10 books like Resilience

By Steven M Southwick, Dennis S. Charney,

Here are 10 books that authors have personally recommended if you like Resilience. Shepherd is a community of 8,000+ authors sharing their favorite books with the world.

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We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our website. This is how we fund the project for readers and authors along with our membership program.

Resilient Grieving

By Lucy Hone,

Book cover of Resilient Grieving: Finding Strength and Embracing Life After a Loss That Changes Everything

Linda Graham Author Of Bouncing Back: Rewiring Your Brain for Maximum Resilience and Well-Being

From the list on resilience and how to cope skillfully with life’s difficulties.

By Linda Graham Author

Who am I?

Resilience - helping people recover their capacities to deal with any adversity, stress, loss or trauma – is the heart of my work as a licensed psychotherapist (25 years) and an international trainer of mental health professionals (more than a decade). Bouncing Back is the book I wanted to be able to hand my clients to help them learn to use the capacities of resilience innate in their brains to develop more effective patterns of response to life crises and catastrophes. No such book was available at the time, so I wrote my own. It has become a tremendous resource for people to learn to how to be more resilient, and to learn that they can learn.

Linda's book list on resilience and how to cope skillfully with life’s difficulties

Discover why each book is one of Linda's favorite books.

Book cover of Raising Resilience: The Wisdom and Science of Happy Families and Thriving Children Book cover of Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness Book cover of Bouncing Forward: The Art and Science of Cultivating Resilience Book cover of Resilient Grieving: Finding Strength and Embracing Life After a Loss That Changes Everything Book cover of Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life's Greatest Challenges

Why did Linda love this book?

The touching story of navigating the loss of a child that illuminates the strategies most helpful in navigating overwhelming grief, and steadily, reliably, recovering new joy and new meaning in life going forward.

Resilient Grieving

By Lucy Hone,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The death of someone we hold dear may be inevitable; being paralysed by our grief is not. A growing body of research has revealed our capacity for resilient grieving, our innate ability to respond to traumatic loss by finding ways to grow - by becoming more engaged with our lives, and discovering new, profound meaning.

Author and resilience/well-being expert Lucy Hone, a pioneer in fusing positive psychology and bereavement research, was faced with her own inescapable sorrow when, in 2014, her 12-year-old daughter was killed in a car accident. By following the strategies of resilient grieving, she found a proactive…

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Bouncing Forward

By Michaela Haas,

Book cover of Bouncing Forward: The Art and Science of Cultivating Resilience

Linda Graham Author Of Bouncing Back: Rewiring Your Brain for Maximum Resilience and Well-Being

From the list on resilience and how to cope skillfully with life’s difficulties.

By Linda Graham Author

Who am I?

Resilience - helping people recover their capacities to deal with any adversity, stress, loss or trauma – is the heart of my work as a licensed psychotherapist (25 years) and an international trainer of mental health professionals (more than a decade). Bouncing Back is the book I wanted to be able to hand my clients to help them learn to use the capacities of resilience innate in their brains to develop more effective patterns of response to life crises and catastrophes. No such book was available at the time, so I wrote my own. It has become a tremendous resource for people to learn to how to be more resilient, and to learn that they can learn.

Linda's book list on resilience and how to cope skillfully with life’s difficulties

Discover why each book is one of Linda's favorite books.

Book cover of Raising Resilience: The Wisdom and Science of Happy Families and Thriving Children Book cover of Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness Book cover of Bouncing Forward: The Art and Science of Cultivating Resilience Book cover of Resilient Grieving: Finding Strength and Embracing Life After a Loss That Changes Everything Book cover of Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life's Greatest Challenges

Why did Linda love this book?

Beautifully written stories of survivors of trauma, many well-known to the public, revealing the strategies and inner resources they drew on to “transform bad breaks into breakthroughs.”

Bouncing Forward

By Michaela Haas,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

"Engaging stories of modern survival with uplifting and often surprising takeaways." -Gay Hendricks, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of The Big Leap and Conscious Loving

"Bouncing Forward shows us how adversity can turn us toward our deepest inner resources of trust, wisdom, and love." -Tara Brach, PhD, author of Radical Acceptance and True Refuge

"Discover the advantages of adversity and find meaning in the messiness...[Bouncing Forward] shows the reader how to cultivate the mindset of resilience that can catalyze healing and growth from catastrophe. Brilliant, inspiring, to be read, re-read, and treasured." -Linda Graham, MFT, author of Bouncing Back…

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Resilient

By Rick Hanson, Forrest Hanson,

Book cover of Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness

Rebecca E. Williams Author Of The Mindfulness Workbook for Addiction: A Guide to Coping with the Grief, Stress, and Anger That Trigger Addictive Behaviors, 2nd Edition

From the list on ridiculously simple self-care in addiction recovery.

