Our 8 Favorite Books About Hope To Give This Holiday Season

Our 8 Favorite Books About Hope To Give This Holiday Season

Reading is one of the oldest and most beloved pastimes in the world (and for good reason). It’s a great way to learn from others and as studies have shown, reading is actually a great tool for expanding empathy.

We put together our favorite reads about hope and action in the hopes that you’ll share some of these with the people you love. All of our chosen books were picked because we believe they bring a sense of community, goodwill, and hope to our readers.

Each product listed was independently curated by the Good Good Good team. Some of the links we include may be affiliate links, which means that Good Good Good may earn a commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

P.S. We’ve linked Amazon for convenience, but we’re also linking to Bookshop and Libro.fm, which are both great ways to support small, independent bookstores when you buy physical books and audiobooks. 

(Learn more about Amazon alternatives in our ultimate guide — and dive into non-Audible audiobook alternatives and ethical online bookstores that aren't Amazon.)

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8 Meaningful Books To Inspire Hope, Action, and Empathy

“Hope in the Dark: Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities” by Rebecca Solnit

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Historian, activist, and author of “Men Explain Things to Me,” Rebecca Solnit offers an alternative, counter piece of work to combat the despair many feel fighting for progress. 

Drawing on her decades of environmental, cultural, and political activism, Solnit makes a radical case for hope in the midst of widespread uncertainty. A perfect read for anyone feeling particularly disheartened by current events, “Hope in the Dark” is a balm to soothe the discomfort of difficult times.

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“Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They’re Too Much” by Cynthia Erivo

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From beloved “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo is a newly released memoir full of life lessons that will help anyone believe in the fullest iteration of themselves.

Through a series of personal stories, Erivo reflects on her work as a performer and her life as a human, teaching readers how the parts of us that might seem like “too much” are actually what make us shine.

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“The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times” by Douglas Abrams and Jane Goodall

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Following the loss of iconic primatologist and conservationist Jane Goodall earlier this year, “The Book of Hope” provides an especially heartwarming look into the heart and mind of a woman who dedicated her life to fighting for our future.

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“The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World” by Robin Wall Kimmerer

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From the acclaimed author of “Braiding Sweetgrass,” Indigenous scientist Robin Wall Kimmerer details narratives of both relationships and systems — and how nature can teach us to approach them in a kinder, more interconnected way.

“The Serviceberry” invites readers to learn from Indigenous wisdom to create an economy and a world that relies on reciprocity and community — not individualism.

Kimmerer also donated her advance payments for the book to land restoration and climate justice.

You may also like: 38 Best Books About Climate Change

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“Everything is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection” by John Green

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You might not think a book about the world’s deadliest infectious disease would be one full of hope and optimism, but John Green has a way of making even the greatest challenges to humanity seem surmountable. 

In “Everything Is Tuberculosis,” Green tells the story of a young man with tuberculosis, woven through with the scientific and social histories of how the disease has shaped our world — and how our choices will shape the future of public health.

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“Hope: The Autobiography” by Pope Francis

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In the wake of Pope Francis’s death, his book — the first autobiography in history to ever be published by a Pope — is a beautiful gift to close out 2025.

This book was written over the course of six years and explores Pope Francis's early life, his vocation, adult life, and the whole of his papacy.

Known for his illuminating thoughts on the environment, LGBTQ+ Catholics, gender, war, and even technological developments, "Hope" touches on all of these concepts, while still reading a very human — and sometimes funny — narrative.

You may also like: 23 Must-Read Books About Hope That Inspire Change & Action

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“Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World” by Katharine Hayhoe

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Called “one of the nation’s most effective communicators on climate change” by The New York Times, Katharine Hayhoe offers a compelling argument for why we must act now to protect our planet — and how we can do so with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. 

Through hard data, personal stories, and her own faith-based perspective, Hayhoe demonstrates that by understanding and engaging with each other, we can work together to create a sustainable future.

If your gift recipient is feeling the impacts of climate anxiety, this one’s for them.

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“Life’s Journeys According to Mister Rogers: Things to Remember Along the Way” by Fred Rogers

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Through his collection of anecdotes, quotes, and reflections, Mister Rogers provides guidance and encouragement to readers as they navigate life's inevitable challenges and transitions. 

The book also features a foreword by his wife, Joanne Rogers, who shares personal stories of her life with Mister Rogers — including insights into the joys and struggles they faced together.

The perfect read for anyone who is always looking for the helpers.

You may also like: More books by and about Mister Rogers