Lately, I’ve been really drawn to books on hope.
And there are some great ones out there.
Earlier this week, I put some on hold at my library and have been picking them up as they come in from other branches around the city.
(No, they are not on my official TBR list for the month, but I was in need of a few more nonfiction reads, so here we are.)
Each night, I read a little about hope before I go to sleep and it’s a great way to end a long day.
Here are some of my favorite books on the topic that I would recommend:
Little Pieces of Hope by Todd Doughy. Filled with mostly lists of things that bring happiness, this book is described as “a celebration of the pleasures of life.” Some examples include: clean sheets, a box of untangled paperclips, and a summer day spent outdoors with a giant doorstop of a novel. This book is great if you need some ideas of how to bring more happiness or hope into your daily life.
The Comfort Book by Matt Hoag. This book is “a collection of little parcels of hope” in short mini-chapters, lists, and stories. If you’re looking for a small dose of hope that you can quickly digest, but that will stay with you all day, look no further. I found this book to be full of wisdom, empathy, and kindness.
Philosophy for Polar Explorers by Erling Kagge. Who better to talk about hope than the explorer who walked to the North Pole, walked to the South Pole, and climbed Mount Everest (among many other adventures)? I loved the practical advice in this book that’s equal parts fascinating and encouraging due to the author’s unique experiences and hard-won life lessons. (And don’t miss his other books Walking and Silence, which are also great.)
Welcoming the Unwelcome by Pema Chödrön. I can’t talk about books about hope without mentioning one of my favorite authors on the subject. The hopeful part of Chödrön’s books is that she tackles big topics with simple and wise advice. She makes scary, large problems feel completely manageable through breaking down how we can respond with compassion and resilience.
Stitches by Anne Lamott. I’ve read a lot of Lamott’s nonfiction and this book is one of my favorites. I like how she gets right to the heart of the matter through simple prose and resonant stories. This book is about meaning, purpose, and resilience and could definitely be picked up again and again for guidance in the most uncertain or challenging times.
What are some of your favorite books about hope?