Here are 100 books that Thoughts for Everyday Living fans have personally recommended if you like Thoughts for Everyday Living. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Poems

Noah J. Craig Author Of Mr. Möbius

From my list on poetry to soften the hard days.

Why am I passionate about this?

Throughout the years, I have experienced hard days and have helplessly watched others go through much harder ones. Poetry, I found, helped express the inexpressible and unexplainable. Like a builder of cairns, what I write helps me remember what has happened and how I got to where I am. I’m intrigued by this topic, not as an academic or a professional, but as a foot soldier deep in the trenches. I have no accolades or awards or prestige—I have a story with troubles and burdens and pain. But I also have true hope. Real peace. And a relentless desire to forge all of it into a new poem.

Noah's book list on poetry to soften the hard days

Noah J. Craig Why Noah loves this book

C.S. Lewis will always be one of my favorite authors, but many focus more on his fiction or theology than his poetry.

But I love these poems because they are ones that tackle life, wrestle until they are out of breath, and then retreat to get a better perspective on everything.

Woven into the lines, Lewis’s imagination and thoughtfulness create parables and vignettes that let the weary reader know they are not alone in the storms that often plague this race of life.

By C. S. Lewis ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Poems as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A collection of Lewis’s shorter poetry on a wide range of subjects-God and the pagan deities, unicorns and spaceships, nature, love, age, and reason: “Idea poems which reiterate themes known to have occupied Lewis’s ingenious and provocative mind” (Clyde S. Kilby, New York Times Book Review). Edited and with a Preface by Walter Hooper.


If you love Thoughts for Everyday Living...

Book cover of The Rosewood Penny

The Rosewood Penny by J.S. Fields,

2023 Queer Indie Award Nominee!

The dragons of Yuro have been hunted to extinction.

On a small, isolated island, in a reclusive forest, lives bandit leader Marani and her brother Jacks. With their outlaw band they rob from the rich to feed themselves, raiding carriages and dodging the occasional vindictive…

Book cover of The Poems of Henry Van Dyke

Noah J. Craig Author Of Mr. Möbius

From my list on poetry to soften the hard days.

Why am I passionate about this?

Throughout the years, I have experienced hard days and have helplessly watched others go through much harder ones. Poetry, I found, helped express the inexpressible and unexplainable. Like a builder of cairns, what I write helps me remember what has happened and how I got to where I am. I’m intrigued by this topic, not as an academic or a professional, but as a foot soldier deep in the trenches. I have no accolades or awards or prestige—I have a story with troubles and burdens and pain. But I also have true hope. Real peace. And a relentless desire to forge all of it into a new poem.

Noah's book list on poetry to soften the hard days

Noah J. Craig Why Noah loves this book

Similar to Lewis, I savor Henry Van Dyke’s writing.

His poems are musical, as enjoyable to hear as to read. I appreciate the sage conclusions Van Dyke often arrives at by the last stanza—while some questions are left unanswered in the moment, I found this collection of his poetry to be able to reveal the poet’s growth and discoveries along the way.

Ultimately, Van Dyke’s faith flavors his pen in the midst of his problems until we find him famously saying, “Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee…”

By Henry Van Dyke ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Poems of Henry Van Dyke as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"The Poems of Henry Van Dyke" is a timeless collection that encapsulates the profound beauty of nature, love, and spirituality through the eloquent and introspective verses of its author, Henry Van Dyke. Written during the early 20th century, this anthology showcases Van Dyke's ability to blend heartfelt emotion with a keen sense of observation, often drawing inspiration from his experiences in the natural world. His poetry reflects a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life, infused with philosophical musings on faith, hope, and the human experience. Notable works like "The Dark Mountain" and "The Gift of Love" resonate with…


Book cover of Lays of a Heart

Noah J. Craig Author Of Mr. Möbius

From my list on poetry to soften the hard days.

Why am I passionate about this?

Throughout the years, I have experienced hard days and have helplessly watched others go through much harder ones. Poetry, I found, helped express the inexpressible and unexplainable. Like a builder of cairns, what I write helps me remember what has happened and how I got to where I am. I’m intrigued by this topic, not as an academic or a professional, but as a foot soldier deep in the trenches. I have no accolades or awards or prestige—I have a story with troubles and burdens and pain. But I also have true hope. Real peace. And a relentless desire to forge all of it into a new poem.

