with Finding Your Casual Magic — a podcast on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Book of Delights across media.
You loved The Book of Delights because it taught you to find profound, transformative joy within the quietest, most overlooked moments.
Films on the same thread
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Olivia Newman · Film · 2026
Explores: Grief and healing, Intergenerational friendship, Hidden secrets.
Much like the essays in The Book of Delights, this story celebrates how unexpected connections and small, wondrous discoveries can mend a grieving heart and spark renewed curiosity.
The Life of Chuck
Mike Flanagan · Film · 2025
Shares a thread with The Book of Delights: Human Connection.
Like The Book of Delights, this film finds deep meaning in the ordinary, proving that life is defined by the interconnectedness of our smallest, most human experiences.
Happy-Go-Lucky
Mike Leigh · Film · 2008
Shares a thread with The Book of Delights: finding joy.
If you appreciated the radical optimism found in The Book of Delights, you will recognize that same defiant, infectious joy in this portrait of a uniquely cheerful teacher.
Perfect Days
Wim Wenders · Film · 2023
Explores: Minimalism, Finding Beauty in the Mundane, Routine and Ritual.
This film mirrors the meditative rhythm of The Book of Delights, focusing entirely on the beauty found in daily routines, simple rituals, and the stillness of the mundane.
Series on the same thread
The Joy of Painting
Bob Ross · Series · 1983
Shares a thread with The Book of Delights: Mindfulness.
Bob Ross embodies the same gentle mindfulness present in The Book of Delights, using his craft as a vehicle to encourage patience, kindness, and appreciation for the world.
Good Omens
Neil Gaiman · Series · 2019
Explores: The Antichrist, End of the World, Unlikely Friendship.
While more fantastical than The Book of Delights, this story highlights the same power of unlikely friendships to provide comfort and humanity in an often chaotic, unpredictable world.
The Good Place
Michael Schur · Series · 2016
Explores: Redemption, Moral Improvement, Existentialism.
This series shares the philosophical heart of The Book of Delights, exploring how an intentional focus on personal growth and kindness can change one's entire perspective on existence.
It's Okay to Not Be Okay
Park Shin-woo · Series · 2020
Explores: healing through love, emotional baggage, found family.
Just as The Book of Delights addresses finding joy amidst adversity, this series explores the healing potential of human connection when navigating the weight of past emotional baggage.
Podcasts on the same thread
Finding Your Casual Magic
Podcast
Shares 2 threads with The Book of Delights: Gratitude, Mindfulness.
This podcast serves as a perfect companion to The Book of Delights, directly echoing its commitment to practicing gratitude and finding magic in the simplest daily occurrences.
The Wood From The Trees
Podcast
Shares a thread with The Book of Delights: mindfulness.
If you enjoyed the introspective nature of The Book of Delights, this podcast offers a similar space for quiet reflection and the ongoing pursuit of personal well-being.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Book of Delights a collection of essays?
Yes, The Book of Delights is a collection of essays written by Ross Gay. These entries focus on documenting and celebrating small joys that the author encounters in his daily life within an often anxiety-inducing world.
What is the primary theme of The Book of Delights?
The primary theme of The Book of Delights is the intentional observation and celebration of small, everyday joys. By documenting these moments, the author explores how finding delight serves as a meaningful response to living in an anxiety-inducing world.
Should I read The Book of Delights if I am looking for uplifting literature?
If you are looking for uplifting literature, The Book of Delights is a suitable choice. The essays are specifically designed to highlight small joys and provide a sense of perspective when navigating the difficulties of an anxiety-inducing world.
Is The Book of Delights focused on specific topics or general observations?
The Book of Delights focuses on general observations of small, everyday joys. Ross Gay uses these essays to catalog simple moments of pleasure, demonstrating how the practice of noticing delight can be a powerful tool for coping with the pressures of an anxiety-inducing world.