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Inspiring books about starting over
Novels and memoirs about people starting fresh, plus personal development books to guide you through major life changes.
Publicat la 19 Ianuarie 2024
Organizat deLanie Pemberton
Lanie is a San Diego-based freelance writer who loves reading crime thrillers and nonfiction about animals and the natural world. When not writing and reading (or writing about what to read), Lanie spends as much time as possible at the beach with her husband and pampered pittie, Peach.
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry
Gabrielle ZevinCantankerous A.J. Fikry laments the death of his wife, the declining sales at his independent bookstore, and the peppiness of a new sales rep. But he’s determined to live a grand narrative, and his life is reinvigorated after a rare book is stolen and a child is abandoned in his shop. This heartwarming story teaches us it’s never too late to live to the fullest.
Britt-Marie Was Here: A Novel
Fredrik BackmanSixty-three, socially awkward, and “difficult,” Britt-Marie leaves her unfaithful husband to start over in a small town in desperate need of her fastidious talents. As Britt-Marie blossoms, so does the community around her. Backman (“A Man Called Ove”) infuses his signature wit and quirky writing style into an inspiring protagonist who dares to change her circumstances and open her heart.
Maame: A Today Show Read With Jenna Book Club Pick
Jessica GeorgeAs the dependable one in her British Ghanaian family, Maddie finally chooses to prioritize herself and build the life she deserves. George’s novel, called a “pitch-perfect debut” by Publishers Weekly, is a coming-of-age journey featuring a vulnerable protagonist readers can simultaneously identify with and root for. “Maame” includes themes of systemic racism, family obligations, and self-empowerment.
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School
Sonora ReyesReyes’ touching story of coming into one’s own follows Yamilet “Yami” Flores, a Mexican American teenager recently enrolled in a predominantly white Catholic school. Still reeling from being outed by her ex-best friend, Yami is determined to keep her sexuality a secret from her new peers. But her pretty, smart, and openly gay classmate may just inspire Yami to embrace her truth and celebrate her identity.
The House in the Cerulean Sea
TJ KluneThere’s nothing quite like “The House in the Cerulean Sea” — wonderfully weird, quietly romantic, and full of magic and queerness. Caseworker Linus Baker is stuck in a rut, forever following orders. He monitors gifted children held in the government’s care, making meticulous reports without ever getting involved. But he gets a chance at a new start when he’s assigned to work at Marsyas Island Orphanage, where the children are particularly monstrous and the caretaker extremely mysterious.
Legends & Lattes: A Novel of High Fantasy and Low Stakes
Travis BaldreeViv, an orc barbarian, just wants to hang up her sword and open a coffee shop. But getting out of the warrior business isn’t as simple as giving two weeks’ notice. Can Viv brew up a way to keep her bloody past from crashing her second act? This cozy fantasy — and #BookTok fan favorite — is for anyone dreaming of taking a shot at a fresh start. The prequel, “Bookshops & Bonedust,” shares similar themes and is just as enjoyable.
Virgin River
Robyn CarrIn the wake of terrible loss, Mel Monroe relocates from L.A. to Virgin River in Northern California — a small community full of unexpected opportunities to start again. This touching story of overcoming grief and opening yourself to new love has melted many a frozen heart. The Netflix series adaptation stars Alexandra Breckenridge (“This Is Us”).
The Other Wife
Shirley JumpPenny Reynolds — a straight-laced, predictable woman — discovers her life is not what she thought when her husband dies unexpectedly and she realizes he was married to multiple wives. Her life is further upended when another legacy of her late husband arrives in the shape of an attention-hungry performance dog. Jump’s writing is charming and fun, and it’s hard not to root for Penny as she navigates her new life.
Her New Groove
Shelly EllisMonique Starr, an R&B diva, runs afoul of celebrity gossip, so to save her career, she returns to the Academy that taught her how to be a star. Monique’s changed — but so has everyone she left. She has to face the consequences of her actions while rediscovering the joy of her art.
No One Tells You This: A Memoir
Glynnis MacNicolWhat’s a single and child-free woman to do post-40? According to societal norms, she should either be ashamed or unhappy. MacNicol wasn’t willing to feel either, instead setting out on a personal exploration of fulfillment. A quick-witted emotional roller coaster of a memoir, “No One Tells You This” defies stigmas and teaches us all how to create our own “blueprint” for life.
Pageboy: A Memoir
Elliot PageIn one of the most-read memoirs of 2023, Page reveals the complex process of shaking off outside expectations and embracing one’s true self. The Oscar-nominated actor (“Juno,” “The Umbrella Academy”) came out as transgender in 2020, but his memoir begins much earlier, allowing readers to follow along with Page’s vulnerable and powerful journey.
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier
Ishmael BeahBeah’s moving story will simultaneously break your heart and fill it with hope. Robbed of his innocence, Beah was forced into the army as a child soldier in the midst of the Sierra Leone Civil War. After enduring a violent life of unimaginable horrors, he breaks free with the help of UNICEF. However, to reclaim his life, he must reconcile with the past.
Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape
Jenna Miscavige Hill“Beyond Belief” is a haunting, behind-the-scenes look into the bizarre world of Scientology. Having grown up in the Church, Miscavige Hill had little idea of what the outside world was like. She didn’t realize that strange rituals, back-breaking labor, and a secretive way of life were not the norm for everyone, let alone for children. Faced with a choice between the only family she’s ever known and a life of freedom, she makes a courageous decision to break free.
Post-Divorce Bliss: Ending Us and Finding Me
Jude WalshStarting over after a divorce is both painful and challenging. Walsh has been there, and in “Post-Divorce Bliss” she shares the methods that helped her heal and embrace a fresh beginning. This encouraging guide addresses the past, present, and future for those who’ve been through divorce.
The Career Shift Lift System: Creating Your Career Roadmap
Janice Dru-BennettHave you ever felt stagnant in your career or wished you could pivot to something entirely new? A career change can feel like a massive endeavor — an uphill battle, even — but it’s within reach. In this concise Scribd Coach course, author Dru-Bennett breaks down actionable and approachable steps to prepare you for a new path, no matter how long you’ve been in your current industry or position.
Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and into Your Life
Gary John BishopPersonal development expert Bishop wants you to know this: “You’re a fu*king miracle of being.” If you’re still unconvinced, Bishop will change your mind with his simple and direct assertions. This is a motivational wake-up call for anyone who feels stuck.