Noah's book list on poetry to soften the hard days

Noah J. Craig Why Noah loves this book

I have not found many poets from the past that relate so well to a person’s mental suffering today, but Robinson is one of them.

His lays truly are from the heart: blood-soaked and burdened. Like the other poets I have listed, he does not shy away from hardships but instead writes his way through them.

For those wrestling with angst or fear, I especially recommend his book.

By George Wade Robinson ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Lays of a Heart as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

""Lays of a Heart"" is a collection of poems written by George Wade Robinson and published in 1867. The poems cover a range of themes, from love and loss to nature and spirituality. Robinson's writing style is lyrical and emotive, with a focus on creating vivid imagery and exploring the depths of human emotion. The collection includes both longer narrative poems and shorter, more introspective pieces. Overall, ""Lays of a Heart"" is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience through the medium of poetry.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain…


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Book cover of Tangle of Time

Tangle of Time by Maureen Thorpe,

A spellbinding journey through time and cultures.

When Annie Thornton, midwife and apprentice witch, falls through time to a 15th-century Yorkshire village with her telepathic cat, Rosamund, she befriends Will and Jack, two soldiers returning from the French Wars. Mistress Meg, Annie’s ancestral aunt living in the 15th century, is…

Book cover of Narrative Poems

Noah J. Craig Author Of Mr. Möbius

From my list on poetry to soften the hard days.

Why am I passionate about this?

Throughout the years, I have experienced hard days and have helplessly watched others go through much harder ones. Poetry, I found, helped express the inexpressible and unexplainable. Like a builder of cairns, what I write helps me remember what has happened and how I got to where I am. I’m intrigued by this topic, not as an academic or a professional, but as a foot soldier deep in the trenches. I have no accolades or awards or prestige—I have a story with troubles and burdens and pain. But I also have true hope. Real peace. And a relentless desire to forge all of it into a new poem.

Noah's book list on poetry to soften the hard days

Noah J. Craig Why Noah loves this book

This book combines two of my favoritesstories and poemsinto one art form.

Of special note is "Dymer," in which purpose, consequences, and the struggle between the two drive the story forward. 

To see aspects of myself in a character is always intoxicating and unnerving—when they must go through various difficulties, I am left to wonder (or perhaps fear) what I myself would have done in their stead.

By C. S. Lewis ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Narrative Poems as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A repackaged edition of the revered author’s collection of four poems: "Dymer," "Launcelot," "The Nameless Isle," and "The Queen of Drum."

C. S. Lewis—the great British writer, scholar, lay theologian, broadcaster, Christian apologist, and author of Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Chronicles of Narnia, and many other beloved classics—was also a talented poet. In this collection of four longer works of verse, Lewis displays his deep love for medieval and Renaissance poetry and themes, influences that shaped—and resonate through—his fiction.


Book cover of The Kneeling Christian

Marcus Hurst Author Of The Contentment Dilemma: Examining Life's Mysteries and Purposes

From my list on as you grow in your Christian walk.

Why am I passionate about this?

As a conservative Mennonite from Pennsylvania, I have observes many people who, despite numerous desperate attempts at locating lasting fulfillment, find themselves always craving more and never satisfied to relax and be content. I have consequently dedicated myself to helping these folks obtain the satisfaction they inwardly crave. This lead to hours of contemplating, praying, and reading numerous books on the subject.

Marcus' book list on as you grow in your Christian walk

Marcus Hurst Why Marcus loves this book

The Kneeling Christian illustrates the importance of sincere prayer.

I read relatively short sections of this book at a time because I would get an overwhelming desire to pray. In fact, it was during a prayer that was prompted while reading this book that I had one of my most profound encounters with God. 

By An Unknown Christian ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Kneeling Christian as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.


Book cover of Everything is Better Than You Think: How Gratitude Can Transform Your Life

Denise Kiernan Author Of We Gather Together: Stories of Thanksgiving from Then to Now

From my list on gratitude making every day feel like Thanksgiving.

Why am I passionate about this?

Denise Kiernan is a multiple New York Times bestselling author of narrative nonfiction books including The Girls of Atomic City, The Last Castle, and We Gather Together. Throughout her career as a journalist and an author, she has explored underrepresented stories and characters and the impact they have had on history. These stories of the unsung offer fresh perspectives on historical tales we think we already know. At the heart of many of Kiernan’s nonfiction explorations are women from a variety of different backgrounds and time periods. She has devoted her last three books to the history of Thanksgiving and gratitude, writing separate books for all ages.

