So recently, my girlfriend and I were talking about the state of the world and at the end of the conversation she felt very disillusioned because of all the bad in the world. She was wondering what the point of life is if we are not contributing to meaningful change. I’m clearly not wise enough to explore this topic myself so I thought maybe reading a book together would help.
I’m wondering if there are any lighthearted books you guys would recommend that explore the concept of life or human behavior. I was thinking of reading The Humans by Matt Haig as I have heard good things about it. Please keep in mind that we are fairly novice readers and thank you for your help!
by Outrageous-Buddy-437
6 Comments
It is really rough right now and I don’t have any answers. The one that got me through some tough times is an oldie, Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach.
I have not read The Humans yet (though I just put a Hold on it at the library thanks to your question!) but I really liked some other books of his: The Comfort Book, The Life Impossible, The Midnight Library.
All the best to you both!
Train Dreams really hit home about the purpose of life. Mind you, I only saw the movie. But I’m definitely going to read the novella now.
*Something in the woods loves you* by Jarod Anderson
*How far the light reaches* by Sabrina Imbler
*Horizon* by Barry Lopez
While I wouldn’t call it lighthearted, Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl is all about finding purpose even in horrific conditions (in Frankl’s case a concentration camp during WW2).
If you enjoy Matt Haig: Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut.
(Matt Haig was inspired by Vonnegut and makes references to him in his work).
Sirens of Titan is an absurd yet philosophical exploration on the meaning of life.
It’s one of my favourite books of all time.
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Suzuki