The 10 Best Books About Loneliness of 2022
Feelings of isolation and loneliness are more prevalent now than ever, as many of us are stuck at home and unable to see our loved ones.
What’s more, three in five Americans consider themselves to be lonely, feel left out, or misunderstood. These numbers continue to rise, with young adults being hit the hardest. If you can relate, know that you are not alone.
Reading can provide comfort and companionship through turbulent times. Whether seeking counsel or an escape, find comfort in our roundup of best books about loneliness.
What to Look For in a Book About Loneliness
Comforting
Renowned author Ernest Hemingway once said, “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” And in times of loneliness, a book that helps make sense of those feelings can be a life-changing companion. When seeking out a book on loneliness, it’s important to look for something that will provide comfort.
Comfort is subjective, so ask yourself what makes you feel most supported and seek that out in a book. This could be a story that makes you laugh or feel seen, a book filled with imagery or frameworks to build upon, or one that offers kind words and affirmations. Audiobooks are another great option for feeling less physically alone. If a book’s summary doesn’t give much away about its contents, looking up reviews online can be helpful.
Relatable Stories
Everyone feels lonely at some point in their lives—it’s only natural. In fact, a 2020 survey of 10,000 adults found that 61% felt lonely. And thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to find stories that mirror our own experiences. When seeking out a book to help cope with loneliness, finding a story you relate to can actually help you feel less alone.
It’s important to do your research when seeking out stories on loneliness. Just because a book is trendy or popular doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. A book in which you relate to the author, their experience, the setting, or some other aspect of the story will have a greater impact and more staying power than one that’s randomly selected.
Inspirational
It’s important to seek out a book that will ultimately help you to feel better about life, not worse. By choosing a story that inspires you to be kinder to yourself or to go out in search of new connections and experiences, you’re giving yourself something to work toward and look forward to. This alone can help combat loneliness.
Inspirational books on this topic can look like a memoir of someone who overcame loneliness or found healthy ways of coping, or a guide filled with tips and strategies for putting yourself out there. A book that can help you better understand your own goals and aspirations will do more than just make you feel less lonely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I be OK with being alone?The first step toward feeling good while being alone is building a strong, healthy relationship with yourself. There’s a difference between being alone and being lonely, and alone time can be incredibly fulfilling when it’s spent getting to know yourself and doing things you enjoy.
Keep in mind that too much time spent on social media can negatively impact alone time by actually increasing feelings of loneliness and causing FOMO, or “fear of missing out.” Instead, fill your time with more beneficial habits and deepen your understanding of yourself and what matters to you.
Do books help with loneliness?Studies have shown that just 30 minutes of reading can help reduce psychological distress. Whether you’re reading or listening to an audiobook, losing yourself in a story can help combat feelings of loneliness.
Even though reading is a solitary activity, diving into a book that’s dedicated to dealing with loneliness can help you feel less alone in the moment while also providing tools to cope with those feelings in life.
