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In times of dark winters, deep sorrow, anxiety, or depression I turn to the written word for comfort, healing, inspiration, and hope. I know that spring is nearly here, but late winter in New England is often unpredictable. Spring-like weather one day day snow the next. Springtime is often chilly up north until late April or even through May. In late winter times like these I turn to beautiful words of encouragement. Poetry can provide compassion or motivation. Memoirs inspire. Self help books promote healing. We have all read something that has reverberated within our souls. In the winter months I do my best to slow down with the season, but even in winter I feel the need to be productive and to work hard. I often feel overwhelmed, anxious, or as though I am not doing enough, that I am not enough. Sometimes the past comes to haunt me or a dark cloud overshadows my winter days. I return to the written word for compassion, wisdom, and guidance.
I have compiled a list of books that I absolutely love above all else as well as several books that are on my to-read list. These are the books that will cary you through spring. From memoirs that we connect with to self-help, inspirational writing, essays, and poetry; this list is a compilation of written words designed to bring you compassion this winter and as the season changes into spring. If you need something uplifting to read or are looking for beautiful words for wisdom, joy, hope, and inspiration, one of these books may connect with you in this season. I hope that one of these books finds you when you need it the most.
Homeward: How one woman embraced being lost to find her way home by Laura Parrott Perry
Homeward is a heartfelt memoir that delves into the topics of home, trauma, addiction, recovery, and empowerment.
“In Homeward, we are taken into the past of a little girl who grew up poor and afraid of everything. In the aftermath of heartbreak, she begins to untangle the threads of trauma, abuse, and addiction that are inextricably woven into her understanding of what a home is or should be, and examines her part in all of it. The idea of home had always been elusive to her, so when she believed she found it as a woman, Laura held on tight…with both hands. Only in letting go can she discover what home truly is. To move forward, she knows she needs to look back.
From the gorgeous trails of New England, to the mountains of North Carolina, to an island in Maine that claimed her heart, Laura’s journey speaks to the transience so many of us have felt in our own stories. We watch as she wrestles with questions that are our questions: Am I loved? Where do I belong?”
The Mountain Is You by Briana Wiest
I have been following Briana Wiest on Instagram for some time now and her words have been so inspiriting and healing. I recently ordered this book for myself and it is one of the next on my list.
“This is a book about self-sabotage. Why we do it, when we do it, and how to stop doing it—for good. Coexisting but conflicting needs create self-sabotaging behaviors. This is why we resist efforts to change, often until they feel completely futile. But by extracting crucial insight from our most damaging habits, building emotional intelligence by better understanding our brains and bodies, releasing past experiences at a cellular level, and learning to act as our highest potential future selves, we can step out of our own way and into our potential.”
All The Love You Carry by Charis Ed
This book of poetry reminds us that we are all connected. This is a book about love; love for ourselves, love for our loved ones, love for others, and love for the universe. We carry a lot of love inside of us and this book is a beautiful way of paying tribute to this important life force.
All Along You Were Blooming by Morgan Harper Nichols
Morgan Harper Nichols writes empowering and encouraging short poems, quotes, and essays. I have been a long time follower of her on Instagram for her beautiful prints and motivational words. Her page has brought so much compassion into my life and now she has two books in the world spreading her message of self love. In times where I needed to be reminded to love myself, Morgan Harper Nichol’s words have found me when they were most needed. I love keeping a copy of this book by my bedside and flipping to a page when I need some words of comfort. Reading a poem a day has also been a lovely morning ritual on grey winter days. Her collection of poetry is uplifting and loving.
Journey To The Heart by Melody Beattie
Melody Beattie has been a pioneer in the codependency topic and truly brought greater understanding to this mental health crisis. Codependency, she describes, is when you give up yourself for someone else and when you spend your energy trying to control how other people act at the expense of yourself. As a recovered alcoholic and trauma survivor, Melody has spent a large part of her life in recovery and healing. She shares her wisdom in this book of daily messages. This book is for anyone who has experienced a trauma, has recovered or is recovering from addiction, who loves someone or who was raised in an alcoholic household, who has been abused, or who suffers from grief or depression. Her words of love and compassion will ignite your healing journey in these short daily essays.
I first read this book in 2020 when I had gone no contact with an abusive family member and needed help with my healing journey and codependency. I was trying so hard to control how this other person treated me, until I realized I had to develop boundaries to protect my wellbeing. This book is so wonderful for so many life experiences that I will be picking this up every few years to read it again and again.
A Gentle Reminder by Bianca Sparacino
Full or quick easy to read essays and positive thoughts, A gentle reminder is a collection of reminders you may need in all kinds of situations and life experiences. I have not read this book yet, but it has so many positive reviews and the passages I have seen speak to me. For those days when you need gentle reminders of the good things when life feels overwhelming.
