Looking for books for my (almost) 15 year old (step) son. He’s really struggling the last couple years with containing his anger and being positive after his mother abandon him for drugs and alcohol. He loves to read and his dad and I have bought him some workbooks, journals, and The 7 Habits of Highly Successful Teens. I’d like for him to be able to read something he can relate to personally, like someone who’s gone through a similar situation but was able to overcome the struggles and find happiness. I guess I’m looking for something to spark some hope for him, maybe see that he’s not alone in his situation and relate to the feelings of the author.
Yes, his dad and I have been getting him help. He’s ok, just emotional at times and reading is a huge outlet for him.
by Notdesperate_hwife
8 Comments
Maybe Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian
Thinking back to my teenage years, it might be helpful for him to read about other teenagers going through hard times. Catcher in the Rye, The Basketball Diaries, the outsiders. There are probably more recent books in this genre as well.
If you want to continue the self-help theme, consider Ryan Holiday’s books on stoicism. A philosophy that might help your son adopt a different viewpoint about the situation. Or potentially something about Buddhism, like Siddhartha.
Nation by Terry Pratchett; or Going Postal by Terry Pratchett. The first is a boy who has lost everything building a new community; the second is a man whose led a…dubious…life getting a second chance to make something of himself (and its funny).
Terry Pratchett books are a master class in humanity and how to be a good human.
Mans Search For Meaning by Victor Frankl. It’s a heavy one though so I suggest reading it yourself first to make sure it is appropriate. Sending love and light. ❤️
What are his interests? And/or what has he read before that he liked?
INFO: Did he complete and enjoy the workbooks and journals? Or are those things something that’s being assigned and he’s completing?
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4
This is not a self-help book, but does include a teen boy who is struggling to deal with his his father who drinks too much and his mother who left for another man. It is a comedy book told in the form of the teen boy’s diary. By the end of the book, he starts to build a small community of connections and relationships.
Humankind by Brad Aronson. May not be exactly what you mentioned but it tells stories of hope in difficult times