Denise's book list on gratitude making every day feel like Thanksgiving

Denise Kiernan Why Denise loves this book

It’s really quite simple: if you focus on negative things, you’ll feel miserable. If you focus on the things that are wonderful in your life, you will feel better. And chances are, you’ve got plenty of wonderful things in your life.

The author of this book is a Maryland pastor, but I don’t think you need to be a Christian to enjoy or even grasp the message of the book. I like that he references the science that has brought gratitude to the masses, and written about it in such a straightforward manner.

By Will Johns ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Everything is Better Than You Think as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Want to feel fully alive? You can feel your best right now by following the simple method laid out in this book. Your life is actually much better than you think it is. It all depends on what you focus on. Order now to find out how you can be your best every day by changing your focus. It is like having a magical set of glasses that you put on each morning. Your entire day will look different when you look at your life through the lens of gratitude. You will begin to notice the good that is already…


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Book cover of Chasing Light

Chasing Light by Traci Medford-Rosow,

Chasing Light is a lyrical meditation on grief, memory, and the fragile beauty of everyday life. At its core, it is a story of resilience, forgiveness, and the transformational power of human connection. It sheds light on the overlooked realities of homelessness and addiction, while emphasizing the importance of compassion…

Book cover of The Power of Positive Thinking: 10 Traits for Maximum Results

Anne Bachrach Author Of Live Life With No Regrets: How the Choices We Make Impact Our Lives

From my list on to catapult your business and your life.

Why am I passionate about this?

My main goal and purpose in life is to make a difference in people’s lives by helping you overcome obstacles that hold you back, so you can make more money, work less, and enjoy having even better work-life balance. Helping you realize how you can get around roadblocks that hold you back from achieving what you truly want in life gets me excited. I think many people make business and life so much harder than it needs to be and I like to share powerful books and resources that help you focus on how you can more easily realize your potential, accelerate your results, and fulfill what's truly important to you in life.

Anne's book list on to catapult your business and your life

Anne Bachrach Why Anne loves this book

There is so much great content in this book, it is hard to only have a few words to talk about the huge benefits of reading it. The first chapter, "Believe in Yourself", starts the book with powerful and thought-provoking content. Sometimes the older books can have the biggest impact on us as we go through our life – both for our career and in our personal life. This book has been and will continue to be one of the most recommended books in history, I believe. If you haven’t read it yet or if it has been a while, I strongly recommend you read it for the first time or read it again. The power of positive thinking can have a huge impact on your business and your life.

By Norman Vincent Peale ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Power of Positive Thinking as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'you do not need to be defeated by anything, ... you can have peace of mind, improved health, and a never-ceasing flow of energy.'

The Power of Positive Thinking is a practical, direct-action application of spiritual techniques to overcome defeat and win confidence, success and joy. Norman Vincent Peale, the father of positive thinking and one of the most widely read inspirational writers of all time, shares his famous formula of faith and optimism which he developed himself by trial and error whilst searching for a way of life.

Millions of people have taken Peale's teachings as their own simple…


Book cover of Lifting the Veil: Imagination and the Kingdom of God

Ned Bustard Author Of It Was Good: Making Art to the Glory of God

From my list on art and Christianity.

Why am I passionate about this?

In my late high school years and during college I was confronted with a question that has dogged many artists over the years who are in the church: should a Christian be in the arts or not? As it turns out, the first person to be described as filled by the Spirit in the Bible was an artist. I had to wait until my college years to find that out by reading Francis Schaeffer’s book Art and the Bible. This and Madeleine L’Engle’s Walking on Water gave me a theology that valued art. Now I'm a full-time artist and curate a small art gallery, but I've never stopped looking for good books on Art and Faith.

Ned's book list on art and Christianity

Ned Bustard Why Ned loves this book

From the moment that Jesus Christ first proclaimed the Kingdom of God, he appealed to our imagination. He made that appeal through the parables, the paradoxes of the Gospel, his miracles, and those moments when the heavens opened and the ordinary was transfigured. In this book, the poet Malcolm Guite explores how the creative work of poets and other artists can begin to lift the veil, kindling our imaginations for Christ. N.T. Wright has commended this book, calling it “A small treasure-house of beauty and imagination, helping us in turn to imagine God’s world and God’s love with multi-faceted and grateful wisdom.” Although I heartily recommend other recent books, Lifting the Veil is my favorite new work in the Art and Faith conversation. 