I picked up this book believing it was a self help book, but it reads more like a memoir mixed with personal essays on topics regarding winter, depression, and “wintering.” Katherine May is an author that writes from her experiences with mental health and autism and she described wintering as any season or time in our life where we need to slow down, recuperate, or isolate in times to heal and self reflect. She makes a good point that we cannot be productive all of the time and that seasons of wintering help us to refill our cups when we feel depleted. I love her writing. It feels listening to a friend talk over a cup of a cozy hot beverage. If you are looking for permission to slow things down, pick up this book.
All that You Deserve by Jacqueline Whitney
Another book on my list, this is a collection of kind words when you need it the most. Some of the reviews have claimed it to be repetitive, but sometimes good words are worth repeating to let the message sink in. If the biggest repetition of this book is “you deserve good things” or “You deserve to feel loved,” then that’s the best complaint ever. Because this is a message I need to hear some days.
When You’re Ready, This is How You Heal by Briana Wiest
A collection of 45 essays, This Is How You Heal is a book to guide you when you are trying to overcome an obstacle or painful experience. Faced with grief or a great loss, a career set back, a failure, or heartbreak, This Is How You Heal will get you started on your healing journey. Briana Wiest’s books have relatable and motivation ideas, but they do give you more of a push if you find yourself blocking your own best interests. Her books are tough love when you are feeling stuck or in your own way.
How We Heal: Uncover Your Power and Set Yourself Free by Alexandra Elle
Another book on healing, this one is less motivational and more of a tutorial. With guided steps to cultivating your own healing journey, Alexandra Elle gives her readers concrete steps they can take to heal their wellbeing and mental health with science backed techniques.
You Will Feel Hole Again by Pharm K. C.
This book of poetry is written by a mental health advocate who has found healing in writing. Sometimes life can feel hopeless and we worry that we will never feel ok again. This book helps with that.
“This collection is a message to anyone who has ever felt broken; you will feel whole again. Between these pages, you will find compassion, understanding, and many reminders of all the beauty that you deserve. You will look back one day and wonder why you ever doubted your ability to heal, rebuild, and feel whole again.”
Holding Space For The Sun by Jamal Cadoura
Another book of poetry on my wish list (probably the top of my list for poetry books to read in 2023), Jamal Cadoura writes about healing and empowerment.
“Cadoura draws off his own experiences, taking the reader through the lows of heartbreak and failure to the highs of inner evoluation and light. He became the voice he always felt he needed to hear. This book masterfully interweaves prose filled with encouragement, light-heartedness, and positivity, with meaningful experiences and reminders that will guide you toward your most authentic self. Cadoura will ignite and reawaken parts of you you’ve long forgotten. Prepare to let go of your deepest pain, remember your worth, and embrace everything you deserve.”
The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
I picked up a copy of The Sun and Her Flowers after reading one of Rupi Kaur’s poems online. I had seen her books recommended in bookshops and I fell in love with the deep writing on the pages. She tackles some pretty heavy topics from misogyny, immigration, belonging, abuse, and racism to name just a few, but her empowering message always comes through. She is a powerful poet and I encourage you to pick up a copy of her work when you want to feel great inner strength.
Beyond Worthy by Jacqueline Whitney
This book of comforting messages reminds readers that they are not alone. You are worthy.
“Hold this book in your hands and hold onto hope. Trust that you will find peace and freedom from your past and clarity for your future. Stop doubting whether you are worthy of living or if continuing to fight for your life is worth it. Pain comes and goes, but with every second, we grow stronger.”
Everything You’ll Ever Need (You Can Find Within Yourself) by Charlotte Freeman
Another book on my to-read list; Everything You’ll Ever Need spoke to me from the title.
“Everything You’ll Ever Need (You Can Find Within Yourself) is Charlotte Freeman’s first book and was written from the most vulnerable places of the heart. This book is open and honest, written to resonate with those who need it the most.
Full of messages we all sometimes need, that often come at just the right time, this book is your reminder that everything you’ll ever need, you can find within yourself.”
Your Soul Is A River by Nikita Gill
This collection of poetry touches on more sadness and pain, but is also about overcoming our darkest emotions. Considered haunting and mesmerizing, but also soft and supportive. If you are looking for a poetry book that faces the darker parts of yourself during recovery and trauma, this book may inspire you.
Good Morning, I Love You by Dr. Shauna Shapiro
This title drew me in from the start. I bought this book a few years ago and it is still on my shelf. I pull it out every time I need a little reminder to share compassion with myself. This book is about mindfulness meditation and the use of mindfulness to encourage wellbeing and improve mental health with being present. As someone who often disappears into my head when times get tough, Dr. Shauna Shapiro encourages readers to be present instead. Even though mindfulness meditation is discussed with tips on how to practice, the big take away for me was practicing self-compassion.
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