10 Books for When You Need Some Hope
A novel, memoirs, poetry, and more
Most of the books I read are somewhat dark. I like murder mysteries, unlikable characters, complicated relationships, and unreliable protagonists. But sometimes, I need something lighter, something that will encourage me, make me smile, or remind me life can be good. I’ve gravitated to more of these types of books over the past few years. Maybe because of the global pandemic, political upheaval, wars, climate crises, etc. Who’s to say?
Anyway, the books in this post are not escapist reads that pretend the world is lovely and everything is fine. They’re raw and emotional stories about things like cancer, mental illness, divorce, injustice, and discrimination. These books make me feel hopeful because even though each of them acknowledges the world can be a brutal place, the overarching theme is resilience. These books show how there can still be moments of joy, pleasure, and belonging, even in tragic times. If you’re struggling right now, I hope at least one of these titles can help you find your footing again.
Quick note: One of my colleagues and friends (hi, Eric!) asks his students to add the national suicide and crisis hotline number to their phones at the beginning of the school year. You might want to do the same in case you or a friend need support someday. In America, the number is 988. You can call and text for help 24/7.
Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad: As I write this post, I’m about 60% of the way through the audiobook version of this memoir. Listening to Suleika Jaouad tell the story of her battle with leukemia, the losses she suffered, and how she was able to keep going in the face of it all has been a blessed and tender experience.
Even though parts of this book will break your heart, it’s a good reminder about how fragile our lives are and how important it is to rest in the care of those who love us. I’m thankful for the testimony Jaouad offers her readers about how to continue onward when everything feels unfair and your body betrays you.
The Comfort Book by Matt Haig: Matt Haig is a prolific writer who’s open about his struggles with depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. He’s addressed some of those topics in his latest two novels, The Midnight Library and The Life Impossible, but I find his nonfiction even more powerful.
The Comfort Book is what it sounds like: a collection of lists and stories about comforting things. If you’re ever in a dark place and lack the capacity to read a full-length text, The Comfort Book would be great to flip through as a reminder about the goodness that awaits you in the world. Anyone can say, “There’s so much to live for.” It means something else coming from someone who’s survived addiction, a suicide attempt, and debilitating depression.
Dinosaurs by Lydia Millet: Dinosaurs was such a wonderful surprise when I read it back in 2022. Gil is the protagonist, and the novel starts when he walks from New York to Arizona to restart his life after a devastating breakup. He moves in next door to a family and quickly gets involved in their lives, becoming their friend and a mentor to their young son. Gil is independently wealthy, yet he’s consistently looking for ways to volunteer and give back. Lydia Millet deftly explores male friendship and tenderness, showing how important friendships are for a life well lived.
How to Keep House While Drowning: A Gentle Approach to Cleaning and Organizing by K.C. Davis: When you feel tired, hopeless, or overwhelmed, everyday tasks can become difficult or even impossible. K.C. Davis, who has ADHD, knows firsthand how hard it can be to keep yourself and your home functional. Her book is a guide that helps readers learn how to tackle daily chores, hygiene routines, and cleaning by offering simple accommodations that make these tasks easier. The word “gentle” in the book’s subtitle is there for a reason, as Davis does not shame or judge anyone for having a messy space. Instead, she empathizes, admits to her own messes, and shows a way forward, even if you feel drained.
I Hope This Finds You Well by Kate Baer: This slim book is a witty and inspiring collection of blackout poetry made from mean and tone-deaf notes Kate Baer has received from strangers. She takes the words of internet trolls and turns them into art. Witnessing Baer take hate and turn it into beauty is good for my soul. It feels like justice.
The Inner Voice of Love: A Journey Through Anguish to Freedom by Henri J. M. Nouwen: This book is one of the most cherished titles in my home library. It’s a collection of deeply spiritual journal entries Nouwen wrote during a time of agonizing depression and doubt. His heartbreak spills onto the page, yet Nouwen ultimately rests and finds his identity as a beloved child of God.
I remember a night shortly after I graduated from college when I felt adrift and afraid of what was next; I picked up this book, opened it to a random page, and the words were exactly what I needed at that moment. Similar moments have happened since then, too. I always pick up this little green book when I need spiritual encouragement or a reminder that everything is going to be okay.
The Lazy Genius Way: Embrace What Matters, Ditch What Doesn’t, and Get Stuff Done by Kendra Adachi: The Lazy Genius Way might seem like an odd choice for a booklist about hope, but that’s precisely what this book has given me. As an enneagram one, I struggle with perfectionism. The pressure to perform, excel, impress, and have it together at all times can be exhausting and overwhelming, two symptoms of burnout. When I’m in that “I’m overwhelmed and don’t know what to do” headspace, I turn to Kendra. The Lazy Genius Way isn’t a self-help book with steps every reader must follow to achieve a perfect life. Instead, it’s an invitation to name what matters so that readers can design a life that works for them. As a result, I’ve returned to this book time and time again to find clarity and inspiration.
The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History, from the Founding to the Civil Rights Movement by Sharon McMahon: As I read about the people McMahon profiles in this book, I kept thinking about how important it is for citizens to seize the opportunity to influence whoever is in their circle. Few of us will have the means or power to make sweeping change. Instead, we have to consider what circles we’re in and decide how we can be effective in those spaces.
That’s what the people in McMahon’s book did. Even in the worst, most shameful moments of American history, there were people fighting for justice, equity, and belonging for all. There will always be everyday heroes doing good work, even in the most dire circumstances.
Splinters by Leslie Jamison: Living in New York City during the COVID-19 pandemic would have been hard enough, but Leslie Jamison did it while going through a divorce and raising a young daughter. Stuck in their apartment, Jamison struggles to care for her child while also teaching online. Her world gets increasingly smaller, yet Jamison continues mothering and teaching because she must.
Splinters isn’t just the story of a woman going through a divorce and finding new romances. At its heart, it’s a love story about a mother and daughter finding their way when the world shut down and learning to live again when it opened back up.
You Don’t Have to Be Everything: Poems for Girls Becoming Themselves edited by Diana Whitney: One of the greatest joys of my reading life is reading the perfect book at the perfect time. I had that experience when I read You Don’t Have to Be Everything. I picked it up and read it on a night when I felt sad and overwhelmed, and the poems were just what I needed to feel uplifted and hopeful.
In addition to the poetry, this book is full of bold colors and illustrations, reminding me that I often need beauty in my life to come out of a slump. You don’t have to be a girl or a teen to enjoy this book, even though that’s the intended audience. Any poetry lover will appreciate this diverse and inspiring collection.
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Do any of these books resonate with you? What titles or authors give you hope? Please share in the comments and consider passing along this post.
What a lovely list! I have read and loved some of these and now plan to pick up DINOSAURS and SPLINTERS soonish. As for Kendra - ME TOO. I think of her tip to clean my counter before grocery shopping every week!
Thank you for this thoughtfully curated list. I like that it’s not just a feel-good collection, but includes practical ways to tackle problems in daily life. 👏