7 books to read when you're feeling lost or hopeless

Life rarely ever hands you a map. Sometimes life is easy—you know exactly where you’re heading and which path you’re on (although it's never that simple), and sometimes, you find yourself wandering through uncertainty, unsure of your next steps. We've all been there, and it can be daunting. But guess what? There's a whole lot of books waiting to hold your hand, offer a shoulder to cry on, and maybe even point you in the right direction. Whether you’re confused about quitting your job, trying to start a business, moving across the globe, or even battling depression, these books (both fiction and non-fiction) are here to remind you that you're not lost forever, and finding your way is possible! 

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist is a 1988 fictional novel that follows the journey of Santiago, a shepherd boy from Andalusia in Spain, who travels to North Africa in search of a hidden treasure. Along the way, he meets a cast of characters who help him to understand the importance of listening to his heart, following his dreams, and overcoming obstacles. Despite being criticised for the use of magic realism, the novel has been praised for its inspirational message and its exploration of universal themes such as love, loss, and personal growth.

The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest

Feeling overwhelmed by life's Everest-sized challenges? Then this one is for you. The book breaks down complex emotions into manageable pieces, reminding you that 'you are the climber' and 'you are the mountain!' The book explores the concept of self-sabotage and how one can overcome it in order to achieve their goals and live a fulfilling life.

Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed

If you're looking for a good dose of empathy and wisdom, then look no further. This heartwarming collection of letters, from Cheryl Strayed, was originally written as an anonymous advice column for The Rumpus. It is more than just a self-help book; it's a conversation with a wise and compassionate friend who's been there, done that, and come out the other side!

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

Tuesdays with Morrie is a powerful and moving read that will stay with you, long after you finish the book. This heartwarming philosophical memoir follows Mitch's visits with his dying professor, Morrie, who imparts wisdom on living a meaningful life. It's a gentle nudge to cherish the present, embrace vulnerability, and find joy in the simple things!

 A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

If you struggle with loneliness and the idea of getting older, then you should give those a read. A Man Called Ove is a novel that deals with the concept of loss, grief, and the challenges of getting older. It's a reminder that even the smallest things can matter and regardless of how lost you are, you can and will find your way through life.

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

A fan of historical memoirs? Then this is a must-read for you. Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl is a powerful and deeply moving memoir that chronicles his experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. But instead of letting it crush him, he used it to discover an amazing superpower—the power to find meaning anywhere, even in the face of suffering.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is a fantasy novel that delves into the concept of regret, alternate realities, and the search for a meaningful life. Feeling utterly defeated, the protagonist, Nora, finds herself transported to a peculiar library between life and death, where she gets to explore different versions of herself and explore the concept of “what ifs”. This book can provide you with hope, even in your darkest moments. It serves as a reminder that things can change and there's always room for growth and positive change.

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