Feeling Low? Read this.
7 books to make you hopeful again.
Maybe things aren’t going well at work. Maybe the news is leaving you listless and disappointed. Or maybe you don’t know why, but you’re definitely feeling low lately. If you’re ready to lift your spirits and look forward to brighter days ahead, we recommend the seven hopeful reads below.
Good People: Stories from the Best of Humanity
By Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Knell
Embrace—and share—the transformative power of kindness through stories of more than one hundred good people, brought to you by Upworthy, where millions find inspiration, joy, and daily affirmation. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by co-authors Gabriel Reilich and Lucia Knell, in the Next Big Idea App
Hope for Cynics: The Surprising Science of Human Goodness
By Jamil Zaki
Through science and storytelling, a Stanford psychologist imparts the secret for beating back cynicism: hopeful skepticism—thinking critically about people and our problems, while honoring and encouraging our strengths. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Jamil Zaki, in the Next Big Idea App
Languishing: How to Feel Alive Again in a World That Wears Us Down
By Corey Keyes
The Emory University sociologist who coined the term languishing—low-grade mental weariness that affects our self-esteem, relationships, and motivation—explores the rise of this phenomenon and presents a comprehensive guide to flourishing in a world that demands too much. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Corey Keyes, in the Next Big Idea App
Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being
By Sue Varma
From the first medical director and attending psychiatrist at the World Trade Center Mental Health Program comes a practical program to help you live fully and joyfully in an imperfect, turbulent world. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Sue Varma, in the Next Big Idea App
New Happy: Getting Happiness Right in a World That’s Got It Wrong
By Stephanie Harrison
Well-being expert and social media sensation Stephanie Harrison of @newhappyco reveals the counterintuitive secrets to happiness and provides a practical guide to help us all learn how to live a happy life. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Stephanie Harrison, in the Next Big Idea App
When You Care: The Unexpected Magic of Caring for Others
A journalist explores the powerful role caring for others plays in our individual and communal lives, weaving together research about care and stories from parents and caregivers with a feminist bent. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Elissa Strauss, in the Next Big Idea App
How to Love Someone Without Losing Your Mind: Forget the Fairy Tale and Get Real
By Todd Baratz
A sanity-saving guide that cuts through the sky-high expectations of modern love and helps you build healthier and more fulfilling relationships, from the creator of viral Instagram account @YourDiagnonsense. Listen to our Book Bite summary, read by author Todd Baratz, in the Next Big Idea App
I feel better already.