Some of the most inspirational books and authors from around the globe are listed below. Read through some of the descriptions to see how each one has contributed to the fabric of human hope, gratitude, and drive.
Overview: Our Top Picks
Best Inspirational Non-Fiction Books
Best Inspirational Fiction Books
- Colourblind: Inspirational African Fiction by Uzoma Uponi ($19.95)
- A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini ($14.99)
Best Inspirational Books for Women
Best Inspirational Books for Kids, Students, and Teens
- Spriggles Motivational Books for Children: Inspiration by Jeff Gottlieb and Martha Gottlieb ($13.88)
- Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio and LeUyen Pham (Illustrator) ($13.97)
Best Inspirational Books for College Students and New Graduates
Best Inspirational Business Books
- Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming by Paul Hawken ($13.59)
- Achieving Excellence in Fundraising by Eugene R. Tempel, Timothy L. Seiler, and Eva E. Aldrich ($70.00)
Best Inspirational Travel Books
Best Short Inspirational Books
- The Secret Life of Water by Masaru Emoto ($22.00)
- The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben ($15.87)
Best Religious or Spiritual Inspirational Books
Best Inspirational Books for Someone Who Experienced a Loss
Best Inspirational Books for a Sick Loved One
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Best Inspirational Non-Fiction Books
- Best Inspirational Fiction Books
- Best Inspirational Books for Women
- Best Inspirational Books for Kids, Students, and Teens
- Best Inspirational Books for College Students and New Graduates
- Best Inspirational Business Books
- Best Inspirational Travel Books
- Best Short Inspirational Books
- Best Religious or Spiritual Inspirational Books
- Best Inspirational Books for Someone Who Experienced a Loss
- Best Inspirational Books for a Sick Loved One
Choose one and you’ll find stories that may forever become part of your internal canvas. Maybe, you’ll discover a bit about what drives you forward.
Best Inspirational Non-Fiction Books
Take a journey alongside someone extraordinary. You can learn about happiness, forgiveness, or mindfulness, depending on which book you choose. Some listed will help you rediscover yourself through the lens of the natural world. No matter the path, each story will inspire something new.
1. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
A poor upbringing, the death of her mother, and a lifetime of terrible decision-making marked Strayed with a brutal internal struggle.
Her book Wild is a manual for looking inside your tough past and finding insight into your journey and subsequent growth.
2. Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu
Tao Te Ching was written for those seeking philosophical or spiritual guidance to discover the "Way," become more connected with naturalness, and understand non-action.
3. The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama XIV and Howard C. Cutler
You may or may not agree with the interpretations of Cutler, but the messages of the Dalai Lama are solid. In The Art of Happiness, you’ll find advice, strategy, and guidance for living a better, happier life, making it one of the most life-changing books you’ll ever read.
4. The Book of Forgiving: The Fourfold for Healing Ourselves and Our World by Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu
If the opposite of forgiveness is holding onto pain in some way, then the only way to heal is to forgive.
In The Book of Forgiving, you’ll read about stories from Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu, both of whom survived apartheid and its injustices.
5. The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear to Faith by Gabrielle Bernstein
Bernstein positions the world in your favor in The Universe Has Your Back. She writes from a place of peace and hopes to help others find inner peace as well.
The underlying themes of meditation, prayer, and mindfulness are meant to guide you as you turn to love and away from the things that don’t serve you and toward all the things to be grateful for.
6. Jane Goodall: The Woman Who Redefined Man by Dale Peterson
Jane Goodall is a must-read if you’re a fan of Jane Goodall, the primatologist, and her contribution to all sentient beings. One voice can make a difference, and Jane’s dedication has shown that.
7. Stronghold: One Man's Quest to Save the World's Wild Salmon by Tucker Malarkey
It’s not a stretch to say that Stronghold one of those books to read before you die, especially if you know nothing about the salmon crisis.
Tucker Malarkey is trying to help save this unique anadromous fish from extinction, knowing full well that their fate is invariably linked with our own.
Best Inspirational Fiction Books
Authors from Russia to Nigeria to the United States are highlighted below with subjects ranging from love to loss and death.
