Ah, the fresh feeling of a new year. I don’t think we’ve ever experienced a new year quite like this one, but that doesn’t mean you have to hold back on embracing the newness of the day. And what better way to kick off the new year than by diving into a good read?
These six books are a mix of fiction and nonfiction, but all equally inspiring when it comes to seeking out that fresh start. Through their stories, these authors have written some of our favorite books to inspire new beginnings, taking control and seizing the opportunities in front of us.
The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This collection of short stories contains 12 tales about characters adjusting to new beginnings in various facets of their lives. It’s a beautiful compilation that is touched by that magical wisdom and prose that only Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie can provide.
Warrior of the Light by Paulo Coelho
Warrior of the Light gives us a great example of what we’d like to become after our fresh start: a warrior. In this companion to his famous novel, The Alchemist, Coehlo explains that the warrior accepts failure gracefully while appreciating the miracle of life, all while striving to become a bigger, better person.
Starting Over: Stories by Elizabeth Spencer
With these nine stories, Spencer maps the murky territory between our obligations and our desires. The characters in this book don’t just want to start over—they have to.
The Garden of Small Beginnings by Abbi Waxman
Since Lili’s husband died in a car accident three years ago, she’s been too busy raising her two children to even think about dating. But when her boss signs her up to take a gardening course, it might be more than just the plants that will blossom.
Hope in the Dark: Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities by Rebecca Solnit
Enter the new year with optimism with this surprisingly uplifting read. Solnit makes the case for radical hope in the face of despair. Solnit isn’t suggesting that we all shove down our fears and pretend to be happy, but she does encourage everyone to celebrate small victories and to avoid giving up, even when the future looks grim.
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
When you read the synopsis of this book, you might wonder what it is doing on this list. Though the material is literally terrible, the writing is exhilarating and what unfolds resembles an adventure narrative. In this remarkably moving examination of the year following her husband’s sudden death just before their 40th anniversary, this is the story of Didion’s search for answers, for relief and above all for the chance to change the course of events.
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