I am mostly a happy person. Anyone that knows me will be able to tell you that I am happiest when my head is bent and my nose is buried deep within the recesses of a thick, inviting book.

The intricate world of characters, the eclectic worlds within a book and the swoon-worthy writing - all of it captures and takes hold of my imagination and heart in a way no other activity does.

In short, books are not only an enjoyable pastime to me, but also a lifeline. And when that dark, black hole of nothingness threatens to cripple me, books become my therapy. And you know what?

It works every time.

It works because the characters and their plights remind me that there is a thread of hope in every moment of darkness and it works because, just talking about the book that I've recently fallen in love with, enchants me out of my misery.

Some of the books that have helped me through the hardest times of my life include:
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson and Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta.

There are probably many more, but these are the two that stand out for me and have made such a lasting impression on me that these are always the first two books I mention whenever I'm asked what my favourite uplifting read is.

What is the one book that has helped you through the darkest times in your life? And what book would you recommend? I'd love to hear from you.