Blog: Favorite Stories of Courage

Stories of Courage

July 24, 2024

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“The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion, book cover

Magical Thinking…

Courage waits to be discovered in many books and genres. For all of us—especially those navigating loss—reading a story of courage can be truly inspiring.

The following titles have keenly informed me and reached deep into my psyche:

  • The Year of Magical Thinking
    by Joan Didion (Memoir)
    Why: Didion’s thinking and writing bear the emotions of life, love, and grief. 
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“Wave” by Sonali Deraniyagala, book cover

Wave

  • Wave
    by Sonali Deraniyagala (Memoir)
    Why: Closure moves only partway toward resolution when you have lost someone very dear. 
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“Hour of Gold, Hour of Lead” by Anne Morrow Lindbergh, book cover

Hour of Gold…

  • Hour of Gold, Hour of Lead
    by Anne Morrow Lindbergh (Memoir/Biography)
    Why: Pain is personal yet universal. 
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“The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls, book cover

The Glass Castle

  • The Glass Castle
    by Jeannette Walls (Memoir)
    Why: Models of parenting shown through both brilliance and unmistakable flaws. 
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“The River Why” by David James Duncan, book cover

The River Why

  • The River Why
    by David James Duncan (Novel)
    Why: A journey of spirit not to be missed. 
     
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“Wild” by Cheryl Strayed, book cover

Wild

  • Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail 
    by Cheryl Strayed (Memoir)
    Why: Coming to terms with loss her way. 
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“To Kill A Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, book cover

To Kill a Mockingbird

  • To Kill a Mockingbird
    by Harper Lee (Novel)
    Why: It takes courage to do the right thing. 
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“All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr, book cover

All the Light…

  • All the Light We Cannot See
    by Anthony Doerr (Novel)
    Why: The personal bravery of French Resistance men, women, and children against the German Occupation stays seared in my soul. Compelling. 

Wishing you all the joys of insightful reading!

—Janice Jensen

P.S. I would love to hear about some of your favorite stories of courage…

[ more blog posts from Janice ]