Our Top Picks
We have to be honest and say that choosing ten books out of the possible hundreds of thousands was not an easy task. But we can stand ten toes on the following books:
Man's Search for Meaning (Nonfiction) by Viktor Frankl
Human existence is not a walk in the park. If anything, it is a tale of despair and anxiety punctuated by the will to live. And more often than not, people get caught up in what’s wrong with their lives, forever chained to their suffering while holding on to hope. This book explores how our attitudes shape our journeys in this life, thereby empowering readers not to give in to their circumstances but instead, to take charge and chase after the lives they desire.
The Midnight Library (Fiction) by Matt Haig
This fictional book explores a concept that keeps many people awake at night – regret. In the book, the protagonist gets to make different choices, all of which have different outcomes. By exploring these alternate realities, the themes of the power of possibility and depression, this book forces readers to understand just how powerful their decisions are, and why living for reasons beyond one’s true passions can lead to regrets down the road.
The Bell Jar (Fiction) by Sylvia Plath
In a world where people are feeling more disconnected from others than usual, we turn our attention to this fictional semi-autobiography that was published back in 1963. In it, the author details a young woman’s silent battles with anxiety and depression as she tries to fit into societal expectations while finding her own identity.
Tender Is the Flesh (Fiction) by Agustina Basterrica
While this is a work of fiction, it explores the themes of morality and complacency when it comes to the world of consumption. Readers get to confront their own ideals when faced with the facts of normalized cruelty, and also get to question where they would stand when what was considered normal was unthinkable. After all, how far must civilization go before it becomes barbarism?
Tiny Beautiful Things (Nonfiction) by Cheryl Strayed
Shame, messy love affairs, and loss are some of the complex emotions that come with living a full life. But what if you didn’t have to figure them all out by yourself? This book reads like a love letter from a tough but well-meaning friend who has been there, done that, and wants to guide you on your journey to healing and reclaiming your power.
Everything I Never Told You (Fiction) by Celeste Ng
This family drama will have your heart aching for the things often left unsaid by the people we love. Not only does it explore the expectations that we often put on others, but it also delves into the disconnect that exists between people who love each other. In many ways, it pushes us to think about our communication barriers and how these can slowly erode our relationships.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being (Fiction) by Milan Kundera
Have you ever thought about the meaning, or lack thereof, of our lives? This fictional book takes readers on a journey fueled by love, sex, fidelity, jealousy, fate, and free will in a world filled with political upheaval. With its rich storytelling and compelling characters, the book reads much like a philosophy book that drives readers to explore the ambiguity of these themes.
When Breath Becomes Air (Nonfiction) by Paul Kalanithi
When a neurosurgeon receives a terminal cancer diagnosis, his world comes to a screeching halt as he shifts from the doctor who has dealt with death to the patient who is now in fear of it. This book explores the search for meaning when the end is near, often leading the readers to wonder if they are truly living in their purpose in a life where time is not promised to anyone.
The Road (Fiction) by Cormac McCarthy
In the event of an apocalypse, what takes over – good or evil? This book explores a world where humans must choose between survival and ethics, and the fine line that lies between. In exploring the parental love between a father and son, it shines a light on the essentials of human existence, showing that when it comes down to it, we all must make a choice between living in cynicism or embracing kindness.
A Man Called Ove (Fiction) by Fredrik Backman
Sometimes, we get so caught up in what’s going wrong in our lives that we forget that other people can also have old wounds. This book serves as that much-needed reminder as it explores the beauty of human connections beyond the facades that we put on in society. Discover more in Full-Page Poetry.
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James Baldwin's book THE FIRE NEXT TIME was published #onthisday in 1963. pic.twitter.com/QMgVDjZKK0
— PEN America (@PENamerica) January 31, 2017