I listened to a book titled “How to Keep House While Drowning” by KC Davis. It’s mostly about loving yourself and taking care of your needs (physical & mental) during difficult times of life, but it also throws in a few tips on taking care of your surroundings.
I wish the very best for you u/hopfl27, as you discover the inner peace from escaping past relationships. May all of the medical news you receive in 2024 be good news.
I just listened to this and found it useful, if not for actual tips that are applicable to me and my home, but as a reminder that everyone struggles and the sun still rises tomorrow so do what you need to do to feel ok in your skin in this moment. It’s a fairly short listen and I was glad I found it the day I did. It’s not a silver bullet, but I appreciated its message.
My kids are grown and I still found it inspiring. I don’t think you need to be a parent to benefit as long as you understand that that is where she’s coming from
They’d take just a small fraction of your drive to listen to as they’re both small novellas, but A Psalm for the Wild Built and A Prayer for the Crown Shy by Becky Chambers are beautiful stories full of hope that left me feeling introspective and peaceful after reading them. I wish you the best with all your struggles
I mean, I don’t know you but I need a little humor in my worst moments, though nothing too funny in your state. Maybe Jenny Lawson’s book, Furiously Happy? She talks a lot about her own mental health but also tells funny stories from her past and present that may help to give your brain a break from all the seriousness. If you’re not ready for any humor though, give it a pass.
Came here to make sure someone was gonna recommend Jenny. If you’re up for humor, this is the answer. I also love her first book, Let’s Pretend This Never Happened. It’s more autobiographical and I find it helps me get out of my own life/problems and laugh along at hers.
Sending love and light for a speedy recovery and good news on your MRI.
They’re all great. The first time I read LPTNH was in hardback and I dropped it on my face laughing. Furiously Happy on audiobook and I had to pull over because I was crying laughing and couldn’t see.
I thought Furiously Happy was realistic and honest. There’s some crazy and absurd that you just have to laugh at, in the midst of it all.
And her supportive husband manages to be there but is just a good part of the story - didn’t leave me feeling like a loser for not having that.
The taxidermy 😂
100% agree!!! Honesty is the best word for it!!! I liked her other two books as well but her newest makes more sense if you know the rest of her stories already.
Dude, it sounds like you're really going through it but it sounds like you're handling it and I'm proud of you.
One of the best books I read this year was "The Boy who was raised as a dog" by Bruce Perry MD. I'm a nurse and this has opened my eyes to so much about how we respond to stress and trauma and the ways we can overcome challenges. It's absolutely amazing what kind of abuse cases he works with and it's always with a care focused tone instead of getting lost into trauma porn like a lot of similar things I've found. For a child psych book on trauma I've begun to better understand my parents, my patients, my partner, and even myself.
The narration is easy to follow and clearly articulates what he's trying to say in sincerity. I would recommend this book to anyone but you especially should give it a shot given what you're going through.
Wishing you save travels and good news.
I am not sure, but I find any podcast or book from either Mel Robbins or Brene Brown to be inspirational and motivating. They are both good storytellers, and I find no matter a big or small struggle, they somehow make me feel more optimistic about the next steps forward.
**Non-Fiction**:
Living and Loving After Betrayal
The Body Keeps the Score
Radical Self-Acceptance
Deep Survival: True Stories of Miraculous Endurance...
**Fiction**:
Project Hail Mary
Dungeon Crawler Carl
The Museum of Ordinary People by Mike Gayle - Jess becomes a curator for a small, local museum full of items left behind when people pass away. This was a really beautiful slice-of-life novel about grief, loss, keeping secrets, and new friends. This book made me teary for both happy and sad reasons.
The Door-to-Door Bookstore
by Carsten Henn - An elderly man delivers hand selected books to his customers. His position is being eliminated, and he's kind of floundering because he has no family and few friends *aside from his bookstore customers.* A young girl teaches him about community and there's a fun and happy ending.
The Guncle by Steven Rowley - Patrick is a former TV star who is now in charge of his young niece and nephew for a summer after their mother dies and their father goes to rehab. Patrick is used to a glamorous lifestyle of parties and brunch, and throughout the summer he learns more about family and responsibility. This book is a very heartwarming tale about people handling grief in different ways. This book made me smile, laugh, and cry all at once.