By Rebecca E. Williams Author

Who am I?

I’m a psychologist, an award-winning author, and a yoga and meditation devotee. Growing up in the Bronx, New York I saw firsthand the devastating impact addiction can have on individuals and families. That is why I have dedicated my professional life to understanding and supporting people recovering from addiction, mental illness, and life's challenges. I’m also the co-author of The Gift of Recovery: 52 Mindful Ways to Live Joyfully Beyond Addiction, which offers lots of strategies to manage daily stressors. I wholeheartedly believe there is a path back to wellness. It takes a foundation of self-compassion and daily focus on your healing. You deserve to be healthy and happy.

Rebecca's book list on ridiculously simple self-care in addiction recovery

Discover why each book is one of Rebecca's favorite books.

Book cover of Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More Book cover of Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness Book cover of Why Won't You Apologize? Healing Big Betrayals and Everyday Hurts Book cover of Journey to the Heart: Daily Meditations on the Path to Freeing Your Soul Book cover of Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity

Why did Rebecca love this book?

Resilient is a book to savor slowly. In recovery from addiction, sometimes one’s foundation is shaky and unstable. Resilient provides a beautiful way to build a new solid foundation based on compassion, confidence, and courage. Rick Hanson is a popular psychologist and has lots of great books (along with a terrific podcast with his son) but I keep returning to this one. As a psychologist myself, I think Resilient hits all the themes that are important for a mind well-cared-for and a life well-lived.  

Resilient

By Rick Hanson, Forrest Hanson,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Resilient as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Your key to lasting happiness, self-love and inner peace

'A master of his craft' - Prof Mark Williams, bestselling author of Mindfulness: a practical guide to finding peace in a frantic world

Rick Hanson, author of the New York Times bestselling Hardwiring Happiness, is known for his trademark blend of neuroscience, positive psychology and contemplative practices. In Resilient, he explains how to build the very foundations of well-being by harnessing the power of positive experiences to build an unshakeable core.

Dr. Hanson poses that anyone can build up resilience, the key to a positive mindset, unshakeable sense of self and…

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Raising Resilience

By Christopher Willard,

Book cover of Raising Resilience: The Wisdom and Science of Happy Families and Thriving Children

Linda Graham Author Of Bouncing Back: Rewiring Your Brain for Maximum Resilience and Well-Being

From the list on resilience and how to cope skillfully with life’s difficulties.

By Linda Graham Author

Who am I?

Resilience - helping people recover their capacities to deal with any adversity, stress, loss or trauma – is the heart of my work as a licensed psychotherapist (25 years) and an international trainer of mental health professionals (more than a decade). Bouncing Back is the book I wanted to be able to hand my clients to help them learn to use the capacities of resilience innate in their brains to develop more effective patterns of response to life crises and catastrophes. No such book was available at the time, so I wrote my own. It has become a tremendous resource for people to learn to how to be more resilient, and to learn that they can learn.

Linda's book list on resilience and how to cope skillfully with life’s difficulties

Discover why each book is one of Linda's favorite books.

Book cover of Raising Resilience: The Wisdom and Science of Happy Families and Thriving Children Book cover of Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness Book cover of Bouncing Forward: The Art and Science of Cultivating Resilience Book cover of Resilient Grieving: Finding Strength and Embracing Life After a Loss That Changes Everything Book cover of Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life's Greatest Challenges

Why did Linda love this book?

In a charming, reader-friendly style, this book offers ten universal principles for skillful parenting that lead to genuine goodness and happiness in their children. A delight to know it’s possible.

Raising Resilience

By Christopher Willard,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

In every spiritual tradition, we find teachings on the virtues and qualities that we most want to pass on to our kids-such as generosity, kindness, honesty, determination, and patience. Today, a growing body of research from neuroscience and social psychology supports these teachings, offering insights into cultivating these virtues in ourselves and in our families. Raising Resilience is a practical guide for parents and educators of children from preschool through adolescence, detailing ten universal principles for happy families and thriving children.

Bridging the latest science with Eastern wisdom to explore ourselves and share with our children, Dr. Christopher Willard offers…

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  • Coming soon!

The Art of Resilience

By Ross Edgley,

Book cover of The Art of Resilience

Andy Mouncey Author Of So You Want to Run an Ultra: How to Prepare for Ultimate Endurance

From the list on runners, records, and the remarkable human spirit.

By Andy Mouncey Author

Who am I?