They’ll guide you through these tough topics and more. While most of the books are a heavy read, their messages are strong enough to carry the weight.
8. Colourblind: Inspirational African Fiction by Uzoma Uponi
The themes of Colourblind are centered around Christianity and Nigerian culture. In it, marriage, family, and religion each play a part in this sometimes heartbreaking, but honest look at the socio-economic differences that separate people.
9. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Set in Afghanistan, A Thousand Splendid Suns demonstrates the levels of the destructiveness of decades of war and occupation.
From the perspectives of two women, you’ll discover the ravages of a nation that, inspiringly, has not fully broken despite years of hardship.
10. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
The Five People You Meet in Heaven tackles the common struggle of finding purpose in one’s life and tells it through the lens of those you will meet in heaven.
11. The Walk by Richard Paul Evans
The Walk is one man’s search for hope after losing everything. Not only will his journey resonate with anyone who has had to navigate purpose amidst struggle, but the author is generous in memorable quotes.
12. The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri
The Beekeeper of Aleppo is a story about two Syrian refugees forced to leave their country to seek solace in Yorkshire. They have lost their son, he has lost his eyesight, and now they must find each other.
13. Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak
Yuri and Lara’s love drive the story of this Russian novel, which is revered as one of the greatest love stories ever told. As a result, Doctor Zhivago will do nothing less than inspire you to hold a little closer to the one you love.
Best Inspirational Books for Women
Although the list below varies in its themes of racial identities, religious constraints, science, war, and even engendered violence, each novel approaches feminism as its underlying construct. While some of the themes can be tough to get through, the strength of the women herein cannot be overlooked.
14. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie offers a brief commentary on the devastating effects of female marginalization in her home in Nigeria, around the world, and in the United States. In a brief 52 pages, We Should All Be Feminists will introduce you to the reasons why feminism is needed now more than ever.
15. Kindred by Octavia Butler
Butler’s story demonstrates the perception of history, identity, character, and fate in this time-traveling novel.
In Kindred, the protagonist is constantly traveling back in time to save her ancestor from ill-fate, but also perpetually ensnared in an identity created for her.
16. The Imam's Daughter by Hannah Shah
Hannah Shah wrote her story to help those who have lived through similarly harrowing lives. The Imam's Daughter tells us what it means to suffer horrific mental and physical abuse by the hands of a father, as well as what it takes to survive and escape the instilled fear his society constructed.
17. Nobel Prize Women in Science: Their Lives, Struggles, and Momentous Discoveries by Sharon Bertsch McGrayne
Shockingly, only 3% of science Nobel Laureates have been women. With that in mind, not only does Nobel Prize Women in Science dive into the gender disparity behind this number, it can also help you better understand who these women were and what struggles they overcame to accomplish their goals.
18. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
This story is woven together using letters written by the islanders of Guernsey during the Nazi occupation in WWII. And you will discover a mix of inspiration, love, war, sacrifice, and more.
In The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, you’ll discover the immense capacity humans have to survive and overcome adversity, even when facing isolation and fear.
19. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (and the Millennium Series) by Stieg Larsson
While the novels are written as graphic thrillers with intense twists and sometimes violent turns, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the subsequent series take a hard look at how tough, intellectual, and fierce women are born not from ripples, but earthquakes that create mountains of fortitude.
Best Inspirational Books for Kids, Students, and Teens
Great YA inspirational books often develop as a commentary to struggle. In the selection below, you’ll discover gender and cultural bias, socio-economic disparity, and a lot of fear. However, you’ll also find persistence and survival.
20. Spriggles Motivational Books for Children: Inspiration by Jeff Gottlieb and Martha Gottlieb
Inspiration is a great rhyming book for kids who are four to six years old to help them develop better self-esteem as well as increased self-awareness, positivity, and all-around motivation.
21. Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio and LeUyen Pham (Illustrator)
Instead of feeling like it’s too big of a hurdle, Grace is actually motivated by the fact that there has never been a female president.
While the boys’ vote seems to be clinched for the boy candidate, Grace decides to inspire others with her courage and independent thinking in Grace for President.