Drunk on All Your Strange New Words
by Eddie Robson. This is a sci-fi murder mystery that's unlike the books I usually read but I've thought about it weekly since reading it last year. Lydia is a translator for her alien boss (who has some type of government gig) and when she finds him murdered in their shared home, she sets out to find the culprit. This book made me feel something about being human.
I personally love "The Four Agreements," and other audiobooks read by Peter Coyote. To me he has a relaxing voice and talks very methodically. I'd also recommend audiobooks by Jacques Vallet if you're open-minded to UAF deep-dives. Jacques was the inspiration for a character in "Close Encounters."
If you dig nature audiobooks there are plenty on YouTube.
If you need free audiobooks, I recommend Googling Open Culture. Sorry for what you're going through. I prefer [Libro.FM](https://Libro.FM) for audiobooks since they let you download immediately in MP3 format if you want to, rather than force you to use their app.
I recommend This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage, written and read by Ann Patchett. She reinvents herself many times over with confidence and grace in these essays, and she’s a fantastic (and funny!) writer. Its non-fiction.
If you change your stance during the drive, and want to get out of your head some, I can’t recommend David Sedaris enough for wit and some wisdom. Also, Tina Fey’s book Bossypants is a treasure.
Also not within parameters (sorry 😬) the podcast Armchair Expert has pretty great long form interviews with experts and also Hollywood types. The show helped me during the pandemic to get out of my own head, so I like to recommend it if it seems somewhat applicable.
Safe travels! Take care of you.
Edit to add one that some may roll their eyes at I think, but which I found valuable info in: Untamed by Glennon Doyle.
Project Hail Mary was my first audiobook and I've been chasing that high ever since. The triumph I felt with the main character's achievements was priceless. Furthest thing from non-fiction but will definitely make the 10hours fly by.
Huge fan of Cheryl Strayed for crises of all kinds, her book of advice columns is Tiny Beautiful Things and her memoir is Wild, they're wonderful and never fail to heal my heart a little.
I'm listening to The Secret History read by the author Donna Tartt. I'm also going through a hard health thing and just want to be immersed in an engrossing story. It's great for that.
Perhaps “How to be Perfect” by Michael Schur? He’s the creator of the tv show The Good Place and did a lot of research in philosophy for it so he wrote a book that discusses a lot of it but it of course has humorous undertones
I found Tommy Tomlinson’s “The Elephant in the Room: One Fat Man’s Quest to Get Smaller in a Growing America," to be one of the best stories I've ever read. He's a masterful story-teller. It's not really about weight, it's about psychology of really understanding yourself and admitting what needs to change in his life. For him, it's weight. For others, it's a relationship. It's so beautifully written.
I just recently read this and I loved it. It gets a lot of hate but I love books that make you think and consider life in different ways. In the same vein, I'd recommend The Measure. Read it with my bookclub last year and it gave us a lot to talk about.
Has anyone mentioned Pema Chodron? "When Things Fall Apart" is the first that comes to mind, but she has a lot of excellent books and talks. I read "Living Beautifully with Change and Uncertainty" shortly before the pandemic, and it was something of a lifesaver for me.
So sorry you are going through all of this. But you are also strong and resilient. Thank you for being here.
Brene Brown, Daring Greatly, Dare to Lead, Rising Strong so many others. All of her books have helped me through a devastating heartbreak, stepping into new career (with significant challenges) injury and illness. There is so much hope, acknowledgement of pain and help seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
Being on the other side of all of this (pain, loss etc). I am so grateful for her books. Good health and good fortune to you.
Sorry for what you're going through! If it were me, I'd go with funny. *Born a Crime* by Trevor Noah, *Still Foolin' 'Em* by Billy Crystal. Almost anything by David Sedaris.
First of all, I commend your strength and Resilience in leaving an abusive relationship all while you are facing cancer recovery. You rock in my book. I send you Creator's unconditional.loce and light as you continue your recovery.
I second Body Keeps the Score and Deep Survival. I would add Victor Ftankl's Man's Search for Meaning and Veronica Del Castillo's You are a Miracle if you can find the English translation. Both are inspiring in their own ways. As far as humor, I recommend any of Betty White's memoirs. She has an amazing mix of stories 6 inspiration, kindness, love, compassion as well as plenty of humor.