I think that we’re all a Work In Progress whatever our relative levels of success so I’m drawn to people who share that belief, are way out there and are still working on their own stuff. Especially if they’ve managed to do so without becoming a righteous arse in the process. ‘Cos I want reasons to be reminded how incredible it can be to use as much of what we’ve been given and be ALIVE in every sense of the word. I want to keep learning and growing and getting stronger and faster and more bombproof and compassionate and connected as I moved through my fifth decade and beyond. These books really resonate with me – I hope they will for you too.

Andy's book list on runners, records, and the remarkable human spirit

Discover why each book is one of Andy's favorite books.

Book cover of The Art of Resilience Book cover of Broken: 2020: the year running records were rewritten Book cover of British Marathon Running Legends of the 1980s Book cover of Runaway Comrade

Why did Andy love this book?

Once again this is about so much more than the incredible physical feat involved in swimming a lap of Great Britain. Ross Edgley is also a student of the world with the smarts and courage to write his own rule book. Once again this is an engaging mix of the deeply personal, science, philosophy, and the humanity of community that has to come together to make extraordinary stuff possible.

The Art of Resilience

By Ross Edgley,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

'Incredible individual, incredible book, incredible story.' CHRIS HEMSWORTH

'A hero who is as humble as he is resilient... testament to a "never give up" spirit!' BEAR GRYLLS

'From reading this book, the message that comes shining through is this: you can achieve anything.' ANT MIDDLETON

Bestselling author and award-winning adventurer Ross Edgley has been studying the art of resilience for years, applying all he has learned to become the first person in history to swim around Great Britain, breaking multiple world records. Now Ross focuses on mental strength, stoicism and the training needed to create an unbreakable body.

Ross Edgley…

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10,000 Nos

By Matthew Del Negro,

Book cover of 10,000 Nos: How to Overcome Rejection on the Way to Your Yes

Alison Levine Author Of On the Edge: Leadership Lessons from Mount Everest and Other Extreme Environments

From the list on how to tackle life’s mountains.

By Alison Levine Author

Who am I?

I have firsthand experience in some of the harshest environments on the planet. I’ve survived sub-zero temperatures, hurricane force winds, sudden avalanches…and a career on Wall Street. I served as team captain of the first American Women’s Everest Expedition, climbed the highest peak on every continent (the “7 Summits”), and skied to both the North and South Poles. I spent four years as an adjunct professor at the US Military Academy at West Point. Awarded the 2019 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. I have a beer named after me. I love dogs. Three heart surgeries could not slow me down. NY Times bestselling author of On the Edge. I’ve had some high profile failures and have been the butt of late night talk show opening monologue jokes. Come at me!

Alison's book list on how to tackle life’s mountains

Discover why each book is one of Alison's favorite books.

Book cover of Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters Book cover of 10,000 Nos: How to Overcome Rejection on the Way to Your Yes Book cover of Big Little Breakthroughs: How Small, Everyday Innovations Drive Oversized Results Book cover of Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know Book cover of Span of Control: What to Do When You're Under Pressure, Overwhelmed, and Ready to Get What You Really Want

Why did Alison love this book?

Matt is an actor, which means he is constantly jockeying for jobs in what might be the most competitive industry on the planet. He explains that dealing with rejection and coming back after failure is part of the process of getting to the “YES” that you want in life. He shares advice from his interviews with bestselling authors, world-class athletes, successful entrepreneurs, and other actors—all of whom share their stories of rejection and defeat and make us realize that hearing “NO” does not mean you will not achieve your dreams – it just means that you need to try again, from a different angle. 

10,000 Nos

By Matthew Del Negro,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked 10,000 Nos as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Learn how to persevere and pivot to achieve your goals from a celebrated Hollywood actor

10,000 NOs: How to Overcome Rejection on the Way to Your YES chronicles actor Matthew Del Negro's tough journey from humble beginnings, through a sea of rejections, on the way to his eventual rise to become a recognizable face on some of history's most acclaimed television shows. Along the way, he learned hard lessons about perseverance, persistence, and resilience. Teaching readers how to make it through the tough times and deal with massive uncertainty by retaining the flexibility to change course and pivot to follow…

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  • Coming soon!

Creative Resilience and COVID-19

By Irene Gammel (editor), Jason Wang (editor),

Book cover of Creative Resilience and COVID-19: Figuring the Everyday in a Pandemic

Deborah Lupton Author Of COVID Societies: Theorising the Coronavirus Crisis

From the list on everyday life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Deborah Lupton Author

Who am I?

