fiction resources
the secret life of bees
This classic by Sue Monk Kidd highlights so many themes that resonate with the wounded parts of us that wrestle with regret, trauma, grief, and depression. And yet inherent in Lily’s story is such richness around themes of healing, belonging, forgiveness, and walking forward in the face of repeated adversity. In reading this book it just might ignite your own spirit related to the beauty of walking forward into the rest of the story.
the stationary shop
Marjan Kamali’s beautiful book highlights Roya’s story by telling of narratives hoped for not coming to be and walking instead in and through to press into a new narrative. It holds themes of grief and loss, themes of resilience, adjustment, and the power of love with those we share our lives with as well as those we might love and care deeply for from afar.
rules for visiting
This book invites reflection particularly around friendship and the important role it plays in our lives, yet ultimately the book is about so much more. It’s a story of grief and trauma and its profound effect, yet the resiliency of not becoming stuck there. We journey with the main character, May, as she takes stock of her life at age 40 and decides to open herself up. We can be encouraged in our own journeys as we see her move to a more grounded, whole, and settled state.
the book of longings
This incredible book may speak deeply to the soul of someone who has known and tasted grief and loss. Throughout the book we travel with Ana, the main character, as she journeys through leaving her family of origin, her marriage to Jesus, loss upon loss, and ultimately holding tight to a deep source of purpose and meaning for her life. Woven throughout the book, readers may be inspired by Ana’s aunt who speaks into her life about her core and center that— come what may—will still be well. This resource validates the profoundness of grief, yet we also see Ana strengthened and resolute in not being overcome by her losses.
The Midnight Library
This book invites its readers to journey with Nora, who faced with despair is given an opportunity to see her life through a lens of hope through the midnight library. This opportunity unleashes light on a life perspective that was clouded with regrets to letting go of such regrets and seeing the gift of opportunity and choice. This read is a powerful window into the human spirit in terms of navigating mental health and wellness and the incredible vibrancy and freedom that can be generated through shifts in perspective, elevating choices, and gratitude for life.
DISCLAIMER: Elizabeth is a member of Amazon Affiliates. If you choose to buy a product from any of these links, Burton Counseling will receive a small portion of the proceeds. You may choose instead to support your local bookstore and buy directly from them. These are book recommendations with therapeutic and character education themes that may or may not be helpful. This is not therapy itself.
Elizabeth B. Burton is a licensed professional counselor and life coach with Burton Counseling, PLLC. Elizabeth lives just outside of Chattanooga, TN., and you can learn about Elizabeth here. You can learn more about working directly with Elizabeth here. Elizabeth also provides support to individuals and groups through an online course on Coping with Anxiety & Stress and through providing workshops. Elizabeth communicates about mental health and well-being through both the Narrating Hope newsletter and podcast as well as through her writing. Elizabeth would love to connect with you and welcomes you to sign up for the newsletter, listen in to the podcast, reach out about working together, and connect on social media.