22. A River of Stars by Vanessa Hua
Young Scarlett Chen is sent to America to provide her unborn son with a better life. A River of Stars is about her struggles with identity, socioeconomic divides, and the enduring will to survive in order to better understand privilege.
23. Fruit of the Drunken Tree by Ingrid Rojas Contreras
Fruit of the Drunken Tree is set in 1990s Colombia when the country was struggling with Pablo Escobar, guerilla drug lords, rampant kidnappings, robberies, and murders. The story is told from two very different socioeconomic backgrounds, where life has two dissimilar definitions.
24. Catch the Whisper of the Wind: Inspirational Stories and Proverbs from Native Americans by Cheewa James
Inspirational Native Americans from across the US and Canada tell their stories in this compilation book. In Catch the Whisper of the Wind, you’ll read about Olympians, political leaders, and more as they describe the challenges that their different tribes have endured.
Best Inspirational Books for College Students and New Graduates
Many college students will achieve a diploma and head straight into the workforce. However, some graduates will take alternate roads towards spiritual awakenings, travel, or continued study. No matter which, each path is valid, so we've chosen books worthy of all aspects of the study.
25. You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life by Eleanor Roosevelt
You Learn by Living is the former first lady's book of tangible advice for anyone seeking to live a fulfilled life. Of those bits of wisdom comes the courage to face your fears, becoming a helpful member of society as a path to happiness, and approaching life as an adventure.
It's an excellent book for college students trying to find their voice or path in a demanding world.
26. Sapiens: A Brief History of Mankind by Yuval Noah Harari
Harari's Sapiens is surprisingly controversial, which means that if it can equally strike a chord and be celebrated among people, it's a good read.
Pick it up for philosophy, science, and the great opinions about humanity's past, present, and future.
27. The Forest Unseen: A Year's Watch in Nature by David George Haskell
Sure, Haskell's book is about one square meter of land, which he visits and studies over the course of the year. Yet, it's impossible to remove the science-based tenor with humanity's apparent relationship with planet Earth.
If you're a recent STEM graduate, you'll find joy in both the ecosystem diversity and the stages of life.
28. The Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor by Eddie Jaku
The central premise to The Happiest Man on Earth is that despite the horrors of Auschwitz, it's still possible to choose a good life.
Leaving no stone unturned, Jaku recounts the horrors of the concentration camp but reminds readers that the key to happiness is in a blend of gratitude, tolerance, and kindness.
29. The Broken Circle: A Memoir of Escaping Afghanistan by Enjeela Ahmadi-Miller
The will to survive vast or untold atrocities is a lesson for living no matter who you are and what degree you receive.
The only hiccup is at the end, when in place of a summary or thought based on experience, the author details spending and purchasing expensive items in The Broken Circle.
30. Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change by Stacey Abrams
Political books generally receive mixed reactions, and Lead from the Outside is no different. On one side, people see it as a political ploy to raise money, but others found it incredibly helpful and insightful, especially those inspiring minority leaders.
31. Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
For greater focus, as you enter the workforce, pick up a copy of Atomic Habits and then seek to apply them over a short period to note their effectiveness.
Clear's book isn't just for the office-seeking new graduate; it'll work for anyone seeking to improve their disciple no matter their chosen career.
32. Omoiyari: The Japanese Art of Compassion by Erin Niimi Longhurst
Longhurst writes that to have compassion for others, one must first care for themselves. Thus, the concept of Omoiyari has less to do with goals and motives and more to do with leaving a place better than it was found—ideal for such degrees as nursing, teaching, and sustainability.
Best Inspirational Business Books
From sports to the fourth sector, business runs dynamically. Therefore, seek out a book from the following list that pertains most sincerely to your profession.
33. Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming by Paul Hawken
Drawdown's 100 solutionary measures are a must-read for any economist, politician, or land and home developer when tackling the climate crisis.
The techniques and practices are geared towards sustainability, carbon reductions and serving the bottom line.
34. Achieving Excellence in Fundraising by Eugene R. Tempel, Timothy L. Seiler, and Eva E. Aldrich
Fundraising is the anchor of the fourth sector. Without it, the goals of many altruists would find little progress. Read this book if you're working towards your initial CFRE or if the executives in your nonprofit need a refresher on measures and tactics.
