Four Books That Keep Me Hopeful
This summer, I’ve joined the Book Tok World. I’m sharing my recommendations of books I’m currently reading, or have recently read, and find meaningful and useful.
Here are four books that remind me of the power of optimism, hope, resilience, and vulnerability. Each of these writers offers a different perspective, each one making a compelling case for how to meet life’s challenges with openness—and how to continue moving forward when things feel difficult.
The Bright Side by Sumit Paul-Choudhury
This extraordinary book looks at the philosophy, psychology, and practice of optimism. It frames optimism as essential for both meeting challenges and human wellbeing. A former Editor-in-Chief of New Scientist, Sumit Paul-Choudhury trained as an astrophysicist before working as a financial journalist. Which is all to say, he understands the perspective of both the scientist and the business leader.
Why I love it: Optimism is very important to me. Much of my recent book Your Turn chronicles my lifelong habit of reaching for optimism. I used this mindset in my early years while building a business in Portland. When faced with a challenge, I would look for the bigger picture, then the opportunity lurking within. Optimism was also a major factor in my recovery and rehabilitation from a life-threatening stroke.
The Book of Hope by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams
Which brings me to this incredible book by Jane Goodall and Douglas Abrams. In The Book of Hope, Goodall, the world's most famous naturalist, and Abrams, an internationally bestselling author, explore as they put it, “one of the most sought-after and least understood elements of human nature: hope.” They unpack Goodall’s "Four Reasons for Hope": The Amazing Human Intellect, The Resilience of Nature, The Power of Young People, and The Indomitable Human Spirit.
Why I love it: This book teaches us that hope is an innate trait; it’s a survival trait. Hope is what moves us to act. And I equate hope with optimism. I also appreciate that Goodall’s hope is not naïve. It asks us to see the world clearly, including its challenges, and still believe we can play a part in making it better.
Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig
Matt Haig is one of my favorite writers. Based in the UK, he’s the author of many internationally bestselling novels, including The Humans and The Radleys. His work has been translated into nearly 50 languages. And in his memoir, he tells his own story of depression and how he came close to dying by suicide at the age of 24.
Why I love it: I had my stroke about five years ago and prior to that I was having panic attacks. Haig talks about the difficulty he had, particularly around panic attacks, and how he faced them, and ultimately faced them down. Running gave him a new way to understand the physical sensations of panic—the racing heart, the sweating—and find a new way to relate to those sensations without fear. This book is wonderful; and it’s a lifesaver.
Daring Greatly, by Brené Brown
Brené Brown really doesn’t need an introduction. But for those of you who haven’t heard of her, she’s an American academic, author, and podcaster known globally for her work on shame, vulnerability, and leadership. Daring Greatly is one of her bestselling books.
Why I love it: What I love about Brené Brown is how she talks about vulnerability; how it’s a strength. I’ve often felt the same. When you’re running your own business, you’re always putting it out there, whether to investors or customers, or banks. You’re in the arena; you are there to be judged. Brown’s work reminds me that vulnerability is not a weakness; it can be a source of tremendous strength.
I’d love to hear from you: what book has stayed with you lately? Send me a note.
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