I am a sociologist with a longstanding interest in the social aspects of medicine and public health. I started with research on HIV/AIDS. Since then, I have written many books and conducted a multitude of studies on how people understand and experience health and illness and how they seek help when they are sick or feel at risk from disease. When COVID-19 hit the world in early 2020, it was not long before I started to think about what my research training and expertise could offer to understanding the social impacts of this new pandemic. I started to write about COVID and research on people’s everyday experiences.

Deborah's book list on everyday life during the COVID-19 pandemic

Discover why each book is one of Deborah's favorite books.

Book cover of The Year That Changed Our World: A Photographic History of the Covid-19 Pandemic Book cover of Covid Chronicles: A Comics Anthology Book cover of Life Without Children: Stories Book cover of Creative Resilience and COVID-19: Figuring the Everyday in a Pandemic Book cover of The Fell: A Novel

Why did Deborah love this book?

This edited volume, by academics Irene Gammel and Jason Wang from Ryerson University, Canada, includes contributions from authors living across the world. The chapters focus on how the arts and culture can both express and document people’s thoughts, practices, and feelings about living through the COVID pandemic. There are discussions on the role of drawing, graphic fiction, cinema, diary writing, urban space, music, streaming services, film, and video conferencing platforms in helping people cope with COVID life. Reading the book provides insights into the different social, cultural, and geographical contexts in which the pandemic has been experienced and how people adjusted to the often very stressful conditions of lockdown, restrictions on movements, fear about their health and grief.

Creative Resilience and COVID-19

By Irene Gammel (editor), Jason Wang (editor),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Creative Resilience and COVID-19 as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Creative Resilience and COVID-19 examines arts, culture, and everyday life as a way of navigating through and past COVID-19. Drawing together the voices of international experts and emerging scholars, this volume explores themes of creativity and resilience in relation to the crisis, trauma, cultural alterity, and social change wrought by the pandemic.

The cultural, social, and political concerns that have arisen due to COVID-19 are inextricably intertwined with the ways the pandemic has been discussed, represented, and visualized in global media. The essays included in this volume are concerned with how artists, writers, and advocates uncover the hope, plasticity, and…

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  • Coming soon!

The Art of Resilience

By Ross Edgley,

Book cover of The Art of Resilience: Strategies for an Unbreakable Mind and Body

Martin Meadows Author Of 365 Days With Self-Discipline: 365 Life-Altering Thoughts on Self-Control, Mental Resilience, and Success (Simple Self-Discipline)

From the list on self-discipline, willpower, and mental toughness.

By Martin Meadows Author

Who am I?

Embracing self-discipline has changed my life. I find deep pleasure in challenging myself and pushing my limits when practicing sports, learning, and experiencing adventures. I’ve learned that anything that’s worthwhile in life is the result of consistent, dedicated work, whether it’s building a business, developing a relationship, mastering a new skill, or any other personal growth pursuit. In my books I share my own personal experience of expanding my comfort zone and improving self-discipline.

Martin's book list on self-discipline, willpower, and mental toughness

Discover why each book is one of Martin's favorite books.

Book cover of The Art of Resilience: Strategies for an Unbreakable Mind and Body Book cover of The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself Book cover of The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results Book cover of Living with a Seal: 31 Days Training with the Toughest Man on the Planet Book cover of Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds

Why did Martin love this book?

Ross is a superhuman athlete embarking on some of the world’s craziest adventures. In this book he talks about his journey swimming 1,780 miles around the island of Great Britain. The hardships he had to suffer to achieve his goal show how tough and disciplined Ross is (I know I wouldn’t be able to bear them). Chapters telling his story of the journey are interspersed with advice on how to build mental toughness and grow your self-discipline. I couldn’t stop reading this book. The story is utterly fascinating and the lessons memorable and practical.

The Art of Resilience

By Ross Edgley,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

'Incredible individual, incredible book, incredible story.' CHRIS HEMSWORTH

'A hero who is as humble as he is resilient... testament to a "never give up" spirit!' BEAR GRYLLS

'From reading this book, the message that comes shining through is this: you can achieve anything.' ANT MIDDLETON

Bestselling author and award-winning adventurer Ross Edgley has been studying the art of resilience for years, applying all he has learned to become the first person in history to swim around Great Britain, breaking multiple world records. Now Ross focuses on mental strength, stoicism and the training needed to create an unbreakable body.

Ross Edgley…

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You Are Awesome

By Neil Pasricha,

Book cover of You Are Awesome: How to Navigate Change, Wrestle with Failure, and Live an Intentional Life

Randy Ross Author Of Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope

From the list on the best way to find happiness.