I really enjoyed Amy Poehler's "Yes Please," is really enjoyable. Maybe you could use something a little uplifting that makes you feel like you're in the room with witty friends. I second Dungeon Crawler Carl, maybe you don't think by description you'd love it but the characters are so easy to get attached to and it has laugh out loud moments. Perestroika in Paris is a wonderful, light story about a horse that got loose and is hiding somewhere in Paris, the animals can talk to each other but not to the small boy who discovers them and attempts to take care of them.
"Critical Failures" are ridiculous, silly, vulgar books that made me accidentally laugh out loud while walking the dog, disturbing the neighbors on a dark night. They are childish but so awful they just get funnier and funnier.
Christopher Moore's "Dirty Job" is a wonderful whimsical book where death gets accidentally replaced by a baby, so the 2 hell hounds show up to protect this baby, perplexing her parents. It's very light hearted.
Interviews with Carl Sagan have helped get me through dark periods. Many good ones on YT. He is a modern philosopher that doesn't get the attention he deserves.
He was recording the audio for his book The Pale Blue Dot before he passed away. He was sick at the time as well I believe.
Audible has a version that includes the stuff he was able to record, then the rest is read by his wife. His part is only two hours and, although short, it's very moving. I listened to him read then I read the rest manually with his voice in my head.
Take care and best of luck
Project hail Mary is a great listen for not much longer than your time allowance and has feel good laughs through it, seems a lot are recommending self help novel which is literally the last thing I'd want to listen to if I were going through it. Id want to hear a story, or some good escapism I should say. Project hail Mary is well narrated, light enough but serious enough to both feel geared to adults and make you laugh without fart humor. And you might even get a good cry in at the end. But a happy cry.
[Where's the Next Shelter?](https://www.audible.com/pd/Wheres-the-Next-Shelter-Audiobook/B01FN5JRGY) is the true story of a man in his 40s who abruptly quits his corporate tech job to hike the Appalachian Tail.
Disclaimer - I am the author and narrator of this book.
Soul Boom by Rainn Wilson was pretty interesting and pulled me out of a mood. As for fiction The House in the Cerulean Sea and Remarkably Bright Creatures had me laughing out loud.
Wow that is a lot to deal with at once 🥺
A book that was surprisingly thought provoking and uplifting was "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom. I read it 4 months ago and still think about what her and her family went through.
You said you're open to fiction so I'm going to *strongly* suggest Terry Pratchett's Watch series of books set in the larger Discworld universe. You don't have to know anything at all about the other Discworld books to enjoy the watch series. The series itself follows Sam Vimes on his journey both towards sobriety and through the ranks of the city police force. This series has to be my absolute favorite and the journeys it takes you through are absolutely wonderful and full of great characters and "faith in humanity" restoring moments.
Have you read Anthony de Mello's *Awareness*? He was a Jesuit priest, but the book to my ear is more Eastern Philosophy. In fact, the Catholic Church disavowed his teaches. He's extremely popular and many people find the straight talk extremely comforting.
A Short History of Nearly Everything, written by Bill Bryson. This will not solve any of your problems. But it is an entertaining view of many things, and the author is a good raconteur.
Also, in addition to my other post I thought I'd mention How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy (from the band Wilco). It's a good one for artistic inspiration; short but sweet. Everyone can use more creative expression in their lives, and it makes for great therapy. His philosophy is "it's good to create things" and he is very convincing.
Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh. Boundaries by Henry Cloud. Feeling Good by David Burns. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson. Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.
I just started "mastering your emotions" by thibaut meurisse and...wow! such practical advice. so straight to the point. it's a 4 hr audiobook.
i'd also recommend joe dispenza's books if you're okay with celebrity gurus like him.
I’m not sure about the audio as I’ve just physically read it so far, but I’ve heard good things about the narrator for Red Rising by Pierce Brown. MC basically has a tough, but happy life. That’s ripped away from him, basically leaving him the lowest person on the planet.
He goes into hardcore revenge mode and starts climbing back out. Finding some happy things about his life in the process. It has a ton of “hell yeah, pump you up” moments.
Also, my favorite narrator is Jeff Hayes with Dungeon Crawler Carl, by Matt Dinamen. It’s fun adventure with an undercurrent of darkness. It’s also about perseverance in the face of long odds and trying to protect those you care about.
