It’s gift giving time again. This year I would like to recommend three books. All three are “boosts”. They promote optimism. Each of these books gives us something to think about and hopefully makes you feel more optimistic about the days ahead.

The first book is The Daily Better written by Henry Edwards. Henry is a friend and, I have to say, he is a very optimistic person. Henry has selected 365 reasons for optimism. You can read one a day. Before the birth of this book Henry would write thought provoking posts on Facebook insisting that there was so much to be optimistic about! I wish him the best of luck.

The second book is written by someone I feel like I know! Hoda Kotb’s newest book is I Really Needed This Today. This book is really special. It too is a book that can be read each day. It is a collection of quotes penned by many people and they are meaningful to Hoda. As she shared them on the Today Show or Instagram she found that lots of people shared her awe and felt inspired. Since I bought the book I have been reading the quote of the day with her comments and I have been getting a daily boost! Its a great way to start the day.

The third book was selected by Barnes&Noble as Book of the Year. It is The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. It is an illustrated journey of four unlikely companions. It is so life affirming and is truly a beautiful book for all ages. One of my favorite lines in this book is “Is your glass half empty or half full? asked the Mole. I think I’m grateful to have a glass, said the Boy”. Yes, let’s be grateful to have the glass.

These days I think that everyone needs some help to be optimistic and hopeful. Reading any or all of these books will help. Great gifts for the holidays or just to give someone a boost.

Enjoy. Happy Holidays.