10 Fabulous Books on Hope and Inspiration

I love books!  As a newly recovered quad amputee woman, I was always in search of books on hope and inspiration.  Regardless of whatever challenge you are looking to overcome, there are books that will help you.

In an effort to guide you, I’ve compiled a list of books for you to check out.  Additionally, because there were only a few books that really resonated with me in my recovery, I turned to some of my blogger friends and asked for their recommendations as well.

Why do we need books on hope and inspiration?

Obviously, the very first book you should look to in any type of challenge in your life should be The Bible.  The Bible has answers for whatever you are seeking! My Bible is my very favorite book and I read it every day.

I have two very favorite scriptures which get me through every situation.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths”.  Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose”.  Roman’s 8:28 KJV

I’ve written several blog posts that include scripture which is helpful when you’re looking for books of hope and inspiration.

-Do you Need Encouragement? 12 Bible Verses for Inspiration

-20 Inspiring Bible Verses for Happiness and Joy

-How to Draw Near to God After Tragedy

Books on Hope and Inspiration

Life without Limits:  Inspiration for a Ridiculously Good Life by Nick Vujicic

Nick has an extremely outgoing personality.  Born without arms or legs, he went through a period of depression.  But through his relationship with Jesus Christ, he overcame his disabilities and lives a “ridiculously good” life and is a role model for true happiness.  He currently serves as the “hands and feet” of Jesus in his Evangelistic ministry, Life Without Limbs.  You owe it to yourself to not only read the book, but to check out this wonderful organization.

I was so impressed with Nick because even without his limbs, he overcame and has become this wonderful ambassador of joy.  I needed a book with that type of hope and inspiration while I was healing. It is an inspiring book which prompts positive thinking.   You will love it!

On My Own Two Feet:  From Losing My Legs to Learning the Dance of Life by Amy Purdy

I fell in love with Amy while watching her on Dancing with the Stars.  Here is a young lady with two prosthetic legs like I have. Yet, she was able to dance her way into second place on this popular TV show.  I couldn’t wait to read her book and learn all about her.

Amy contracted bacterial meningitis when she was just nineteen years old.  Not only did she completely recover, she went on to become a bronze medalist for the US Paralympic team in snowboarding.  Additionally, she danced her way into America’s hearts on one of my favorite programs. This was a great book of hope and encouragement.  I felt that even though I was a bit older, I could do anything with prosthetics that I wanted to.  Talk about an inspiring book about positive thinking!

Joni:  An Unforgettable Story by Joni Eereckson Tada

This might have been the very first biography that I read coming out of the hospital.  It’s the story of Joni, who as a teenager, dove into a pool and ended up in a wheelchair, completely paralyzed from the neck down.  She shares the story of her battle with God to accept her disability and discover the meaning of her life and her incredible relationship with Christ.

Like Nick Vujicic, Joni Eareckson Tada started a beautiful organization called Joni & Friends which has several ministries, including Wheels for the World, which according to their website, provides life-changing mobility and the hope of the Gospel to people impacted by disability worldwide.

These three books of hope and encouragement helped me to believe that my life after quadruple amputations would bring me back to a life of normalcy.  I felt that if they can do it, I can do it.

The following books were recommended by some blogger friends of mine.  I encourage you to check out their websites as well as their book recommendations.

Lisa Mitchell @ Fluxing Well

I read the following books because I wanted to be a more sensitive and empathetic person. There are so many people going through tough times, and so often I am unaware and perhaps insensitive. When I want to improve myself, I read, and here are the books that helped me.

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered by Lysa Terkeurst

The book chronicles the author’s devastation when she discovers her husband’s infidelity. During the same time period, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. In the midst of these overwhelmingly awful situations, Lysa Terkeurst wrote this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who is dealing with similar situations or someone like me, who wants to know how to support someone who might be going through difficult times.

Choosing to SEE: A Journey of Struggle and Hope by Mary Beth Chapman

After a family tragedy in which one of her children dies, the author writes of her quest to heal and try to help others. This touching true story made my heart ache, but it also provided me with many helpful insights. The message of hope in Christ shines through even in the midst of unimaginable pain. Everyone should read this book, then go hug their loved ones a little tighter.

Have I become more sensitive and empathetic as a result of reading these books? I’d like to think so. Maybe they will meet a need for you or someone you know.

Sofia Lopez @ Cup of Positivity

The Shack:  Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity by William Paul Young

This story is centered on faith.  When Mackenzie suffers the loss of his child, his life becomes hell. He can barely do his work nor communicate with his family, and on top of that, his relationship with God becomes nonexistent. In a few words, he blamed Him for his pain.  What Mackenzie didn’t know is that God had different plans for him (as He has for you and me).

As you go through these pages you’ll learn to accept and love God’s will for you and your loved ones, even if it’s not something that you were wishing for. You’ll learn to live and experience that He can make good out of everything that happens in your life and will never leave your side.

An excellent book to look for hope and inspiration if you’re going through a tough time!

Jessie Synan @ One Lost Coin

Hope in the Dark:  Believing God is Good When Life is Not by Craig Groeschel

In his book, Groeschel addresses those times we may have doubt in God when bad things happen in our lives.

When I lost a few close friends in a short amount of time, I was lost. Like anyone, I had some big questions for God. In a society where we are often discouraged to ask questions about why there is darkness in the world, Hope in the Dark is an incredible read for how to find Jesus’ light in the darkest of times, no matter what you are going through.

Alice Kubiske @ Northwoods Girl’s Blogging

Hurt People Hurt People:  Hope and Healing for Yourself and Your Relationships by Dr. Sandra Wilson

In a book review on her blog, Alice shares how she related to the topic that Dr. Wilson writes about in a very personal way. The book gives credit to God who breaks the cycle of people who are hurt, hurt others by the healing and hope that God offers.

Alice explains how she saw herself on the pages of the book.  The book talks about childhood hurts, and then gives help for healing.  For more info, check out Book Review: Hurt People Hurt People. 

Miranda New @ MirandaRejoice.com 

Take it By Force: Faith that Stands Firm in the Face of Opposition by Judy Jacobs

This is a must read book for any Christian. Any time I’m faced with adversity, I read her book. Just because you’re a Christ follower does not mean you are immune to trials in this life. Judy openly shares her struggle with illness and her fight for healing.

Judy also provides practical insight into ways a Christian can stand firm in the faith no matter what struggle their dealing with.  If you are a Christian and searching for ways to face opposition/adversity that are pleasing to Christ, get this book. Read it along with the Word of God and pray. You will have victory over your enemies.

Victory Over Affliction:  30 Mindset Challenges to Motivate You by Wendy Wallace

There’s one other book that I believe will be helpful in your search for books on hope and inspiration.  This is my very own ebook. I believe that it’s a great inspiring book on positive thinking which you will love.

I wrote this book with the goal to help those who are going through challenges in their lives.  It’s broken down into 30 days. Each day starts with a favorite quote of mine. Then I share how that quote can be useful in overcoming your challenges.  Many times I use my life as a quad amputee woman as an example.

What if I told you that you could, with a simple mindset change…

~You can get through ANY struggle?

~Believe in yourself

~Simplify overcoming challenges

~Get through each day with gratitude no matter what you’re going through

~Turn any situation into a positive life lesson

Victory Over Affliction is the answer!

For more information as well as testimonials on my book, check out Victory Over Affliction:  30 Mindset Challenges to Motivate You. 

I hope that you’ve found some great ideas for your reading list of books on hope and Inspiration.  If you have others to recommend, I would love it if you put your favorite books in the comments below.