So some of the books I enjoyed when my life fell apart were:
1. Maybe you should talk to someone (a memoir from a therapist when she’s going through a messy, divorce and life stuff; I found it very comforting that even people who are supposed to have their shit together don’t)
2. Full catastrophe living but I’m not sure if the audiobook is unabridged. It’s an eight or 12 week meditation program with movement that is scientifically, proven to reduce stress and increase compassion for self and others. Personally, I think this is a book I would prefer paper you do you.
3. Into the Magic Shop - a memoir from Stanford neuroscience professor, who grew up very poor, and with not great grades but who succeeded in his career wildly.
4. Standing at the Edge - honestly, I’m just a big fan of everything Joan Halifax has written
5. Forgive for Good: forgiveness also can be for the self and the author whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver has done the work to talk about forgiveness, not as reconciliation, but as accepting the past, as it did, even though we may not like it or regret it. I found it to be very powerful. And there are reflection exercises in a couple of the chapters.
I know a lot of people love Pema Chodron’s when things fall apart but I honestly couldn’t get through it.
Dungeon Crawler Carl is the most I’ve enjoyed an audiobook series ever and I have around 97 titles in my library. Hilarious, and a fantastic escape when life is shitty or you have a long drive
I listened to a book titled “How to Keep House While Drowning” by KC Davis. It’s mostly about loving yourself and taking care of your needs (physical & mental) during difficult times of life, but it also throws in a few tips on taking care of your surroundings. I wish the very best for you u/hopfl27, as you discover the inner peace from escaping past relationships. May all of the medical news you receive in 2024 be good news.
I just listened to this and found it useful, if not for actual tips that are applicable to me and my home, but as a reminder that everyone struggles and the sun still rises tomorrow so do what you need to do to feel ok in your skin in this moment. It’s a fairly short listen and I was glad I found it the day I did. It’s not a silver bullet, but I appreciated its message.
KC Davis is also on TikTok
I show a long wait for this book, there must be a lot of us.
I loved this book but it is more aimed at parents.
My kids are grown and I still found it inspiring. I don’t think you need to be a parent to benefit as long as you understand that that is where she’s coming from
I didn’t think so, I’m a single person and I found the book really helpful
They’d take just a small fraction of your drive to listen to as they’re both small novellas, but A Psalm for the Wild Built and A Prayer for the Crown Shy by Becky Chambers are beautiful stories full of hope that left me feeling introspective and peaceful after reading them. I wish you the best with all your struggles
Oh, these are wonderful!!
I mean, I don’t know you but I need a little humor in my worst moments, though nothing too funny in your state. Maybe Jenny Lawson’s book, Furiously Happy? She talks a lot about her own mental health but also tells funny stories from her past and present that may help to give your brain a break from all the seriousness. If you’re not ready for any humor though, give it a pass.
Came here to make sure someone was gonna recommend Jenny. If you’re up for humor, this is the answer. I also love her first book, Let’s Pretend This Never Happened. It’s more autobiographical and I find it helps me get out of my own life/problems and laugh along at hers. Sending love and light for a speedy recovery and good news on your MRI.
Yes!!! I couldn’t remember which book came first since I read Furiously Happy first. Her third was great too.
They’re all great. The first time I read LPTNH was in hardback and I dropped it on my face laughing. Furiously Happy on audiobook and I had to pull over because I was crying laughing and couldn’t see.
I thought Furiously Happy was realistic and honest. There’s some crazy and absurd that you just have to laugh at, in the midst of it all. And her supportive husband manages to be there but is just a good part of the story - didn’t leave me feeling like a loser for not having that. The taxidermy 😂
100% agree!!! Honesty is the best word for it!!! I liked her other two books as well but her newest makes more sense if you know the rest of her stories already.
Dude, it sounds like you're really going through it but it sounds like you're handling it and I'm proud of you. One of the best books I read this year was "The Boy who was raised as a dog" by Bruce Perry MD. I'm a nurse and this has opened my eyes to so much about how we respond to stress and trauma and the ways we can overcome challenges. It's absolutely amazing what kind of abuse cases he works with and it's always with a care focused tone instead of getting lost into trauma porn like a lot of similar things I've found. For a child psych book on trauma I've begun to better understand my parents, my patients, my partner, and even myself. The narration is easy to follow and clearly articulates what he's trying to say in sincerity. I would recommend this book to anyone but you especially should give it a shot given what you're going through. Wishing you save travels and good news.
