Whether you're reading to escape the chaos of real life, you want to wind down before you go to sleep or you are looking to get lost in a world of wonder, this pastime can make for good therapy.
Reading can be a great way to boost your mood, so here is a list of books that will guide you through life's craziness and offer a new perspective.
The Old Man and the Sea
"A timeless fable about perseverance- and how there's beauty in not giving up- this novella is perfect for when your to-do list feels overwhelming." - Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin, authors of The Novel Cure: An A-Z of Literary Remedies.
The Madwoman in the Volvo
"This book is not only informative but normalizes the process of menopause and aging. It's presented in a whimsical and hilarious manner." - Mary Amanda Graham, Ph.D.
Spark Joy
"This book shows the reader how to derive satisfaction from reorganizing their life. It appeas across generations and culture as you ask yourself about your core values and what gives you joy." - Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, Ed.D.
The Happiness Project
"After an epiphany, Rubin realized 'the days are long, but the years are short,' and dedicated a year of her life exploring what makes her happy and how to focus on the things that matter." - Laura Bruneau, Ph. D.
The Giver
"This dystopian vision of a future in which all color has been drained from life, reminds us that happiness and sadness are two sides of the same coin. You can't have one without the other." - Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin.
I Will Not Die an Unlived Life
"Markova takes risks 'to lie so that which came to me as seed/goes to the next as blossom/ and that which came to be as blossom/ goes on as fruit'. This book is a cornucopia of radiance." - Sherry Reiter, Ph.D.
Feeling inspired? Find out what the which 6 books are on the next page.
The Boy in The Striped Pajamas
"This book is told through the eyes of a 9-year-old boy and set during World War II. The story is heartrending and beautifully written and reminds the reader that we are not born with hate." - Mary Amanda Graham, Ph.D.
A Thousand Splendid Suns
"A heart wrenching and empowering book. Speaks to the power of love, self-sacrifice and survival. This book is a reminder of the power of relationships and the ability to overcome adversity." Mary Amanda Graham, Ph.D.
The Alchemist
This makes the list not only because it's a book that will help put you on the path to happiness, but because it teaches a powerful metaphor, which makes it an essential read.
A Manual for Heartache
"When the worst has happened and your heart has taken a battering, you'll be in need of a shoulder to cry on. Rentzenbrink draws on her personal experience on living with sadness and grief- and reassures us that hope returns in the end." - Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin.
Eat, Pray, Love
This novel reminds everyone that we should always try to love a little harder, eat the delicious piece of cake and find inner piece with your spiritual side. More importantly, it's never too late to reinvent yourself.
The Book of Joy
What could be more uplifting than the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu sharing intimate stories and shared spiritual practice that reveal how they've achieved a lifetime of joy, peace and courage. We'll want to take notes for this one.
Which one will you read first? Share your thoughts on the books with us in the comments.
Source: Good Housekeeping
