For Comfort While Facing a Storm

Focus for this List: A dear friend of mine asked for a list of books that would be light, fun reads, with minimal romance.  My friend is going through a really challenging time, and so, I also recommended some books that I've found helpful when the world comes crashing down.  E, this list is for you. 

Nonfiction that has Saved My Sanity (more than once):
1.  Laurence Gonzales: Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why
This is far more than a book on how not to die while camping -- it's a survival guide for life. No, really. In fact, it's a bit of a genre-spawning book, and one that is quite readable. Skip the overly science-filled parts if you wish, but focus on the lessons. They're essential.

2.  Viktor Frankl: Man's Search for Meaning
A small book, it is, in fact, the most truth-filled and helpful guide to living I've ever encountered.  Written by a psychologist who survived the Holocaust, this is a guide to living with meaning, even when it all seems meaningless.
And here's an official recommendation by someone other than me, "According to a survey conducted by the Book-of-the-Month Club and the Library of Congress, Man's Search For Meaning belongs to a list of "the ten most influential books in [the United States]." (New York Times, November 20, 1991)."  Thanks, Wikipedia!

It's a good book, and I think it will help.  Please read it?

Nonfiction that's just fun to read:
3.  C. S. Lewis: On Stories: and Other Essasy on Literature
Yes, I read C.S. Lewis for comfort - don't you?  :)

4.  Jane Yolen: Touch Magic: Fantasy, Faerie & Folklore in the Literature of Childhood
I'm not sure why faery-tales came so strongly to mind, E, when I was making this list for you, but they did.  Thus, my favorite collection of essays by one of my favorite authors.  In particular, I think the essay titled, "The Mask on the Lapel" will speak to you.  Page 53 in my book. 

Fiction for You:
5.  Jane Yolen: Twelve Impossible Things Before Breakfast 
Well, I could hardly let you escape without reading some of her fiction too, eh?  They are short stories for when that's all the time you've got!

6.  Louis Sachar: Holes
Some would say this is a book for teens and pre-teens.  I say that it's a modern fairytale with points to touch us all.  That, and it's set in West Texas.  You'll like it.

7.  William Saroyan: My Name is Aram
Another collection of short stories -- I find Saroyan's writing style to be uniquely calming -- almost a literary balm, at least for me!  You'll enjoy Aram; I think you'll recognize your boys in some of his stories!

8.  William Saroyan: The Human Comedy
This is on my personal top-ten of all-time list. I first read it when wildly homesick as an exchange student in Germany. I allowed myself to read only one chapter a night, and yes, that's how I survived that January. 

9.  Robert Heinlein: The Green Hills of Earth
Short stories to take you away, make you think, change your perspective, and leave you laughing, these are some of the best.

10.  Spider Robinson: Callahan's Crosstime Saloon
If all else fails, read this book (and its friends) until you're helpless with laughter and the light seems brighter.  I've linked it to the Kindle edition for faster access!  Why this book?  Because shared pain is lessened, and shared joy is increased.  Yes, that's a quote.  Go on now, you'll love it!

((((HUGS)))) + A Cup of Tea + A Good Book (or 10) = Better Times Ahead!

YA Classics

1.  J. K. Rowling: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Series)
If you're one of the few hold-outs who haven't read this series, try them! I think you'll enjoy them more than you think you will. The characters and events are now such a part of our cultural meme that, really, everyone should read the books. For those who've already read and loved the books, click on her name and enjoy the massively wonderful author's website!
 
2.  Louis Sachar: Holes
This is quite an engaging book, that verges on poetic at moments. Impressive achievements for a book about boys on in a West Texas punishment camp!

3.  Cornelia Funke: The Thief Lord
I love the magical realism of this book. The only thing that made it better? Actually going to Venice!  :)

4.  Eoin Colfer: Artemis Fowl (series)
Who doesn't love an evil genius, even when he's just a teen? Oh yes, this is a series that'll make you laugh and keep you reading. Enjoy!

5.  Lois Lowry: The Giver
This utopia/dystopia is a wildly good read.  English teachers glommed on to it a bit, but feel free to go back and reread it from an older perspective. This is one book that ages really well. 

6.  Jerry Spinelli: Stargirl
I don't really know what to say about this one other than, read it! 

7.  Carl Hiaasen: Hoot
Set in Florida, and focusing on odd characters and an environmental issue, as do most of his books, this Newberry winner is a fabulous read. 

8.  Gordon Korman: No More Dead Dogs
This excellent little book is for all of us who HATED the fact that the dog always dies in the books the English teachers assign. Old Yeller, Little Ann, Old Dan, Sounder, this book is for you!

9.  Rick Riordan: The Lightning Thief  (series)
Following in the Harry Potter genre, this wildly readable series is based in the idea that the Greek gods never really changed their ways. And yes, this includes their predilection for creating half-gods (aka: Heroes).

10.  Orson Scott Card: Ender's Game  (series)
This book is my favorite example of how marketing can affect how you see a book. It's got two covers and is placed in two areas of the bookstore:
The Teen Version:   (kid in space suit? check!)
The Adult Sci-Fi Version:  (mysterious spaceship?  check!)

That said, it is destined to become a classic in the genre (if it isn't already). Mind you, the deeper you go into the series, the harder you have to think, as it focuses increasingly on philosophy. The first book in the series though?  Sheer genius! 

Focus for this list:
I'm not a huge fan of the Young Adult label for books. A good book is a good book, and teens don't deserve to have their fiction watered down. That said, I can understand that creating a transitional section is helpful for parents wishing to shield their kids a bit as they move from chapter books to adult novels. So, this list is the best of the section (IMHO) and I'd encourage everyone to read these books, as they've all got something important to say about humanity. That, and they're ferociously good reads!

NOTE: you can now click on the author's names and follow a link to their website. Also, if a book is the beginning of the series, I've created one link for the first book and then, where it says (series), a link to the rest of the series. I hope these help you track everything down!