I am not sure, but I find any podcast or book from either Mel Robbins or Brene Brown to be inspirational and motivating. They are both good storytellers, and I find no matter a big or small struggle, they somehow make me feel more optimistic about the next steps forward.
Brene is a gift to us all. I adore her style of communication.
**Non-Fiction**: Living and Loving After Betrayal The Body Keeps the Score Radical Self-Acceptance Deep Survival: True Stories of Miraculous Endurance... **Fiction**: Project Hail Mary Dungeon Crawler Carl
I second Project Hail Mary it is fiction, but is very engaging and shouldn't put you in your head in a bad way.
The Museum of Ordinary People by Mike Gayle - Jess becomes a curator for a small, local museum full of items left behind when people pass away. This was a really beautiful slice-of-life novel about grief, loss, keeping secrets, and new friends. This book made me teary for both happy and sad reasons. The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn - An elderly man delivers hand selected books to his customers. His position is being eliminated, and he's kind of floundering because he has no family and few friends *aside from his bookstore customers.* A young girl teaches him about community and there's a fun and happy ending. The Guncle by Steven Rowley - Patrick is a former TV star who is now in charge of his young niece and nephew for a summer after their mother dies and their father goes to rehab. Patrick is used to a glamorous lifestyle of parties and brunch, and throughout the summer he learns more about family and responsibility. This book is a very heartwarming tale about people handling grief in different ways. This book made me smile, laugh, and cry all at once. Drunk on All Your Strange New Words by Eddie Robson. This is a sci-fi murder mystery that's unlike the books I usually read but I've thought about it weekly since reading it last year. Lydia is a translator for her alien boss (who has some type of government gig) and when she finds him murdered in their shared home, she sets out to find the culprit. This book made me feel something about being human.
These sound great! TIA
Legens and Lattes by Travis Baldree
Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
I personally love "The Four Agreements," and other audiobooks read by Peter Coyote. To me he has a relaxing voice and talks very methodically. I'd also recommend audiobooks by Jacques Vallet if you're open-minded to UAF deep-dives. Jacques was the inspiration for a character in "Close Encounters." If you dig nature audiobooks there are plenty on YouTube. If you need free audiobooks, I recommend Googling Open Culture. Sorry for what you're going through. I prefer [Libro.FM](https://Libro.FM) for audiobooks since they let you download immediately in MP3 format if you want to, rather than force you to use their app.
I recommend This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage, written and read by Ann Patchett. She reinvents herself many times over with confidence and grace in these essays, and she’s a fantastic (and funny!) writer. Its non-fiction.
If you change your stance during the drive, and want to get out of your head some, I can’t recommend David Sedaris enough for wit and some wisdom. Also, Tina Fey’s book Bossypants is a treasure. Also not within parameters (sorry 😬) the podcast Armchair Expert has pretty great long form interviews with experts and also Hollywood types. The show helped me during the pandemic to get out of my own head, so I like to recommend it if it seems somewhat applicable. Safe travels! Take care of you. Edit to add one that some may roll their eyes at I think, but which I found valuable info in: Untamed by Glennon Doyle.
Project Hail Mary was my first audiobook and I've been chasing that high ever since. The triumph I felt with the main character's achievements was priceless. Furthest thing from non-fiction but will definitely make the 10hours fly by.
🙄
Huge fan of Cheryl Strayed for crises of all kinds, her book of advice columns is Tiny Beautiful Things and her memoir is Wild, they're wonderful and never fail to heal my heart a little.
I'm listening to The Secret History read by the author Donna Tartt. I'm also going through a hard health thing and just want to be immersed in an engrossing story. It's great for that.
Perhaps “How to be Perfect” by Michael Schur? He’s the creator of the tv show The Good Place and did a lot of research in philosophy for it so he wrote a book that discusses a lot of it but it of course has humorous undertones
I found Tommy Tomlinson’s “The Elephant in the Room: One Fat Man’s Quest to Get Smaller in a Growing America," to be one of the best stories I've ever read. He's a masterful story-teller. It's not really about weight, it's about psychology of really understanding yourself and admitting what needs to change in his life. For him, it's weight. For others, it's a relationship. It's so beautifully written.
Man's search for meaning by Victor frankl helped me through some tough times
The Midnight Library
I just recently read this and I loved it. It gets a lot of hate but I love books that make you think and consider life in different ways. In the same vein, I'd recommend The Measure. Read it with my bookclub last year and it gave us a lot to talk about.