35. Think Like a Warrior: The Five Inner Beliefs that Make You Unstoppable (Sports for the Soul) by Darrin Donnelly
For those of you feeling disenchanted by your career or current path, Donnelly's Think Like a Warrior will inspire you to find the strength to take charge once again.
Written with the wisdom of five famous coaches—John Wooden, Buck O'Neil, Herb Brooks, Bear Bryant, and Vince Lombardi—this book works for anyone hanging out on the sidelines and ready to get back in and play.
36. In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from Over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs by Grace Bonney
Those located in the New York and California geographies will most enjoy these stories and highlights from notable women.
Additional insights on business application and time management in In the Company of Women will help anyone trying to make it happen.
38. You Are Enough! Reclaiming Your Career and Your Life With Passion, Purpose, and Unapologetic Authenticity by Charlene Wheeless
A 1980s black female executive recounts her tale of what it was like to climb the ladder in a white, male-dominated sector.
Buy or rent You Are Enough! from a library for an abundance of thought leadership in the realm of corporate communications.
39. Girl on Fire: How to Choose Yourself, Burn the Book, and Blaze Your Own Trail in Life and Business by Cara Alwill Leyba
Girl on Fire will light a match for you no matter if you plan to jump into the workforce headfirst or swim in a self-created entrepreneurial adventure.
Either way, Lebya's book is meant to inspire anyone who needs that rallying cry to arrive, see, and conquer.
40. The Inspirational Leader: Inspire Your Team to Believe in the Impossible by Gifford Thomas
Comparing this book to those from other thought leaders takes away from the experience of Gifford Thomas, who nonetheless offers quotes to notable leaders in the force.
Instead, read it knowing that the path to outstanding leadership is wide and varied, a journey everyone takes, especially understanding that no notable leader began as an expert.
41. Life in the Studio: Inspiration and Lessons on Creativity by Frances Palmer
For artists in any genre, check out Life in the Studio. From Palmer, you'll discover transformative advice suitable for right-brained thinkers. No matter the industry, note the options to grow within your wherewithal, dive deep into your art, come out alive, and be ready to succeed.
Best Inspirational Travel Books
Look below for inspiration in the ancient Buddhist caves of India, foot races through the Gobi Desert, and compilation novels from renowned authors (and more).
42. Finding Gobi by Dion Leonard
Runner Dion Leonard competed in an ultramarathon race through the Gobi Desert when a sweet little dog decided to keep pace for 77 miles. After that, Leonard knew he had to do whatever he could to be part of her life and bring her home.
Read Finding Gobi if you're an ultrarunner, a world traveler, or anyone who loves dogs.
43. The Hungry Tide by Amitav Ghosh
If your interests include fishing, marine biology, rare species, or traveling to the Bay of Bengal, check out The Hungry Tide. Author Amitav Ghosh weaves a romantic and suspenseful tale where political unrest matches the devastating tides on the Sundarban Islands.
44. A Year at Otter Farm by Mark Diacono
Before you head to Devon in Southwest England, dive inside Mark Diacono's A Year at Otter Farm. Along with recipes, you'll gain insight into the culinary seasons and care for 17 acres of glorious patch and farm.
Dream about living a bucolic life through the prose, photos, and dishes anyone can cook up.
45. An Introduction to the Ajanta Caves: With Examples of Six Caves by Rajesh K. Singh
The Ajanta caves in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state, described in this book, are a UNESCO world heritage site covered with ancient Buddhist paintings from over a century ago.
Take a day trip to the 20,000+ acre site to learn about the history of Buddhism and the Vakataka rulers, part of the Brahmin dynasties.
46. To See the Mountain and Other Stories by The Caine Prize for African Writing
The Caine Prize was developed to showcase new and inspiring African writers. In the 2011 compilation, To See the Mountain and Other Stories on Biblio, you'll read:
- Alex Smith's "Wolf Blue"
- Olufemi Terry's "Dark Triad"
- Beatrice Lamwaka's "Bottled Memory"
- Jide Adebayo-Begun's "Bridge"
- Dona Forbin's "No Blood, No Slaves"
Read it before your next safari or trip to Marrakesh to appreciate the vitality and strength of African culture.
