The whole world is in crisis mode and the majority of us are social distancing. One of the best ways to get through difficult times is to reach for a book. As recommended in our recent post on 17 things to help your mind, body and creative spirit during the COVID-19 outbreak, reading is more necessary than ever. This week for our ongoing series of 50 Inspiring Books that will Change Your Life, we recommend some books to offer comfort, perspective and one to light a fire under your a*se. Enjoy reading, stay safe and stay home if you can.
50 Inspiring Books that will Change Your Life: Books 16 to 20
Notes on a Nervous Planet
by Matt Haig
It’s no secret that we’re big fans of Matt Haig. We featured his best known book, Reasons to Stay Alive, in our very first post in this series. Notes on a Nervous Planet seems especially apt for these uncertain times. It’s a thoughtful, funny and personal exploration of the many forces contributing to a global rise in stress and anxiety, and how we can manage these symptoms.
Who it’s great for: Overwhelmed mums, high-pressure workers, smartphone addicts, panic spenders.
Why we love it: Matt’s voice is both witty and generous, as he suggests practical methods to get you out of the anxiety loop.
One more thing: This book contains the famous body-positive passage, A Note from the Beach. Meghan Markle described it as a personal favourite, dedicating an entire page to it in her September 2019 issue of Vogue magazine.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
by Charlie Mackesy
Charlie Mackesy is an artist and illustrator whose work blew up on Instagram, gaining a massive following and acclaim from the likes of Richard Curtis and Elizabeth Gilbert. His first book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is based on characters he created to spread simple, powerful messages of hope, kindness and the power of friendship.
Who it’s great for: Anybody with a heart, young or old.
Why we love it: In a hectic world, Charlie’s work makes you stop and pay attention. He can capture a mood or a feeling in just a couple of lines and sketches.
One more thing: Follow Charlie Mackesy on Instagram for a daily feed of comfort for the soul.
Factfulness
by Hans Rosling, with Ola Rosling and Anna Rosling Rönnlund
The title alone is just the ticket for these worrying times – Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong about the World and Why Things are Better than You Think. Statisticians Hans, Ola and Anna Rosling present a case by case study of the world using facts, rather than conjecture, to prove that actually things are brighter than most of us believe.
Who it’s great for: If you’re stuck in doom and gloom mode, it might help you appreciate the ‘secret silent miracle of human progress’.
Why we love it: This book will make you feel calmer, more knowledgeable and a whole lot more positive about life and humanity. And it’s all based on science!
One more thing: Sadly Hans Rosling passed away in 2017, but you can still catch him on his hugely popular TED talks.
Devotions
by Mary Oliver
Maybe you’re a Mary Oliver devotee. Or maybe you’ve stumbled across her poetry once or twice (probably on social media). In Devotions, you can get to know the Pulitzer Prize winner described as America’s best-selling poet. It’s a collection of works selected by the poet herself and it’s an absolute treasure trove of wisdom, beauty and light. Something to return to time and again.
Who it’s great for: People searching for a calm, reassuring voice and a soulful perspective on nature, love and loss.
Why we love it: This collection captures five decades of Mary Oliver’s best writing. Just open on any page to read and be transformed.
One more thing: You can find some wonderful readings by the poet herself on YouTube, including this one from A Thousand Mornings.
The Middle Finger Project
by Ash Ambirge
We’re huge fans of Ash Ambirge, having been following her from the early days of her career as an online hustler/creative connoisseur. Through her wildly popular site The Middle Finger Project, Ash offers fresh, frank and funny tips on writing, entrepreneurship and building your own digital empire. Her new book, The Middle Finger Project, takes you on a personal and practical journey through the process she’s used to go from trailer park kid to one of the Internet’s leading forces.
Who it’s great for: Writers, artists, side hustlers, content creators, digital wannabes, anybody who needs to grow a pair and make more impact online.
Why we love it: In an online world filled with bland, monotone ‘gurus’, Ash’s irreverent voice and give no f*cks approach to creating the life of your dreams is both refreshing and inspirational.
One more thing: For more quick and dirty (and deep and still dirty) tips, sign up for Ash’s newsletter.
What are your favourite inspirational books to read? Keep up with our series 50 Inspiring Books that will Change Your Life by signing up to our newsletter below!
Leave a Reply