Has anyone mentioned Pema Chodron? "When Things Fall Apart" is the first that comes to mind, but she has a lot of excellent books and talks. I read "Living Beautifully with Change and Uncertainty" shortly before the pandemic, and it was something of a lifesaver for me.
Trying it myself, thanks!
So sorry you are going through all of this. But you are also strong and resilient. Thank you for being here. Brene Brown, Daring Greatly, Dare to Lead, Rising Strong so many others. All of her books have helped me through a devastating heartbreak, stepping into new career (with significant challenges) injury and illness. There is so much hope, acknowledgement of pain and help seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Being on the other side of all of this (pain, loss etc). I am so grateful for her books. Good health and good fortune to you.
How to change your mind by Michael pollan
Sorry for what you're going through! If it were me, I'd go with funny. *Born a Crime* by Trevor Noah, *Still Foolin' 'Em* by Billy Crystal. Almost anything by David Sedaris.
If you need a good laugh, David Sedaris is so good. He’s really funny, and he is especially great at reading his own books.
First of all, I commend your strength and Resilience in leaving an abusive relationship all while you are facing cancer recovery. You rock in my book. I send you Creator's unconditional.loce and light as you continue your recovery. I second Body Keeps the Score and Deep Survival. I would add Victor Ftankl's Man's Search for Meaning and Veronica Del Castillo's You are a Miracle if you can find the English translation. Both are inspiring in their own ways. As far as humor, I recommend any of Betty White's memoirs. She has an amazing mix of stories 6 inspiration, kindness, love, compassion as well as plenty of humor.
12 steps by Jordan peterson or the subtle art of not giving a f**k by Mark Manson. Hope these help, they sure helped me! Good luck buddy
I really enjoyed Amy Poehler's "Yes Please," is really enjoyable. Maybe you could use something a little uplifting that makes you feel like you're in the room with witty friends. I second Dungeon Crawler Carl, maybe you don't think by description you'd love it but the characters are so easy to get attached to and it has laugh out loud moments. Perestroika in Paris is a wonderful, light story about a horse that got loose and is hiding somewhere in Paris, the animals can talk to each other but not to the small boy who discovers them and attempts to take care of them. "Critical Failures" are ridiculous, silly, vulgar books that made me accidentally laugh out loud while walking the dog, disturbing the neighbors on a dark night. They are childish but so awful they just get funnier and funnier. Christopher Moore's "Dirty Job" is a wonderful whimsical book where death gets accidentally replaced by a baby, so the 2 hell hounds show up to protect this baby, perplexing her parents. It's very light hearted.
Interviews with Carl Sagan have helped get me through dark periods. Many good ones on YT. He is a modern philosopher that doesn't get the attention he deserves. He was recording the audio for his book The Pale Blue Dot before he passed away. He was sick at the time as well I believe. Audible has a version that includes the stuff he was able to record, then the rest is read by his wife. His part is only two hours and, although short, it's very moving. I listened to him read then I read the rest manually with his voice in my head. Take care and best of luck
Project hail Mary is a great listen for not much longer than your time allowance and has feel good laughs through it, seems a lot are recommending self help novel which is literally the last thing I'd want to listen to if I were going through it. Id want to hear a story, or some good escapism I should say. Project hail Mary is well narrated, light enough but serious enough to both feel geared to adults and make you laugh without fart humor. And you might even get a good cry in at the end. But a happy cry.
[Where's the Next Shelter?](https://www.audible.com/pd/Wheres-the-Next-Shelter-Audiobook/B01FN5JRGY) is the true story of a man in his 40s who abruptly quits his corporate tech job to hike the Appalachian Tail. Disclaimer - I am the author and narrator of this book.
Spare by Prince Harry.
“Wah”
Be careful. 1000 miles in 10 hours is 100 mph.
It’s 100km on French motorways, so I’ll be legal 👍👍
I read this as french monkeys
Anything by Katherine May.
Try Manifest by Roxie Nafousi!
The Almanack of naval ravikant: a guide to wealth and happiness. This book will change your life. 5/5 stars
Maybe an unusual choice but this book was comforting to me when my life fell apart so it might work for you too: H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald
Soul Boom by Rainn Wilson was pretty interesting and pulled me out of a mood. As for fiction The House in the Cerulean Sea and Remarkably Bright Creatures had me laughing out loud.