47. Road to Valor: A True Story of WWII Italy, the Nazis, and the Cyclist Who Inspired a Nation by Aili and Andres McConnon
If you've ever dreamed of training and riding the Tour de France or rural Tuscany, then Road to Valor is for you. It's the story of an unwitting hero who loved chianti, smoking, and took to the bike to change a nation.
48. When Women Ruled the World: Six Queens of Egypt by Kara Cooney
Egyptian culture relied on rulers like Cleopatra, Hatshepsut, and Nefertiti to enable the highest levels of government. What's notable about that is the society that developed beneath the strength and power of women.
Pick up a copy of When Women Ruled the World if you're pining for a trip to the pyramids or if you just want to live vicariously through strong feminine rulers.
49. World Travel: An Irreverent Guide by Anthony Bourdain and Laurie Woolever
No travel book list would be complete with something from Anthony Bourdain, where you'll gain insight on how to get where you're going as well as what to eat and where to stay.
If you appreciated his television show, traveling to destinations from a comfortable seat in your home, then you’ll delight in his book, too.
Best Short Inspirational Books
If you’re looking for a book that’s not cheesy or sophomoric and you can read in one sitting, check out these short, motivational, and inspirational books.
50. The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben
Acclaimed German author Peter Wohlleben wrote the Hidden Life of Trees. He approaches the forest from an anthropomorphic perspective in writing, engaging the average reader.
Of course, this can make some scientists have a near meltdown, but it opens up a world where trees are seen as communities with a means of connection, communication, and even healing through their root systems.
If the book fascinates you, check out the Canadian documentary "Intelligent Trees," inspired by Wohlleben’s work.
51. The Secret Life of Water by Masaru Emoto
At the center of The Secret Life of Water are Hado—vibrations and the study of vibrational energy, intrinsic to all living matter at the atomic level.
In it, you’ll find a superior level of research connecting humans with ecology, their environment, and our overall relationship with water in ourselves and all over this planet.
52. The Outermost House by Henry Beston
If you like John Muir and Edward Abbey, check out Henry Beston’s The Outermost House.
Read it, and you’ll be transported back to 1920s Cape Cod, where the beauty of nature fell at your doorstep, inviting you to explore, dream, and breathe in its majesty.
53. No Mud, No Lotus by Thich Nhat Hanh
Thich Nhat Hanh understands that one must learn how to suffer in life to find happiness. Some see this as yin and yang, where one would require a direct opposite to advance or move forward.
Read No Mud, No Lotus if you’re stuck inside suffering, needing a nudge forward to attain happiness.
54. The Places that Scare You by Pema Chödrön
Do you acquiesce to bad habits which prevent you from finding bliss? Are you stuck inside anxiety and fear? If so, pick up Pema Chödrön’s The Places that Scare You. In it, you’ll discover how to awaken to your goodness, accept yourself as is, and connect with people positively.
55. Every Penguin in the World: A Quest to See Them All by Charles Bergman
In Every Penguin in the World: A Quest to See Them All, photographer Charles Bergman documents his quest to see all eighteen Penguin species found in their natural habitats.
Pick up a copy if you love Penguins. But choose to read and learn from this book if you need to define a better, more adventurous future — make a change that brings you hope.
56. The Analects by Confucius
Books 3 and 4 of The Analects reflect the significant ideologies of Confucius, the Chinese philosopher and politician of the Spring and Autumn period.
His philosophy centers on self-cultivation, learning, and virtue, including that of exemplary character and the ideal state.
58. Surviving the Forest by Adiva Geffen
Surviving the Forest is the first book in a 9-book series by Adiva Geffen about the resilience of Jewish women during WW2. Follow the protagonist Shurka as she cares for and protects her family and suffers through starvation while hiding from the Nazis in an unforgiving Polish forest.
59. World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
Return to a place of curiosity in Aimee Nezhukumatathil’s illustrative collection of short stories, World of Wonders. Discover and appreciate the axolotl, ribbon eels, flamingos, dragon fruit, and more. See them illustrated through a personal narrative of wonderment, youth, and praise.
60. Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai by Yamamoto Tsunetomo
Tsunemoto’s classic, the Hagakure, is an exposition of thought from a Nabeshima Clan Samurai during the 18th century. Each short text, translated by William Scott Wilson, reveals the Way of the Warrior—or the bushido.
Best Religious or Spiritual Inspirational Books
Below, look for traditional-style texts explaining religions and spirituality — and conversely, religious books asserting an explanation for the basis of culture or societal viewpoints.
61. In the Shelter: Finding a Home in the World by Pádraig Ó Tuama
Journey to Northern Ireland in Pádraig Ó Tuama’s In the Shelter, where you will re-learn how to live life, discover tolerance, and be vulnerable to truth while daring to swim among people’s core goodness and beauty.
Find kinship in the author’s near-poetic struggles of faith, sexuality, and the ultimate path to wisdom.
62. Restoring the Kinship Worldview: Indigenous Voices Introduce 28 Precepts for Rebalancing Life on Planet Earth by Wahinkpe Topa and Darcia Narvaez, PhD
In Restoring the Kinship Worldview, you’ll read 28 short stories filled with Indigenous wisdom about social responsibility, the sacredness of the earth, and rediscovering a purpose, leading us toward a more sustainable future.
63. The Bonobo and the Atheist by Frans de Waal
Observing and studying chimpanzees and bonobos leads to de Waal’s work comparing primate behaviors and human fairness.
The Bonobo and the Atheist is a thoughtful, philosophical approach where believers and nonbelievers can find common ground and purpose.
64. The Essence of Shinto: Japan’s Spiritual Heart by Motohisa Yamakage
Yamakage’s The Essence of Shinto is an almost exhaustive analysis and discussion of Japanese mythology and spirituality, identifying Shintoism as woven into its cultural fabric.
Expect to find a knowledgeable source for Shintoism but prepare for some narrow constructs concerning other religions and cultures.
65. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
Though many of us recognize that a tree grows, few see our growth with the tree. That is not the case in Siddhartha, where one gains the ability to read the book through various lenses in life.
Read it today and discover something about your ideologies but reread it tomorrow to learn why they’ve created your journey.
66. Early Buddhist Discourses Translated by John H. Holder
Early Buddhist Discourses will give you an excellent introduction to Buddhist scriptures and writings. Sixteen suttas, perhaps the most essential teachings of Buddha, have been translated by John H. Holder, giving a short introduction to Buddhism—perfect for the beginner.
67. Ecodharma: Buddhist Teachings for the Ecological Crisis by David. R. Loy
Read David R Loy’s Ecodharma to discover how a Buddhist should practice and live through an ecological crisis. Discover that the Buddhist is a source of inspiration in a world that needs activism and healing.
68. Earth’s Insights: A Multicultural Survey of Ecological Ethics from the Mediterranean Basin to the Australian Outback by J. Baird Callicott
Baird Callicott modeled his research on mainstream religions and the oral traditions of Indigenous peoples. In his work, Earth’s Insights, you’ll discover that our conservation techniques and environmental attitudes—each a mold of behavior—stem from our religious ideologies.
69. Kabbalah for Beginners: Understanding and Applying Kabbalistic History, Concepts, and Practices by Brian Yosef Schachter Brooks
Brooks’ short book (164 pages) is an excellent introduction to Kabbalah—Jewish mysticism. Pick up a copy of Kabbalah for Beginners to learn about philosophical concepts, including that of God as Being, not that He is a being, including various explanations of concepts and teachings.
Best Inspirational Books for Someone Who Experienced a Loss
In stories of loss, both fictional and nonfictional, we learn lessons, ways of coping, or reasons never to repeat them. Mainly, we realize we’re not alone and that grief, in many forms, is universal.
70. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Loss is not always defined by losing a person to tragedy and death; it can also be a loss of one’s home, identity, or place in the world when a not-so-simple choice becomes life-altering for you and every generation that follows.
