Here is a strange set of objects that speaks of a modern human need.

Digital publishing was supposed to kill print books. Instead, after the pandemic (and perhaps because of it), print books exploded in popularity. Barnes & Noble, the bookseller formerly at death's door, is on track to open 50 to 60 new stores this year. TikTok now has the book-promoting BookTok genre, and Instagram and Pinterest are awash in images of romanticized, cozy reading nooks.

Because not everyone can actually create their own reading nook, Chinese toys-for-adults brand Rolife—a proponent of the "slow life" movement—has created miniature reading nooks that you can put on your bookshelf.

You may not be able to tell from the photos, but these are quite diminutive. They're sold as kits that you snap together, there are no adhesives involved.

Picking up on other cozy-environment longings, the company also makes miniature coffee shops, bakeries, bookstores and greenhouses. You can see them all here.