I am a therapist and I'm looking for recommendations for clients. I am specifically looking for memoirs, self-help, or fiction books that can inspire hope and positive change. (So A Little Life, for example, while definitely about mental health is the opposite of what I'm looking for.)
Basically, if you have ever struggled with your mental health, and there is a book that helped you, I want to hear about it. Thank you!
by Weird_Dragonfly9646
15 Comments
The Body Keeps the Score is excellent, I had many reservations at first, but looking to the authors credentials, it’s not just pop psychology.
Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh
Highly recommend Maria Bamford’s memoir–Sure I’ll Join Your Cult
Are you mad at me by Meg Josephson
Running on empty by Jonice Webb
I used to recommend The Color Purple to clients dealing with CSA (I am a retired psychotherapist). It was well received and helpful.
Ruth Ozeki’s novels, in particular her latest – *The Book of Form and Emptyness*
Edit hidden for spoilers: >!I would caution that her second novel A Tale for the Time Being, might not be appropriate for people with Suicidal Ideation. However the relevant characters do surmount this inner struggle, drawing from Buddhist practice.!<
>!Also My Year of Meats contains domestic abuse and coercive control. The ultimately victim is able to make positive actions and leave her situation.!<
Turning Crisis Into Clarity by Dr. Patrice Berry
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, by Lori Gottlieb
I’d suggest The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson.
It handles depression, trauma, and resilience with a lot of honesty while still feeling hopeful.
I’d also recommend Lirael by Garth Nix.
It deals with intense loneliness and even a suicidal moment, but the book ultimately moves toward purpose, connection, and belonging rather than hopelessness. It’s the second book in the Old Kingdom series.
Both have heavy moments, but neither feels emotionally nihilistic. Both are fantasy.
I Don’t Want to Forget This by Paulina Lam Esparza! It’s a beautifully written memoir. Parts of it read like poetry. It is gorgeous and gutting and hopeful. I cried and laughed multiple times. It’s by a small indie author, so I’m pretty sure it’s only available on amazon and kindle unlimited… Do not sleep on this one!!
Although I didn’t relate to it personally, I thought Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman was very well done.
The House That Echoes Me, L.Vale.
A memoir in three voices about narcissistic abuse, survival and breaking the cycle.
Definitely Better Now is a great book that discusses codependency, cycle breaking, and alcoholism.
What My Bones Know
Living With Voices: 50 Stories of Recovery, edited by Michaela Amering.