Is safe to say 2020 has been a rollercoaster of a year, as the pandemic forced many of us to deal with sudden – and sometimes traumatic – changes in both our personal and professional lives. During these uncertain and challenging times, I started thinking a lot about the idea of resilience: How do we stay positive during hard times? What makes us adapt to difficult circumstances? Are there specific tools we can use to overcome major obstacles in our lives? And if so, what are they?

Ultimately, I came up with a handful of books that have helped me get through rough times. Books? Really? I know, I know. As a freelance writer, and bibliotherapist, I’m totally biased BUT hear me out: books can really have a positive impact in our lives. It’s not just me talking, there’s evidence that books can help in the treatment of mental health issues, such as anxiety disorders, for instance. Reading about other people’s experiences allowed to be develop my sense of empathy, and I want to believe it also made me a more resilient person. If you too want to learn more about resilience, you might want to pick one of these five books.

How do we stay positive during hard times?

5 books that can teach you to be resilient

1. Educated, Tara Westover

One of my favourite reads from last year! Educated is a beautiful memoir by American author Tara Westover. Tara grew up in Idaho with survivalist parents, spending her childhood days preparing for the end of the world. In this memoir, she explains how not going to school made her different from other children, and how – aged 17 – she ultimately decides she wants to go to university.

Tara’s persistence in choosing a path different from everything she knew growing up as well as her ability to learn on her own is nothing short of astounding. This book is an incredibly inspiring story of resilience, love, family, and the privilege of knowledge.

2. How Many Miles to Babylon, Jennifer Johnston

“Because I am an officer, and a gentleman they have given me my notebooks, pen, ink, and paper.” This modern classic (which has one of the greatest opening lines ever) had me bawling when I first read it for a uni course on Irish literature. In this novella, we follow the lives of two friends Alec, and Jerry from their class-divided childhood, to the trenches, as they both enlist the British army together in 1914.

I’ve included this book on this list, because it’s a beautiful testament to the power friendship, and resilience in breaking prejudice, and social barriers, as well as a heart-breaking account of war trauma. It is definitely worth a read, but it will *most probably* make you cry.

3. Americanah, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Out of Adichie’s three novels, this one might be my favourite (Purple Hibiscus is a veeery close second). This is the story of Ifemelu, a Nigerian woman who has been living in the States for the past 15 years, and starts to question her place in America, and whether, or not she should go back to her home country.

Adichie describes Ifemelu’s struggles as an immigrant with vivid detail, wit, and mastery. If you ever felt stuck and unsure about your life decisions, this novel is an absolute must-read. Ifemelu is resilient to the bone, and her observations on race, class, and inclusion in America are incredibly poignant and eye opening.

4. I Am Malala, Malala Yousafzai

Another memoir by an incredible woman. This is the story of Malala, the girl who made headlines in 2012, when the Talibans shot her at point-blank as she was going to school in her homeland Pakistan. Since then Malala has won the Nobel peace prize, graduated from Oxford University, and co-founded the Malala Fund, continuing to be an advocate for girl’s right to education.

Malala’s bravery and resilience is inspiring. Her book is one of those filled with life lessons, that I believe everyone should read.

5. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou

Another memoir, and another modern classic! I know Why the Caged Bird Sings  is the first in the series of memoirs by Maya Angelou, and chronicles her childhood, growing up as a victim of sexual abuse in a small Southern town.

Maya Angelou’s writing is beautiful and her memoirs are filled with wisdom. This is a heart wrenching book, but a must-read for anyone looking to find a story of hope, courage, and resilience.

Psst! before you go, did you know I host an online book club called There’s a Book for That? In September we’re talking books that taught us to be resilient. If you want to receieve our newsletter, or  join our video meeting this Thursday September 24 at 6.30pm (BST), shoot me an e-mail.

Have you read any of these books? What does being resilient means to you?

Let me know in the comments below!

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