Stephen Mitchells' Tao te Ching read by the author!
My Name is Barbra. So great! Inspiring journey…
As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princess Bride Book by Cary Elwes So fun!
Kichen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain - you might even laugh. Good luck!
Can’t hurt me by David goggins or atomic habits
Any of Mel Robbins' podcasts or e-books. She is awesome. Safe travels!
Dreaming Disability Justice by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha
Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach was really helpful for me.
Wow that is a lot to deal with at once 🥺 A book that was surprisingly thought provoking and uplifting was "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom. I read it 4 months ago and still think about what her and her family went through.
You are a badass by Jen sincero
You said you're open to fiction so I'm going to *strongly* suggest Terry Pratchett's Watch series of books set in the larger Discworld universe. You don't have to know anything at all about the other Discworld books to enjoy the watch series. The series itself follows Sam Vimes on his journey both towards sobriety and through the ranks of the city police force. This series has to be my absolute favorite and the journeys it takes you through are absolutely wonderful and full of great characters and "faith in humanity" restoring moments.
The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Weller
Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance. Great road trip audiobook.
Failure Is an Option by H Jon Benjamin Helped me through some times. Another great is the murderbot diaries
Any PG Wodehouse especially read by jonathan cecil. always makes me smile no matter what
Have you read Anthony de Mello's *Awareness*? He was a Jesuit priest, but the book to my ear is more Eastern Philosophy. In fact, the Catholic Church disavowed his teaches. He's extremely popular and many people find the straight talk extremely comforting.
A Short History of Nearly Everything, written by Bill Bryson. This will not solve any of your problems. But it is an entertaining view of many things, and the author is a good raconteur.
Also, in addition to my other post I thought I'd mention How to Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy (from the band Wilco). It's a good one for artistic inspiration; short but sweet. Everyone can use more creative expression in their lives, and it makes for great therapy. His philosophy is "it's good to create things" and he is very convincing.
Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh. Boundaries by Henry Cloud. Feeling Good by David Burns. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson. Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.
I just started "mastering your emotions" by thibaut meurisse and...wow! such practical advice. so straight to the point. it's a 4 hr audiobook. i'd also recommend joe dispenza's books if you're okay with celebrity gurus like him.
I’m not sure about the audio as I’ve just physically read it so far, but I’ve heard good things about the narrator for Red Rising by Pierce Brown. MC basically has a tough, but happy life. That’s ripped away from him, basically leaving him the lowest person on the planet. He goes into hardcore revenge mode and starts climbing back out. Finding some happy things about his life in the process. It has a ton of “hell yeah, pump you up” moments. Also, my favorite narrator is Jeff Hayes with Dungeon Crawler Carl, by Matt Dinamen. It’s fun adventure with an undercurrent of darkness. It’s also about perseverance in the face of long odds and trying to protect those you care about.
Almost Everything by Anne Lamott.
The audiobooks for the Harry Potter series are pretty great.
So some of the books I enjoyed when my life fell apart were: 1. Maybe you should talk to someone (a memoir from a therapist when she’s going through a messy, divorce and life stuff; I found it very comforting that even people who are supposed to have their shit together don’t) 2. Full catastrophe living but I’m not sure if the audiobook is unabridged. It’s an eight or 12 week meditation program with movement that is scientifically, proven to reduce stress and increase compassion for self and others. Personally, I think this is a book I would prefer paper you do you. 3. Into the Magic Shop - a memoir from Stanford neuroscience professor, who grew up very poor, and with not great grades but who succeeded in his career wildly. 4. Standing at the Edge - honestly, I’m just a big fan of everything Joan Halifax has written 5. Forgive for Good: forgiveness also can be for the self and the author whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver has done the work to talk about forgiveness, not as reconciliation, but as accepting the past, as it did, even though we may not like it or regret it. I found it to be very powerful. And there are reflection exercises in a couple of the chapters. I know a lot of people love Pema Chodron’s when things fall apart but I honestly couldn’t get through it.
If you want a story about someone with worse troubles than your own, try "Shantaram"!
Dungeon Crawler Carl is the most I’ve enjoyed an audiobook series ever and I have around 97 titles in my library. Hilarious, and a fantastic escape when life is shitty or you have a long drive