The Choice
An Auschwitz survivor who became a psychologist shares her journey to freedom and healing.
“I want to get through a hard time”
Bounce back from setbacks
Setbacks are part of every life. These books, from ancient philosophy to modern memoir, show how people have faced difficulty and grown stronger because of it.
- 23 books that help
Start with these
The three books we'd hand you first.
Man's Search for Meaning
Viktor E. Frankl
Even in the worst conditions, we can choose our attitude and find meaning. One of the most influential books…
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
The private journal of a Roman emperor on staying steady when life is hard.
Mindset
Carol S. Dweck
Believing you can grow is the first step to actually growing. The landmark book on fixed versus growth…
More books that help
Can't Hurt Me
You've only tapped a fraction of what you're capable of. A raw memoir with challenges for the reader.
Do Hard Things
Real toughness isn't about acting hard. It's about experiencing discomfort and choosing how to respond.
Ego Is the Enemy
The biggest threat to your success may be your own ego. Humility for ambitious people.
Emotional Agility
Don't fight difficult emotions or get hooked by them. Approach them with curiosity and act on your values.
Endure
A science journalist explores what limits human endurance, and how the mind shapes how far we can go.
Grit
Talent matters, but sustained passion and perseverance often matter more. How grit grows and how to cultivate it.
Learned Optimism
Pessimism is a habit of explanation, and it can be changed. The research-based guide from a founder of positive…
Make Your Bed
Start each day with one small win, and keep going when it gets hard.
Option B
After the sudden death of her husband, Sheryl Sandberg and psychologist Adam Grant explore how to build resilience.
The Book of Joy
Two spiritual leaders discuss finding joy despite suffering, with warmth, humour and practical wisdom.
The Obstacle Is the Way
What stands in your way can become the way forward. Stoicism applied to setbacks.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Stop trying to care about everything. Choose what's worth caring about, and accept that struggle is part of a good life.
When Things Fall Apart
Buddhist wisdom for difficult times: lean into discomfort instead of running from it.
Antifragile
Some things don't just survive shocks. They get stronger. How to become antifragile.
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
Fear won't go away while you keep growing, so learn to act alongside it. A classic on courage.
Rising Strong
How to get back up after a fall: owning your story, examining the stories you tell yourself, and rising stronger.
The Comfort Crisis
Modern comfort may be making us less happy and healthy. A journalist explores the benefits of embracing discomfort.
The Mountain Is You
The biggest obstacle in your way is often your own behaviour, and that's good news. Understanding self-sabotage.
Who Moved My Cheese?
A short fable about handling change instead of fearing it. Readable in under an hour.
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Tell us a little more about what you're facing and how you like to read.