Do you know someone lacking empathy? Think that they can’t change? A new study offers hope for grinches and grumps. Researchers from the University of Toronto suggest that reading fiction can make people more empathetic. The authors of the study wrote that literature can enhance a reader’s empathy, or ability to understand someone else’s point-of-view.

So buy your grumpy sister or curmudgeonly neighbor a “chick lit” novel so that you can have a better day. The study specifically suggested “chick lit” and romance as being effective.