By Randy Ross Author

Who am I?

My entire career has revolved around helping people find more meaning and fulfillment in their life and work. It’s a fact that happy people are healthier, have better relationships, are more satisfied with life, and are more productive. But, happiness for most folks is elusive. Through my research, personal experience, and coaching and consulting practice, I have found that there is a distinct connection between hope and happiness. Fireproof Happiness is my attempt to show this connection and offer practical wisdom and sound advice to craft a brighter tomorrow, no matter what you may be facing today.

Randy's book list on the best way to find happiness

Discover why each book is one of Randy's favorite books.

Book cover of Happiness is a Choice: New Ways to Enhance Joy and Meaning in Your Life Book cover of The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life Book cover of You, Happier: The 7 Neuroscience Secrets of Feeling Good Based on Your Brain Type Book cover of You Are Awesome: How to Navigate Change, Wrestle with Failure, and Live an Intentional Life Book cover of Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life

Why did Randy love this book?

Few people have the tools to handle tumultuous times and failure. Instead of allowing challenging times to crystalize their character, many folks respond to challenges and setbacks by curling up in a ball and crying. In You Are Awesome, Pasricha builds the case that you can actually turn your adversities into an advantage. You can tell yourself a different story and write a brighter future.

In You Are Awesome, you will find principles and practices that will help you navigate change, wrestle effectively with failure, and live an intentional life. You will learn how to establish routines to eliminate stress, change your perspective and grow stronger in the process.

You Are Awesome

By Neil Pasricha,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

INSTANT #1 BESTSELLER

From Neil Pasricha—New York Times million-copy bestselling author of The Book of Awesome series and The Happiness Equation, thought leader for the next generation, and one of the most popular TED speakers in the world—comes a revelatory and inspiring book that will change the way we view failure and help us build resilience.

Why is life getting harder instead of easier?
How do I get back up after life knocks me down?
And how do I grow stronger and live more intentionally?

We no longer have the tools to handle failure…or even perceived failure. When we fall,…

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Sunday Funday in Koreatown

By Aram Kim,

Book cover of Sunday Funday in Koreatown

Jess Hong Author Of Lovely

From the list on I wish existed when I was a kid.

By Jess Hong Author

Who am I?

Growing up Asian American, the lack of representation I felt was constant and palpable. I think often about what it would have meant and how beneficial it could have been had I been able to see myself in picture books as a child. This is a list of books I wish little me could have read growing up because when I read them now they speak to that same vulnerable space in me that I still carry. They are a balm to my heart and mind, making me feel connected to both myself and others that look like me and share similar experiences.

Jess' book list on I wish existed when I was a kid

Discover why each book is one of Jess' favorite books.

Book cover of Cicada Book cover of Superman Smashes the Klan Book cover of American Born Chinese Book cover of Watercress Book cover of Sunday Funday in Koreatown

Why did Jess love this book?

Growing up as a first-generation Korean American my heart ached with love to read this book. It truly celebrates Korean culture and its ties to family. Kim portrays our young protagonist Yoomi, a black and white cat experiencing something everyone has gone through—a bad day while highlighting some of the warmth and joyful things about Korean culture, my favorite topic being food. The end cap of the book features a recipe for kimbap. I love that she does this because growing up my mother would pack me kimbap for lunch and kids would immediately peg it as sushi. Little me would have felt so seen and loved by this book and I’m so happy it exists today.

Sunday Funday in Koreatown

By Aram Kim,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Sunday Funday in Koreatown as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Yoomi and Daddy are going to Koreatown today! This story celebrates family, resilience, and Korean culture.

Yoomi has planned the perfect Sunday! But the shirt she wants to wear is in the laundry. And she doesn't have the seaweed she needs for a kimbap breakfast.

So Yoomi wears another shirt and eats a different breakfast, and she and Daddy take a bus to Koreatown, where they read Korean books, eat Korean treats such as patbingsu and tteokbokki, and visit Grandma. Though Yoomi's perfect day is filled with mishaps and things don't always go her way, Yoomi learns the advantages of…

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5 book lists we think you will like!

The best books on resilience and how to cope skillfully with life’s difficulties and crises
The best books about runners, records, and the remarkable human spirit
The best books on self-discipline, willpower, and mental toughness
The best books on scientific method: how science works, fails to work and pretends to work
The best books on how to tackle life’s mountains

Interested in resilience, natural disasters, and the scientific method?

8,000+ authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about resilience, natural disasters, and the scientific method.

Resilience Explore 19 books about resilience
Natural Disasters Explore 9 books about natural disasters
The Scientific Method Explore 39 books about the scientific method