Sick days are the beach days of winter. Okay, maybe they’re not exactly enjoyable, but if you’re going to be stuck in bed all day, you might as well make the most of it.

There’s no denying it, Sickness Season is upon us. If you’re fortunate enough to avoid the brutal flu virus that’s circulating, there are plenty of other yucky bugs floating around.

If you fall victim to a bug this year, take care of yourself. That should include some guilty pleasure reading, or whatever it is that makes the time fly by.

Here are a some great reads that have gotten me through when I was feeling particularly out of sorts.

1. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

This is the first of the Sookie Stackhouse series, which was the basis for True Blood. I read the majority of the series while recovering from Post Concussion Syndrome a few summers ago. All I could do was lay flat on my back and read, and these books proved perfect company. They start our similar to the TV series (which I thoroughly enjoyed) and then quickly differ. I liked the books better because Sookie is the narrator, so she’s much more likable and doesn’t come across as quite so ditzy. They are quick easy reads, fun and sexy, with an intriguing mystery storyline in each. Regardless of whether you are a fan of True Blood, I highly recommend this series for when you need to fully lose yourself in another world.

2. My Husband’s Wife by Jane Corry 

This great thriller got me through a few days with a stomach bug last year. It’s a juicy soap opera drama with crime thrown in. The writing is solid and the story is well done, doesn’t feel contrived or manipulative to the reader. Most of the characters are good hearted and well intentioned, with the exception of a couple genuine slime balls. I liked how even when they were doing bad things, you could kind of understand their motivation. This was a great, fast read!

3. Today Will be Different by Maria Semple

This wasn’t a sick day read for me, although I could have easily polished it off in one or two sittings if I’d had the time! Initially I didn’t think I was going to like it because it’s written at a frantic pace, and Eleanor comes across as shallow in the beginning. However it didn’t take long for me to adjust to the pace, and realize it suits Eleanor’s life. She ended up being a great character, very relatable. The story is funny and heartwarming, definitely a mood booster if you’re feeling low.

4. Let’s Explore Diabetes With Owls by David Sedaris

If you’re not feeling well, you might not be up to reading for a long period of time, or following a storyline so a collection of essays might be a better fit. These are written with some of Sedaris’ best observational and self-deprecating humor.

5. Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh

Here’s another option that doesn’t require steady reading or following a story. It’s smart, hilarious collection of comics. I was laughing out loud every few pages. Her ability to capture real life in her simple drawing and thoughtful words is impressive. But what moved me most is the author’s brave vulnerability. Her pieces about depression are agonizingly accurate and touching. I appreciate her vulnerability. Her transparency shows us she is flawed and funny, which makes her relatable and lovable.

Do you have any memorable sick day reads?