Books to Read When You Feel Lost in Life
Feeling lost usually comes after a big change, like a new job, the end of a relationship, a move, or just realising you've been on autopilot.
These books won't hand you the answer, but they help you ask better questions.
We don't sell books. Think Like a Monk links to an outside retailer. The other titles are just books we like, and none of them are affiliate links.
Shop the cards that go with these
Shop cheer-up cards and gifts Feel-good books Books to pick yourself up Books to get over a breakup
Cheer-up cards and gifts to go with a book
A book with a kind card tucked inside makes a lovely present. Our cards are designed in house and posted from the UK.
For finding purpose
- Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty: practical ways to work out what you value and what you want.
- Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: short, profound and quietly hopeful.
- Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles: the Japanese idea of having a reason to get up in the morning.
For starting over
- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig: a novel about the many lives we could live, and why ours still matters.
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: a short fable about following your own path.
- Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert: about living a more creative, curious life.
Found your words? Now find the card
Shop cheer-up cards and gifts Feel-good books Books to pick yourself up Books to get over a breakup
How to write it so it lands
- Journal one page after each chapter.
- Talk the ideas through with a friend. It makes them stick.
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Frequently asked questions
What should I read if I feel lost?
Try one practical book, like Think Like a Monk, alongside a short, hopeful story such as The Alchemist or The Midnight Library.
Is it normal to feel lost in your twenties or thirties?
Very. Most people go through it after big changes. If it's affecting your mood for weeks, talking to your GP can help.
What is a good example of books to read when you feel lost in life?
"Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty: practical ways to work out what you value and what you want." is one of 6 examples on this page. Pick the one closest to the tone you want, then add a specific detail of your own - a shared memory, a date, a name - so it reads as yours rather than copied.
Can I copy these messages word for word?
Yes. Everything on this page is free to copy, print and read out - no permission or credit needed. Changing one detail so it fits the person is all we would suggest.