We all want to be happy, but so few of us know how or even what the word really means. In this profound book, the Tibetan leader shares practical suggestions on how to do the inner self-work necessary for cultivating it and also the exceptional wisdom that we can only find true happiness when that work is dedicated to the benefit of other beings. In other words, our happiness is intrinsically linked to the happiness of others — true happiness is when we work hard, internally and externally, to make it a reality for all of us. tobacco brown (TED talk: What gardening taught me about life) If you want to feel fired up to change the world This comical true tale of Bryson’s misadventures as he hikes the Appalachian Trail left me with a stomach ache from laughing out loud. It inspired me to take on new adventures — no matter how ill prepared I might be! Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari (TED talk: Why fascism is so tempting — and how your data could power it)

This is a short read, but this classic novel touches on creativity, learning, freedom from conformity, and flying, one of my favorite elements. I first read it when I was in my early 20s and then re-read it years later. It’s served as a touchtone to finding and flying through one’s own passions and paths. The Feel Good Book Club has boosted income for Samaritans in an innovative way, but it has been more than that for its creators and especially for its members.We humans Creating a contract -- yes, a contract! -- could help you get what you want from your relationship This fictional story about the journey of a shepherd from Andalusia to Egypt has sold more than 30 million copies since it first appeared in 1988. It’s about taking risks to follow your dream — even when you’re tempted by safer or seemingly saner alternatives. It argues that fortune favours the brave – if you live boldly, things fall into place to ease your path.

Why it makes a good book club book: Winter Street is the first book in the Winter Street series of four books, so if book club members like it, they can stay busy with the remainder of the series during the rest of the holiday season. It also offers the storylines of several family members to talk about. Why it makes a good book club book: Three Holidays and a Wedding gives book clubs a variety of holidays and events to celebrate, along with a love triangle to debate, and some lighthearted family drama to explore. Gold Diggers is a coming-of-age story with a big pinch of magical realism, humor, and heart.Neil Narayan is a second generation Indian American teenager growing up during the Bush era in the Atlanta suburbs. Neil’s parents want him to be successful, but all he really wants is Anita Dayal, the girl of his dreams who lives across the cul-de-sac. Then Neil discovers Anita is brewing a magical potion out of stolen gold that harnesses the ambition of the person who owned the gold. And Neil’s life is changed forever. The Feather Thief: Beauty, Obsession, and the Natural History Heist of the Century by Kirk Wallace Johnson Meanwhile, Marcellus knows what really happened to Erik and he wants to help Tova find the closure she needs. His narration is interspersed with Tova and Cameron’s for a story that is compelling, heartwarming, and utterly unique.

2021 releases your book club will lap up

Could your book club use some uplifting books for a change? Many book groups make a point of choosing reading that will lead to serious discussions of important issues, but it's also important to foster the sense of joy and well-being that books can bring into our lives.

There are other brilliant charity book clubs out there, but Gilbert, Geraughty and the team didn’t feel that any of them had such a strong focus on human connection – a core brand value for Samaritans.Alternating between the perspectives of Hannah and Finn, it’s mostly about friendship and found family, but it’s also a very layered story that’s also about love (including LGBTQIA+ romance), biological family drama, and growing up. Freeman is an exceptionally fresh and refreshing voice to watch in this space, incorporating oodles of pop culture references and utterly unique and comical details into a novel that’s already unlike any other holiday novel I’ve read.