8 Inspiring Non-Fiction Books on Gratitude That Will Make You Feel Thankful Every Day
From journals to anthologies these books are guaranteed to make you feel thankful
With packed schedules, endless work days, family responsibilities and more, it can be tough to find time to reflect on and appreciate life’s little moments. But everyone needs a moment to reset and feel thankful. Many people turn to walks in nature or meditation to do that. Another easy way to press the pause button? Reading. And nonfiction books about gratitude can help you slow down and appreciate everything life offers.
Here, we compiled 8 nonfiction books about gratitude that allow you to focus on joy and positivity. If you’re struggling to start your journey with gratitude, try A Year of Gratitude by Joree Rose. Or if you need to focus on self-love, check out Cindy Bunch’s Be Kind to Yourself. Keep scrolling for the rest of our recommendations.
‘Chicken Soup for the Soul: Attitude of Gratitude’ by Amy Newmark
During a season of counting blessings and remembering what we’re truly thankful for, the inspiring true stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul books help spark even more gratitude in our hearts. This collection focuses on looking for the silver linings, recognizing everyday miracles and paying it forward. With 101 true short and heartwarming stories told with Chicken Soup’s signature charm and delight, readers are reminded to make hope a habit and focus on the good to experience a life of more positivity and joy.
What readers are saying: “I own many of these books but this one is a favorite. I get daily inspiration and a reminder that gratitude is so important in our life. These stories remind me to be thankful for the little things and to count my blessings. So many wonderful stories.”
‘A Year of Gratitude’ by Joree Rose
We’ve all been there: Between never-ending to-do lists and packed schedules, staying thankful during life’s busy seasons can be hard. Author, therapist and mindfulness teacher Joree Rose’s guide promises gratitude is within reach. In her book, she shares how practicing gratitude daily is the key to peace. Filled with easy tips, journal prompts and exercises—like making a list of the things that make you smile—it’s a smart, user-friendly map for tapping into the joy of today.
What readers are saying: “A Year of Gratitude is a fun, vibrant book that provides mindfulness practices and activities to be grateful for every day of the year! The daily entries are straightforward and insightful. I like that each day is something unique and you don’t necessarily have to follow it chronologically. It’s a book you can keep forever and randomly pick a page to reflect on at the beginning, middle, or end of your day!”
‘3 Minute Happiness Journal’ by Kristen Butler
We’ve all heard about the mood benefits of journaling daily, but it’s tough to fit it into a busy schedule! Now, author Kristen Butler, founder of Power of Positivity—an online community with more than 50 million followers—shares easy ways to turn journaling into a 3-minute-a-day habit. Packed with inspiring exercises like practicing gratitude and setting intentions, the book shows how easy it is to set aside a few minutes a day for a quick “check-in” that will infuse your life with joy!
What readers are saying: “Love the daily quotes and uplift meant. This is helping me create habits for the rest of my life by focusing on morning and evening gratitude, affirmations, and daily accomplishments.”
‘The Gratitude Diaries’ by Janice Kaplan
Janice Kaplan’s new book, What Your Body Knows About Happiness releases in January of 2025, but while you’re waiting, check out her New York Times bestseller The Gratitude Diaries. On New Year’s Eve, Kaplan makes a promise to be grateful and look on the bright side because she knows whatever happens will be a reflection of her attitude rather than the events themselves. Filled with personal anecdotes and extensive research, she explores how gratitude can impact every part of your life.
What readers are saying: “I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to see a positive outlook and incorporate a change small or big daily in your life. The writer, Kaplan, serves as an inspiration to myself and many others in a culture and world where we often lose sight and appreciate what we have. Overall this is a great book and worth taking the time to dive into.”
‘The Power of Thank You’ by Joyce Meyer
Bestselling author and beloved Bible teacher Joyce Meyer is known for her candor, strong spirit and finding the silver lining in times of heartache. Her book is a guide to changing your perspective with the power of gratitude. Packed with inspiring Scripture and practical tips like the “Thirty Days of Thank You” plan, Joyce helps readers see and count their blessings, strengthen their faith and renew their outlook for a more joy-filled heart every day.
What readers are saying: “Must-read book! Helps with learning and developing appreciation as well as gratitude for people, places, and things. I highly recommend it.”
‘Sunrise, Sunset’ by Kim Weiss
In this anthology, scholars, religious leaders and average Joes offer their thoughts on the daily miracles that start and end our days. Each is paired with a portrait of the Florida coast. Full of gratitude-focused meditations, this collection will remind you to be thankful for life’s little moments.
What readers are saying: “As if the photographs weren’t enough to enrapture me, the contemplations that accompany them were like dark chocolate melting over my senses. Every page of Sunrise, Sunset held a wonderfully transcendent experience for me—I couldn’t put it down. Now I will experience it all over again, day-by-day, and enjoy each picture and musing slowly, with awe and gratitude.”
‘Be Kind to Yourself’ by Cindy Bunch
When we make mistakes or feel overwhelmed, it’s hard to silence that self-critical voice echoing in our minds. But in her book, spiritual director and author Cindy Bunch offers practical insight and actionable tips on how to be kinder to ourselves through journaling, gratitude, making lists to reframe our priorities and learning phrases that can instantly silence our inner critic. Each chapter is a hope-filled and relatable path to finding more peace and joy!
What readers are saying: “What we need in this day and age is kindness. And we can’t grow in kindness to others until we grow in kindness to ourselves. The author offers insight, her own experiential knowledge and everyday practices to help the reader grow and kindness to themselves. This book invites us into the grace we all need, especially for ourselves. Especially right now.”
‘Brighter by the Day’ by Robin Roberts
For years, beloved Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts has helped millions of viewers greet each day with hope. In her book on finding the light, even on the darkest days, Robin shares personal stories and hard-won wisdom. With charm and candor, she notes that optimism requires practice like any other skill. Each page offers insights—like how to shift mindsets, practice gratitude, and turn “one day” into your day one—that will brighten up every day!
What readers are saying: “I so appreciate the way that Robin Roberts helps put life’s challenges in perspective. She is very real about how life throws curveballs of all sorts, and she writes in such a wonderful way that gives tribute to her family and faith. As I read it, I felt like she was sitting across the table talking to me. It was hard to put the book down! I used each chapter as my morning meditation and reflection. I’m sad that I have finished it!”
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