By Malcolm Guite ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Lifting the Veil as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Christianity has often been suspicious of the human imagination, equating it with what is imaginary or merely made-up, while in the secular world the arts are often seen as little more than a source of entertainment. In Lifting the Veil, Malcolm Guite explores the vision from which all his writing springs - that there is a radiant reality at the heart of things which our dulled sight misses, and that the imagination is an aspect of the image of God in us that can awaken us to the presence and truth of God shimmering through all creation.

He considers how…


Book cover of The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God

Pamela Henry Author Of Soul Custody

From my list on Christian books to help you bust a divorce legacy.

Why am I passionate about this?

Sixteen years married and 17 years divorced, I have retraced my steps to assess the damage from my childhood and adult divorce scenarios. In reconstructing a new path with the hard lessons learned, I’ve assembled a 5-book toolkit just for you to spare your children the divorce legacy. Think of these books as five pavers leading you safely through the minefield of married parenting life. To enter this territory, there's one password: put the children first so that divorce isn't an option. 

Pamela's book list on Christian books to help you bust a divorce legacy

Pamela Henry Why Pamela loves this book

It should have been required reading for me in premarital counseling because it would have provided the template I lacked and failed to construct for myself before getting married. It also would have provided me with a blueprint for what it was going to take in the years ahead to remain together with my children’s father.

Because it was so profound to read in hindsight, I’m thinking of how much foresight it could give you while there’s still time to save your family. One sentence of this book could save your marriage. 

The wisdom just permeated my soul like a healing balm, weaving its way into the broken, sharp pieces and reassembling them into a mosaic, as if the truth was enough to restore the damage.

For instance, just knowing that we are to live for the other, we can’t look to our spouse for what only God can do,…

By Timothy Keller , Kathy Keller ,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked The Meaning of Marriage as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Incredibly rich with wisdom and insight that will leave the reader, whether single or married, feeling uplifted." -The Washington Times

Based on the acclaimed sermon series by New York Times bestselling author Timothy Keller, this book shows everyone-Christians, skeptics, singles, longtime married couples, and those about to be engaged-the vision of what marriage should be according to the Bible.

Modern culture would have you believe that everyone has a soul mate; that romance is the most important part of a successful marriage; that your spouse is there to help you realize your potential; that marriage does not mean forever, but…


If you love Maltbie Davenport Babcock...

Book cover of Portrait of an Artist as a Young Woman

Portrait of an Artist as a Young Woman by Alexis Krasilovsky,

Kate from Jules et Jim meets I Love Dick.

A young woman filmmaker’s journey of self-discovery, set against a backdrop of the sexual liberation movement of the 1970s and 1980s. In Portrait of an Artist as a Young Woman, we follow Ana Fried as she faces the ultimate…

Book cover of Making Peace with Your Past

Healey E. Ikerd Author Of Changing Your Feelings: A Workbook for Anxiety and Worry from a Christian Perspective

From my list on Christians determined to be more mentally healthy.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a licensed therapist who has been in the mental health field for over 15 years. I believe that God wants his followers to be mentally healthy! We are better witnesses to Him when we think and act in ways that reflect biblical principles. This is why I am a big fan of books that help me think and act more wisely and that also helps me follow God more deeply. Working through our mental ‘stuff’ and following God well are greatly intertwined. Whether in person or by recommending books, I love to be a part of that process with people.

Healey's book list on Christians determined to be more mentally healthy

Healey E. Ikerd Why Healey loves this book

This is one of my most highly recommended books for those struggling with baggage from the past, such as rejection, resentment, and perfectionism. 

Wright takes readers through a process of going back to work through past baggage, forgive past hurts, and then change future responses. For Christians committed to moving (and living) beyond their past, this book can help them do just that. Wright is a leading expert in grief, loss, and trauma and has a number of other invaluable books.

By H. Norman Wright ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Making Peace with Your Past as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Much of who we are, what we do, and how we feel is determined by our past. Whether they're relationships from our childhood or pressures from recent years, the events of the past can have a significant impact on our current behavior.

A continual bestseller now re-launched with a new look for new readers, this insightful and perceptive book shows readers how to face and move beyond the negative events and feelings of their past. Writing from a compassionate, Christian perspective, H. Norman Wright helps readers understand who they are, who is responsible for their character, and how they can…


Book cover of Poems
Book cover of The Poems of Henry Van Dyke
Book cover of Lays of a Heart

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