In our previous post, we explored the powerful ways that reading can positively impact our mental wellbeing. Now, let's dive deeper into the world of books and discover some specific titles that have been proven to uplift, inspire, and soothe the soul. From heartwarming tales of resilience to thought-provoking explorations of the human mind, these carefully curated selections offer a literary journey towards greater mental health and happiness.

As we approach R U OK? Day, it's an ideal time to prioritize our mental health and seek out resources that can support us. Reading offers a valuable tool for self-care and connection. By immersing ourselves in these carefully chosen books, we can explore different perspectives, find inspiration, and ultimately strengthen our resilience. Gifting books is a meaningful way to show someone you care and encourage them to prioritise their wellbeing. Booxies offers a wide range of carefully curated titles that can uplift and inspire, making it the perfect place to find the perfect gift for R U OK? Day.

Best Books to Uplift, Inspire and Soothe Your Soul:

The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

Well you know you are in good hands when you pick up a book by Matt Haig. This one is exactly what it sounds like.. The Comfort Book. It is a hug in a book. A book that you are meant to open in any page and find a little comforting paragraph or sentence to help you navigate your day or week or life.

Nothing is stronger than a small hope that doesn't give up.

The Comfort Book is a collection of little islands of hope. It gathers consolations and stories that give new ways of seeing ourselves and the world. Matt Haig's mix of philosophy, memoir and self-reflection builds on the wisdom of philosophers and survivors through the ages, from Marcus Aurelius to Nellie Bly, Emily Dickinson to James Baldwin.

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

Fredrik Bacman is one of our all times favourites. You can almost find a meaningful quote in every paragraph in his books. Anxious People is our favourite book out of all Backman's amazing books that are all probably sit in the top books of all times for us. It is very comforting warm and brilliant book.

It's New Year's Eve and House Tricks estate agents are hosting an open viewing in an up-market apartment when an incompetent bank robber rushes in and politely takes everyone hostage.

For Anna-Lena and Roger, busy buying-up apartments to fill the hole in their marriage, it's something else to talk about.

For Julia and Ro, panicky parents-to-be, it's yet another worry.

Lonely bank manager Zara only came here for the view.

While 87-year-old grandmother Estelle seems rather pleased by the company . . .

As the police gather outside, the anxious strangers huddled within try to make the best of a very sticky situation - but could it be that they have a whole lot more in common than meets the eye?

Bittersweet by Susan Cain

We love Susan Cain. We loved Quiet and we adored Bittersweet. 

An uplifting and mind-shifting  book on the surprising power of being "bittersweet", by the author of the mega selling phenomenon QUIET

In this inspiring masterpiece, bestselling author Susan Cain shows the power of the "bittersweet" -- the outlook that values the experiences of loss and pain, which can lead to growth and beauty. Understanding bittersweetness can change the way we work, the way we create and the way we love.

Each chapter helps us navigate an issue that define our lives, from love to death and from authenticity to creativity. Using examples ranging from music and cinema to parenting and business, as well as her own life and the latest academic research, she shows how understanding bittersweetness will allow us, in a flawed world, to accept the loss of past identities; to fully embrace the loves we have; and to weather life's transitions.

The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku

Oh what a beautiful book this is and what a beautiful soul Eddie is. He published this book when he turned 100! That's such an amazing achievement and a lesson to show us it's never too late to do something you love. An inspiration book full of kindness and love.

Life can be beautiful if you make it beautiful. It is up to you.

Eddie Jaku always considered himself a German first, a Jew second. He was proud of his country. But all of that changed in November 1938, when he was beaten, arrested and taken to a concentration camp.

Over the next seven years, Eddie faced unimaginable horrors every day, first in Buchenwald, then in Auschwitz, then on a Nazi death march. He lost family, friends, his country.

Because he survived, Eddie made the vow to smile every day. He pays tribute to those who were lost by telling his story, sharing his wisdom and living his best possible life. He now believes he is the 'happiest man on earth'.

Bright Shining by Julia Baird

We are no strangers to Julai Baird. One of Australia's favourite journalists that we absolutely adore. 

Grace is both mysterious and hard to define. It can be found when we create ways to find meaning and dignity in connection with each other, building on our shared humanity, being kinder, bigger, better with each other. If, in its crudest interpretation, karma is getting what you deserve, then grace is the opposite: forgiving the unforgivable, favouring the undeserving, loving the unlovable.

But we live in an era when grace is an increasingly rare currency. The silos in which we consume information dot the media landscape like skyscrapers, and our growing distrust of the media, politicians and public figures has choked our ability to cut each other slack, to allow each other to stumble, to forgive one another.

So what does grace look like in our world, and how do we recognise it, nurture it in ourselves and express it, even in the darkest of times?

The Library of Heartbeats by Laura Imai Messina

Messina is such a talented author. Her books transport you to places that you never dreamed of and never thought about before. She has a wonderful ability to bring you to connect with your soul and deal with your grief.

A powerful, moving novel of grief, hope, friendship and love based around a real archive on an island in Japan, where people travel to record their heartbeats.

There are so many more books that we love and admire. Many books that helped us in our darkest days and many that taught us life lessons and compassion. It is hard to pick some favourites but we tried our best.

Send someone a book this R U Ok? day and show them you care. There is no better gift to give!