Reading is one of life's greatest pleasures. With a book in your lap, you can go anywhere, do anything. Magic becomes real, society comes to life. Any genre, anywhere, whenever you want. When it comes to books, one of the most important things they can do is inspire. There are countless works of writing out there that can inspire amazing changes and ideas. So for 2021, in the spirit of COVID's slow but sure recession, we need inspiring books more than ever. Hopefully some of these suggestions will serve as inspiration to appreciate your life, get up and achieve, or even make a creative masterpiece!
I am Malala by Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafzai
I can not express how incredible Malala’s journey has been. This young woman has gone through so much, fighting for herself and for other girls like her. She spoke out for female education, resulting in her attempted assassination when she was just fifteen years old. Since then, she has continued to fight for children's rights, won a Nobel Prize for Peace Recognition, wrote her own autobiography, and started the Malala fund, a charity that is dedicated to helping women achieve a future. Her story, her beliefs, and her book are so inspiring and it is a must-read.
Wonder by R.J Palacio
Wonder is a story about a young boy with a disfigured face. His whole life he had been homeschooled, but he started at a public school for fifth grade. Nothing about it was easy, but he did it nonetheless and made true friends along the way. Wonder is a touching and heartfelt story about a boy who always felt alone going against the world who is able to teach people invaluable lessons. He was so incredibly brave, and though the story is fiction, you will really connect with some of the hardships Auggie, the main character, went through. This book also has a movie adaptation, both of which I highly recommend!
It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
This is the story of a teenage boy who is overwhelmed by the pressure his new school put on his shoulders. One night, he nearly kills himself, and he is checked into a mental hospital. Though this book actually sounds sad and depressing, it actually has a very hopeful and uplifting tone, with many parts that’ll make you laugh. It discusses all the difficult topics, but has a very important message. And not to worry -- everything turns out okay! His growth and the journey that he goes through in the book is truly inspiring.
Seeking Human Kindness by Reading Harbor
This book is a compilation of true stories where random acts of kindness have changed someone’s life. There are stories that hail from all over the world and they show the surprising power that a simple helpful act can have. It’s easy to focus on the bad things and difficult to see the positive, but this book helps you do that. All of these stories help you see the good that there is everywhere, and how small good deeds can change someone’s life for the better. This is a hopeful, wonderful, and truly inspired piece that will lift your spirits whenever you're feeling down.
My Name is Thank-You by Kaizen Elizabeth Love
My Name is Thank You, follows two young girls from two opposite worlds and their lives throughout the course of a year. While Thank-You is an orphan, and Josephine is rich, the two girls are actually in the same boat. Both feel as if they are completely alone in the world, and they both are searching for a place they can call their true home. This book has themes of love, gratitude, bravery, self-discovery, and the deep sadness that comes with being alone and scared. This is a rich story filled with absolutely beautiful words and beautiful messages. The story of these two girls is meaningful and inspiring, and a definite must-read.
These five books are only the tiniest glimpse into the world of truly inspiring writing. They are filled with important and rich messages that will leave you breathless. I would recommend adding all of these books to your list. They are incredibly enjoyable reads and are sure to inspire you in some way. Here’s to hoping that soon, our home’s four walls aren’t the only views we get, and to reading and all of the inspiration that comes from it!
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