With the health-based need for self-isolation and the constant stream of small and intimate summer weddings [1] on social media, the loneliness many of us struggle with is emphasised right now. But even if you feel alone, you're actually not — you can still feel connected to your loved ones and enjoy time by yourself [2], even while separated. The following 15 popular books, including fiction novels, autobiographies, and self-help stories, will warm your heart and help you feel less lonely. They entail stories of friendship, family, solo travel, career triumphs, and more. Many of these books are also now movies or TV shows, so once you're done with the book, you can turn on your TV and watch the story unfold in real life. For now, though, I suggest running a warm bubble bath and taking care of yourself [3] as you enjoy some of these amazing reads!
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Because of Winn-Dixie [4], a novel by Kate DiCamillo, is a heartwarming read about the power of pets, friendship, and family. When 10-year-old India Opal Buloni goes to Winn-Dixie for groceries, she meets an adorable dog whom she takes in and names Winn-Dixie. With the help of this new dog, she's able to make friends and initiate hard conversations with her father about her mother.
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Before I Fall [5], a novel by Lauren Oliver, tells the story of Sam Kingston, a high school senior. Sam ends up reliving the same day for a week and has to figure out why. This book emphasises the importance of living each day like it's your last as well as the power of friendship and compassion.
Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown
Braving the Wilderness [6], written by Brené Brown, focuses on what it means to belong. Brown encourages readers to be themselves, authentically and courageously, in order to truly belong in their communities, cultures, and organisations.
Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community by Lady Gaga
Channel Kindness: Stories of Kindness and Community [7], written by Lady Gaga [8], is an empowering book [9] about being kind to others and also to ourselves. In this book, Lady Gaga shares many diverse stories about people's kindness that emphasise how we can remain in community even when we feel alone.
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
In memoir, Eat Pray Love [10], Elizabeth Gilbert shares how she left her marriage and other traditional signs of American success behind to pursue her true passions. For a year, she visits three countries and learns about their cultures, especially as they pertain to pleasure, devotion, and balance.
Girls in White Dresses by Jennifer Close
If you feel like everyone is getting married but you, Jennifer Close's book Girls in White Dresses [11] will help you feel less alone. In this novel about friendship, Isabella, Mary, and Lauren all feel the same way. Additionally, they battle other adulthood struggles like jobs, rude mothers of boyfriends, and being attracted to sleazy people.
I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn't) by Brené Brown
In our society, we're bombarded by the pressure to be perfect, which can isolate us from true friendship and belonging. In her book, I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn't) [12], author Brené Brown shares that imperfections are actually where we find community and that we are enough as we are.
Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
Into the Wild [13], written by Jon Krakauer, is an emotional story about solo travel and what it means to leave your family to discover, and even reinvent, yourself. In the book, Christopher Johnson McCandless goes on this vision quest, inspired by Jack London and John Muir, right after he graduates college.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Written by Celete Ng, Little Fires Everywhere [14] is a novel about relationships, family loyalties, and political issues. The friendships held by the teenage characters are interesting and enjoyable, and family values (especially when they differ between families) are emphasised.
Little Women by Louise May Alcott
Little Women [15], written by Louisa May Alcott, is an unforgettable classic. Sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy have a tight bond that helps them survive death, their father being at war, career obstacles, and more. The love they share radiates from the book's pages and will cheer up your heart, as will the award-winning film adaptation of the same name.
Paper Towns by John Green
While several of John Green's books are about romantic love, his book Paper Towns [16] is a bit different. A touch of romantic love is included, but the story mostly focuses on true friendship, travel, and the importance of going on adventures that are out of your comfort zone.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
The Perks of Being a Wallflower [17] is a beautiful book written by Stephen Chbosky in the form of letters from a high school boy named Charlie. With the help of true friends like Sam and Patrick, Charlie learns how to step out of his comfort zone as a wallflower and engage in moments in which he feels infinite.
The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen
In her most recent book, The Rest of the Story [18], author Sarah Dessen focuses more on the meaningfulness of friends and family. One summer, Emma Saylor goes back to the lake where her mom grew up. Here, she learns about her mom's past and meets friends who take care of her in tough times.
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants by Ann Brashares
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants [19], written by Ann Brashares, tells the stories of four close friends: Lena, Tibby, Carmen, and Bridget. They find a pair of pants that not only magically fits them all, but also helps them stay connected when they go their separate ways with summer plans that are less than stellar.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
In her autobiography, Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail [20], Cheryl Strayed shares how a solo hiking trip at 22 years old helped her heal from death and divorce. With warmth, Strayed reminds us that we can indeed save ourselves.