71. Soul Mountain by Gao Xingjian
Gao Zinjian’s Soul Mountain follows the spiritual journey in an escape from time and linear space. Before its writing, the author nearly died from cancer, infusing a loss of another sort into this category.
It’s not an easy read and follows no direct path, but as pure literary artistry goes, the book is as essential to self-discovery as it is to overcoming meaninglessness.
72. Something I’ve Been Meaning to Tell You by Alice Munro
Thirteen stories comprise Munro’s Something I've Been Meaning to Tell You. In each story, the reader is exposed to varied forms of loss, including loss of love, hope, truth, and trust.
The stories are short and almost knowable, ideally suited for days with little time to spare but a need to ingest great literary prowess.
73. A Pale View of the Hills by Kazuo Ishiguro
In A Pale View of the Hills, Ishiguro’s protagonist, Etsuko, loses her daughter to suicide.
Throughout the novel, Etsuko will dwell upon that death while drifting through her experiences and cultural shifts before and after WW2’s devastation of Nagasaki.
74. What We Lose by Zinzi Clemmons
What We Lose explores many topics, from the death of a mother and an ensuing daughter’s grief to identity, race, politics, and relationships. Each issue is a mosaic—a painting of Thandi’s grieving process.
75. Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief by Joanne Cacciatore, PhD
Author, Zen priest, and counselor Cacciatore wrote Bearing the Unbearable in 52 accessible chapters to help you reconnect with compassion and shared humanity.
If you are a grief counselor, therapist, medical professional, or clergy, or if you or someone you know is dealing with severe and traumatic grief, then pick up a copy in support of the journey toward recovery.
76. What We Carry by Maya Shanbhag Lang
In What We Carry, loss unfolds in a debilitating journey when a mother begins to feel the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Lang’s book then explores the weight women carry from childhood to parenthood and throughout life in a dynamic between a mother and her daughter.
Best Inspirational Books for a Sick Loved One
Discover some of the best inspirational and empowering books below. You’ll find harrowing autobiographies, faith journeys, overcoming abuse, mental and physical healing, and more.
77. The Puma Years by Laura Coleman
Coleman’s novel is set in Bolivia and deals with the wildlife trade, but that’s the surface. The Puma Years is also about healing, second chances, and, yes, a haunting depiction of what’s happening in the world.
What makes this inspirational is the tirelessness of one sanctuary worker. No matter how fraught the worker was with gut-wrenching sadness, the fight still continues.
78. The Black Girl’s Guide to Healing Emotional Wounds by Nijiama Smalls
Author Nijiama Smalls writes that black girl trauma is different; the pain comes from a different place and lives in a different world than it does for others.
That’s because black women’s history is different; therefore, the reactions to or the suffering in and of itself are far more complex, but the healing she prescribes is soul-cleansing. So much so that it's meant to circle you back to the life you’re meant to lead.
79. I Escaped from Auschwitz: The Shocking True Story of the World War II Hero Who Escaped the Nazis and Helped Save Over 200,000 Jews by Rudolf Vrba
Vrba’s I Escaped from Auschwitz is a remarkably inspiring autobiography about the hope and tenacity a man can still gather even after capture and brutalization.
Read firsthand accounts of Vrba and Alfred Wetzler, a fellow Slovak prisoner, and Vrba’s fight to save more people suffering the relentless torture of Hitler’s Nazi Germany.
80. Finding Me: A Memoir by Viola Davis
What is the one thing you want to find in life? Answer: No less than everything you deserve.
In reading Davis’ memoir, you'll gain firsthand knowledge not just of a famous actress, her life, and her journey, but of a woman who learns to heal the abuse and wounds of the young girl inside.
81. Where the Deer and Antelope Play by Nick Offerman
Pick up a copy of Where the Deer and Antelope Play, not just for the humor but because restoring our connection to nature is increasingly prescribed by physicians as a means for healing the anxieties and stresses of daily life.
Get Inspired
Sometimes it seems like we need a bigger boost than most days, so why not pick up a book that can help? Once you do, maybe you’ll have discovered a lot more momentum once you’ve read the final sentence.
Looking for more book inspiration? Read our guides on books about pandemics and spiritual books for beginners.
