Fall is in the air! Now that Halloween has passed, it is that time of year to start counting your blessings and reflecting on everything you have to be thankful for. There’s no better way to reflect than to read about and be inspired by the stories (both true and fictional) of others. So without further ado, here are some books and novels that preach the importance of gratitude in one’s life.
The Little Book of Gratitude by Robert A. Emmons
As a professor of Psychology at UC Davis, Dr. Emmons writes about the significance of practicing gratitude every day, providing tips and guides to improving your wellbeing and relationships.
Gratitude by Oliver Sacks
Oliver Sacks writes about his life and illness as he comes to terms with his own death. In a set of essays, he stresses the importance of individuality and gratitude in one’s life, and especially in one’s death.
The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz
Oscar dreams of becoming the Dominican J. R. R. Tolkein, but to accomplish his dream, he must break the curse that seems to force his family into prison, tragic accidents, and epic heartbreaks. Díaz portrays Oscar and his family as they grow and change and learn gratitude for each other and their unique experiences.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
Christopher John Francis Boone has a unique mind and a unique lifestyle in this socially constructed world. As he decides to investigate the mysterious death of his neighbor’s dog, Christopher’s curious and peculiar personality allows you to experience the world in a new and exciting way.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Growing up under difficult circumstances with a complicated family dynamic, Jeannette Walls managed to work hard and succeed in her dream of escaping her home and family. In this reflection of her life and relationships with her parents and siblings, she writes with so much affection, love, and gratitude towards her family for shaping her into the woman she became, despite her past.